So let me get this straight, it is a moral outrage for heads of large corporations that produce something and generate revenue to purchase and operate private jets. This is crazy talk and reeks of the Democrats class warfare strategy to demonize anyone that is successful without the assistance of the government. Although your Mandarin has to concede that it was a pretty boneheaded move by some corporate executives to come hat in hand to Washington D.C. to ask for government bailout money in their private jets last year.

But on the other hand we now hear that the House of Representatives has ordered three new Gulfstream G550 luxury business jets. To be fair though, they will be the C-37 military variant, without the gold plated fixtures. We are trillions of dollars in debt, but the members of the House have seen fit to once again award themselves a special perk. Then again with the backlash from the voting public over Cap and Tax and the so called healthcare reform bill, I can see why they would want to avoid contact with the public at all costs. Even if those costs are passed on to the American tax payer.

The Mandarin

The Mandarin, whose real name is 吏恆, joined the order in 1309, and introduced the Gormogons into England during the 18th Century.

The Mandarin enjoys spending time with his pet manticore, Βάρἰκος, or Barry (who can be found in the Bestiary). When not in the Castle…well, frankly, nobody is quite sure where he goes.

The Mandarin popularized the fine art of “gut booting,” by which he delivers a powerful kick to the stomach of anyone that annoys him. Although nearly universal today, the act of gut booting or threatening someone or something with a gut boot is solely due to him.