Cutting Down on Bureaucrats' Partying

It looks like the United States isn't the only place where government officials are taking a beating in terms of public opinion. In China, the Associated Press reports, leaders plan "to crack down in the coming year on lavish parties and seminars organized by government officials, hoping to placate a public angered by corruption and accounts of sex and booze-fueled fetes held at taxpayer expense."

It does sound like the partying is a bit out of control. Officials spend almost $60 billion a year on lavish tours to Las Vegas and other locations, and some government employees have died after drinking excessively at events.

Wait a minute: No more government-funded trips to Vegas? Somebody better tell Harry Reid.