Three and a half million dollars.

That's how much the CBO estimates H.R. 5235: Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act would cost, which sets up two commissions, the Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Commemoration Commission and the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission. "The first commission--consisting of 22 members--would encourage, plan, develop, coordinate, and execute programs, observances, grants, and activities commemorating the historic events that
preceded and are associated with the War of 1812. The second commission--consisting of 11 members--would plan, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of former President Ronald Reagan on February 6, 2011."

Ummmm....

I know that $3.5 million is nothing in DC, but I wonder if this would be counted as pork. After all, I don't think there are many War of 1812 veterans around who would protest if we neglected these programs and observances, are there? They'd have to be pretty darn old, anyway. And Reagan claimed (though he was a liar) to hate Big Gubbmint spending, so this is kind of ironic and junk.

Just another $3.5 million that won't be going to food assistance, health care, sheltering the homeless or any other immediate, grave need.

But I'm sure the "programs, observances, grants, and activities" will be really spiffy. That kind of money can buy a lot of red, white and blue bunting.