One of the features of our system of government is the turnover process. Every couple of years we send some experienced people home and bring in another bunch of new folks who have to learn where everything is and how it works. Sometimes, when power shifts, this includes bringing in new leadership, which may not know how things really work but will figure it out as they go.

One of the benchmarks used by the observers in the bleachers is how quickly the new folks find the cash register. The latest news on the cash register front is that the new arrivals have indeed found it.

They are giving themselves a pay raise. The raise process, incidentally, entails sharing the raises with some others around town, including the Vice President.