The First Sign of the Ablogalypse

Two of the biggest ongoing stories coarsing through the blogosphere over the last couple weeks (and certainly two of the dominant threads on this site) are Cynthia "Rock'em Sock'em" McKinney's alleged throwdown with a Capitol Police officer and the mysterious and controversial disappearance of Isaac "Chef" Hayes from South Park and the public in general.

Now, in an uncanny twist, Atlanta's WSBTV has published a story that knits these two threads together into one unholy megaflap.

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Cynthia McKinney admits that she broke government rules by spending money to fly a celebrity to Atlanta.

Channel 2 Action News has uncovered documents showing McKinney, D-Ga., spent about $1,000 of taxpayer's money to fly singer Isaac Hayes to Georgia to help dedicate a new office in Atlanta.

The money came from a fund members of Congress are supposed to use for office supplies.

Using the money to pay for Hayes' airline ticket and hotel expenses is a violation of strict congressional rules. Those rules state that taxpayer money can only be used for "travel by Members, Members' employees and vendors. A vendor is an employee of a private company that provides maintenance and support for equipment and software..."

Watchdog groups call taxpayer-funded celebrity travel a blatant waste of taxpayer money.

McKinney staffers say they will reimburse the congressional fund for the cost of Hayes' flight and hotel room.

Bizarre.  Given her connection to Hayes, maybe we can work out some kind of immunity deal for McKinney if she agrees to put those permissive purse strings to good use by ransoming him from the Scientologists.

Previously, in re Chef-Aid:
Sciento-logic
Konspiracy Korner - Did Chef Really Quit South Park?
Goodbye, Children!

Previously, in re the Georgia Slugger:
Cynthia McKinney - Clueless
Cynthia McKinney - A Minor Variation
Cynthia McKinney - Theme and Variations
Support Security - Deck a Cop!