Ranting to /dev/null

We're sorry, Pennsylvania is closed today

Governor Rendell has just ordered a partial shutdown of Pennsylvania state government. All non-essential services have been suspended, including licensing, highway maintenance/repair, state museums and parks, and even the lights illuminating the capital dome. Slot machines, however, remain open pending a court hearing. As they're a source of revenue this makes sense, though it does look a little funny.

The governor has been unable to reach a consensus about the state budget for the next fiscal year. The governor refuses to sign any budget that does not include subsidies for alternative energy. The legislature refuses to sign any budget that does.

Frankly, this is all fine by me. While I wouldn't have gone to the mattresses over this particular issue, I'm all in favor of government shutdowns. At least they aren't wasting any more of my money.