Half-baked Alaska

It's so simple, it hurts. Why don't the Americans just sell Alaska? That would generate funds to create another Lehman Brothers or two and the odd Bear Stearns and still leave change for the occasional bombing run on Sudan.

The Russians would be the most likely buyers; but maybe the best method of sale would be on Ebay. The place may be full of oil, but it's also full of Sarah Palin, which will bring the price down a bit.