The news media missed the mark by dwelling on the trivial outrage of a subliminal political ad calling bureaucrats, "rats." Rats are simply among species of "vermin," which aptly describes Democ-rats and Republic-rats that create and spread the plague of bureauc-rats.

Indeed, "vermin" are defined as destructive, annoying or injurious to our health, such as cockroaches or rats. Vermin include species that prey on the people, such as fox or weasels. And the definition goes on to describe comtemptible or offensive people, such as rancorous partisan politicians and their operatives.

At a time when it was calmly announced that billions of taxpayer's dollars in bureaucratic government waste continues unabated, "rats" is a kind word for reprehensible and irresponsible elected and unelected "thieves."