A writer inquires further on the earmark worksheet:

I would like to see Mr. Boehner explain in his statement why he did not appoint Mr. Flake to the Appropriations Committee. Would you please supply any information you get on this. I am very surprised to see that Mr. Boehner is getting a pass on his hypocracy.

As much as I would like to see Flake on the appropriations committee, I must set aside the substance of this comment and insist that you spell it “hypocrisy.” From my now-rusty Greek, I remember that it comes from hupo (for “under” implying deficiency) and krino (“to judge” and the origin of our words “crisis,” “criticize” and “critical”).

This has become one of the most commonly misspelled (and misused) words on the Internet. Please get it right, people! Every time you do this, another ancient Greek rolls over on his burning pyre.

In any case, the worksheet is meant to trap Republicans who are engaging in “hypocrisy.” They can’t very well use the issue against Obey once the vast majority of them indicate that they support “responsible earmarks.” But if they were to stick together and check that first box, even just for political reasons, the effects could be very positive…