I think we’ve finally found the source of the problem in Washington, DeeCee.

Its not the well-known three branches of government … it’s the fourth branch.

Rep. Markwayne Mullin made the case for cooperation among the branches of government in the debt ceiling and shutdown fight– all four of them.

“This country isn’t ran by just one individual it’s ran by four branches, but three branches that are in control of this,” Mullin said Tuesday. “As long as those three branches control it, then we all have to figure out how to negotiate. Not all of us is going to get 100% of what we want, but we should do what’s right.”

Well, yeah, that’s the whole problem.  If we would just let the fourth branch of government – the Department of Republican Ego – run things, there would not be a problem.

The downside is that Rick Perry can’t remember three things and this fourth things is going to put big ole blank jumping places in his brain.

Yeah, Markwayne Mullin is a Republican.  And yes, he is from Oklahoma.  And yes, he is blissfully unaware of verb conjugation.  He does seem, however, particularly enamored of lapel pins.

Thanks to Sandy for the heads up.