An inexact parallel

Alot is made of corruption in Iraq and in other divided countries, about how certain sects or groups benefit when their person is put in charge of a ministry.

But, really, how different is that from the $2.2 billion in taxpayer money given to "faith based organizations" last year? Or the placement of key evangelical favorites at the FDA? Or former industry lobbyists in charge of the energy policy?

(And I didn't know this: (CSM June, 12, 2006) "Though Mr. Bush's faith-based initiative, first announced in 2001, has never received congressional approval, the program has been expanded through executive order,")