Smart bombs

So the big gang sweep back on Oct. 1 didn’t net 77 “violent gang members and associates,” as the press release from the federal bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives stated. Instead, this operation, which was “concentrated on the worst of the worst, chronic offenders with ties to illegal firearms and violent crime,” produced one weapon and about 35 arrests. All but 10 of those arrested were released.

Among the “worst of the worst” was a 17-year-old without a valid driver’s license, another motorist with a suspended license and a number of probation violators.

This doesn’t have to be bad news. Maybe the gang problem just isn’t as bad as advertised. Maybe we can live with a little less fear. But I doubt that’s the message law enforcement wants from this.

Mayday! Mayday! Spokane’s mayor, its police chief and the Spokane County sheriff have all said they were misled by the ATF. I’ll bet a lot of people are angry with Spokane Special Agent in Charge Steve Lowhurst and his inflated account. Imagine that scene from “Airplane!” where everybody is lined up to smack the hysterical passenger.

Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich: “Don’t ever ask me again to comment on a raid before it goes down … (thwack!)

Spokane Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick: “Do you realize how silly I look by specifying 400 contacts and 77 arrests? Unfortunately for you, I like to do my own spankings … (thwack!)”

Mayoral candidate Mary Verner: “Now voters will think my ban on spray paint is overkill … (thwack!)

Mayor Dennis Hession: “We’re trying to justify new police hires … (thwack!) … and a sales tax for Crime Check and upgraded communication technology (thwack!)

If that scene doesn’t work for you, how about the one where a passenger says, “I speak jive”?

Jeopardy! Politics for $200, Alex.

Answer: Because kids can’t vote.

Question: Why don’t we means-test health care coverage for seniors like we do with children?