U.S. May Buy Back Florida Oil Rights

Hey, the President is doing something good for the environment and protecting a valued natural resource. Of course, it's not because of any deep-seated conviction. It's to bail out brother Jeb. Florida's budget is a mess (not least because of a tax cut backed by the younger Bush) and the legislature is looking to raid a popular conservation fund. The environment -- and the Everglades in particular -- are a big issue in Florida, which after all depends heavily upon tourism.

So, voila, big brother to the rescue! Maybe the fund will be raided, but this provides some significant cover. Not that he'll need it to beat Janet Reno, who probably couldn't beat anyone but Fidel Castro himself in a general election.