By DAN K. THOMASSON, Scripps Howard News Service

WASHINGTON - About the only consistent thing in this burg over 46 years of observation is that a whole lot of the politicians that run it never seem to learn from the past. When it comes to corruption, they just keep thinking they can beat the odds.

WASHINGTON - Among the more disappointing aspects of Barack Obama's young presidency is his seeming inability to come to a decision over what to do in Afghanistan. As the violence and U.S. death toll escalates, Obama continues to dither over whether to send more troops as requested by his chief man on the ground, Gen. Stanley McChrystal.

Among the oldest of political adages is the warning that one should never get into (expletive) match with someone who buys ink by the barrel. While that may not be as true as it was when newspapers ruled the daily news menu, it certainly still holds firm for those who own television networks and have a large Internet presence.

WASHINGTON - New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has given new meaning to the great American tradition of buying elections. The billionaire two-term mayor has become history's all-time champion for spending his own money as he runs for an unprecedented third term.

The first daylight robbery of a bank took place in 1866 in Liberty Missouri. The robbers were Jesse James and his pals, including his brother, Frank, and their allies, the Youngers.

Every few weeks comes a tale from one school or another so unbelievably stupid that it makes one shudder with disbelief at the lack of judgment in the administration of the American education system.

WASHINGTON - So much for another one of those Obama promises. You know, the ones that start out one way and suddenly become something else, mostly less.

Enough already, Mr. President!

One would hope that Jimmy Carter, as he has been frequently in the past, is dead wrong in his allegation that Rep. Joe Wilson's unfortunate accusation that President Barack Obama was lying to Congress is rooted in racism. His playing of the race card not only seems ill advised, it has been disavowed by a White House dedicated to avoiding such polarization.

There are times in any legislative endeavor when you should take what you can get and hope to win the rest later. That's the point President Obama is fast approaching in regard to health care reform. His constant, full-campaign-mode jawboning has probably run its course in effectiveness.