Money for the Rainier Club? Get real, Jim

WHAT is the matter with Rep. Jim McDermott? He proposes Congress earmark $250,000 in taxpayer money to the Rainier Club, so that it may fix its limestone windowsills. When the public hoots, the Seattle Democrat compares his proposal to a grant for the Seattle Art Museum or the University of Washington, and says, "This is not a ridiculous request."

It isn't? What would be ridiculous, then?

This is a private club. Nothing wrong with that; it is fine that the business leaders have such a club. In fact, they have several such clubs. But it stretches credulity to ask the factory worker, the bus driver and the hotel maid to pay taxes so that the government can bail out a club that would never have them as a member.

The public gets this instantly: Check the online reader comments below Tuesday's Seattle Times story by Lewis Kamb. Either McDermott's political cerebrum has fossilized after 11 terms in Congress, or, having won his seat with 84 percent of the vote, he doesn't need to care.

And what is the matter with the Rainier Club, anyway? Can't it raise money better than this? From its 1,200 members, a quarter-million dollars is a little more than $200 each — about five weeks of dues.

Put out the cigars and get to work. Look under the sofa cushions. Station a man at your door with a red coat, a brass bucket and a bell. Sell a couple of those nice old paintings. Get real.