University of California at Enron

Every tax dollar spent on education should count, right? If L.A. and California want to compete in the global economy, we need an educated work force.

Alas, the Sacramento Bee reports that "Millions of dollars in perks, padded housing allowances and payouts were awarded to UC executives, often in violation of policies and without seeking approval from regents, at a time of rising student fees."

How did UC President Robert Dynes explain the expenditures to the university's governing body, the Board of Regents, at a meeting Wednesday? "I didn't pay enough attention."

That's it?! You didn't pay attention?!

If that's what passes for an explanation or an excuse at our universities, well, you can continue to expect the person who answers your "tech support" calls to have an Indian or Phillippino accent.

Oh, and did I mention the amount of money that supposedly failed to catch the president's attention? According to a state audit, "extra compensation accounted for $334 million." Repeat: he gave away an extra $334 million of your money, your education money, without approval from the regents, while raising college tuition for students struggling to improve their gray matter.

I've heard of "valedictorian," but what's the Latin term for the smartest guy in prison?