Many people seem to view government as a shopaholic of sorts. "Families are cutting back. Why can't the guv'mint?" "Tax and spend! That's all these bureaucrats want to do!"

Some of these profligate officials agreed to speak with us anonymously. "It started when I got a rush out of buying manhole covers. Now I get my fix ordering bridge repairs." "Somebody please stop me!"

I'm sorry, but sending disability checks to people with horrific diseases and injuries is simply too much fun!" "It's like buying a new flat-screen TV every day!"

"I know I should cut back on trying to keep feces out of hamburger meat, but the truth is, I get off on preventing foodborne illness." "Sorry, taxpayers!"