Free Lunch

"There is no such thing as a free lunch," economist Milton Friedman likes to say. His conservative views don't hold much sway among congressmen. They don't believe him. Why should they? Members of the House have been getting free lunches for years. All they do is sign a check at one of the House restaurants, then not pay. The catering company that ran the House food services until recently is owed $302,339 by 250 representatives or former representatives. One owes $11,251. And guess who ultimately gets stuck with the tab? Mr. and Ms. Taxpayer, that's who.