California Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein -- both Democrats -- hate black people.

Why? Because they would rather build a sculpture garden in Washington State, an animal shelter in Westerly, R.I., (coincidentally home to the world's greatest niece) and two "bridges to nowhere" in Alaska than to help rebuild New Orleans.

I say that somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but the truth is that only 15 Senators -- 14 Republicans and one Democrat (Russ Feingold of Wisconsin) -- were willing yesterday to remove some of the most egregious pork from the federal budget. (Complete list here.)

Washington Senator Patty Murray -- she of the famous Osama's daycare centers remark -- threatened other Senators on the floor that if they took her sculpture garden, then she'd look to eliminating their earmarks. The threat apparently had its effect, because Washingtonians will get their sculpture garden.

There's a problem with the culture in Washington, D.C., and it's one shared by both parties. Too many of these politicians aren't interested in the public good, but their own personal good. They would rather accumulate pork for their districts and states to ensure their own re-election than deny special interests and possible be defeated.

Despite their claims of fiscal responsibility in the wake of the GOP Congress' and President Bush's spending binge these past five years, Democrats are no better. Only Feingold -- who would make a credible Democrat presidential candidate in 2008 -- had the intestinal fortitude to buck the Washington culture.

Unfortunately we still don't have enough adults in Washington, D.C., and we're unlikely to get enough anytime soon.