In their defense, having to make do with less taxpayer money probably seems like a form of terrorism to CA's legislators

If you look at it that way, they’re using the money exactly as it was intended.

After the 2001 terrorist attacks, California lawmakers sought a way to channel the patriotic fervor and use it to help victims’ families and law enforcement. Their answer: Specialty memorial license plates emblazoned with the words, “We Will Never Forget.”

Okay, quick show of hands. Who thinks they really thought they were going to “help victims’ families and law enforcement?” Now: who thinks they knew they were creating a slush fund?

Part of the money raised through the sale of the plates was to fund scholarships for children of California residents who perished in the attacks, while the majority — 85 percent — was to help fund anti-terrorism efforts.

But a review by The Associated Press of the $15 million collected since lawmakers approved the “California Memorial Scholarship Program” shows only a small fraction of the money went to scholarships. While 40 percent has funded anti-terror training programs, $3 million was raided by Gov. Jerry Brown and his predecessor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to plug the state’s budget deficit.

Millions more have been spent on budget items with little relation to direct threats of terrorism, including livestock diseases and workplace safety.

Oh, I beg to differ. That money was spent on security. Job security. For legislators.

UPDATE – Hot Air’s Erika Johnsen noticed this:

Patricia Anderson, who paid $98 for a personalized memorial plate reading “WE R 4US,” said she signed up for the program primarily to show respect for victims of the 9/11 attacks. Anderson said she was disheartened but not surprised to learn that much of the money has gone to fill the state deficit or used for general purposes.

“That’s California,” said Anderson, who now lives near Austin, Texas. “It’s kind of a given these days — nothing is spent on what it’s supposed to be.”

She just thinks it’s funny that the reporter had to find an expatriated Californian – now a Texan – to comment on the story. And so do I.