$3 million overhead projector

When Senator McCain needed to give an example of an Obama earmark during the last presidential debate, his example was a "$3 million overhead projector." Of course, my initial reaction was to try to envision what a $3 million overhead projector would look like. I assume McCain wanted me to imagine some kind of crazy boondogle. Instead, I envisioned a planetarium projector. And that’s exactly what the (unfunded) earmark was for.

Now, there’s an argument that could be made that the federal government shouldn’t be in the business of financing education. I disagree with that perspective, but there’s an argument that could be made. On the other hand, I think it’s sort of dishonest to call a planetarium an "overhead projector."

In defense of McCain, I am proud and respectful of his actions on Friday to try to tone down the level of hatred being spewed at some of his events. It’s a "Harry Potter" lesson that it takes more courage to stand up to your friends than to your enemies, but it’s an important lesson, nonetheless. Don’t condone racism and hate. If you let the race-baiting and fear-mongering go unchecked, you’re just increasing the divisions in our country (or city), and that makes it all but impossible for government to be effective.