YOU WON'T BELIEVE - AT 5:32 P.M. ET:  Look, I can't confirm this, but on a muggy Monday afternoon we can use a laugh.  From Drudge:

Face-lifts, tummy tucks and hair transplants could be hit with a new tax to help finance the trillion-dollar healthcare overhaul plan, CONGRESS DAILY reports.

The Senate Finance Committee has discussed imposing a 10% excise tax on cosmetic surgery deemed unnecessary for medical purposes.

DAILY's Peter Cohn reports: The idea was broached in a meeting with OMB Director Orszag in mid-July, after which Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus told reporters he had heard some "interesting," "creative," and "kind of fun" ideas.

COMMENT:  Well, there goes the Democratic base in California.  No more fundraisers in Beverly Hills.  We never knew Congress could be this cruel.  What's a liberal to do?  Ten percent on a $12,000 makeover is $1,200.  You know what kind of a neat handbag that buys on Rodeo Drive?   Well, at least a wallet.

There is disillusionment in the mansions today.  Every personal trainer will be working overtime just to settle the nerves of his trainees.

July 27, 2009