How’s That For Fiscal Responsibility?

What is it about these red-meat conservatives that makes them act like pigs at the trough when they get anywhere near taxpayer money? We’ve seen it time and time again: the very same people who campaign on trusty old bromides about “government waste” are the first to help themselves to the kitty when they get put in charge.

And yes, Sarah Palin is the same as all the rest:

Palin Billed State for Nights Spent at Home

Taxpayers Also Funded Family's Travel

ANCHORAGE, Sept. 8 -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin has billed taxpayers for 312 nights spent in her own home during her first 19 months in office, charging a "per diem" allowance intended to cover meals and incidental expenses while traveling on state business.

The governor also has charged the state for travel expenses to take her children on official out-of-town missions. And her husband, Todd, has billed the state for expenses and a daily allowance for trips he makes on official business for his wife.

Palin, who earns $125,000 a year, claimed and received $16,951 as her allowance, which officials say was permitted because her official "duty station" is Juneau, according to an analysis of her travel documents by The Washington Post.

The governor's daughters and husband charged the state $43,490 to travel, and many of the trips were between their house in Wasilla and Juneau, the capital city 600 miles away, the documents show.

Hey, I used to work a job where I got a per diem. But I don’t think I ever turned in a T&E report that listed my “travel” as going to my own home. My boss would have rightfully demanded some ’splaining for that.

But, you know, “Obama’s gonna raise your taxes!!”* (*if you’re one of this country’s rich who’s enjoyed a free ride during the Bush years), so that’s all anyone needs to know.

Heh. Sure is a funny country.