My crystal ball has a limited range

I did pretty well predicting primary outcomes, but it seems I've slipped up in projecting which federal department would show up on the Scandal Scorecard next.

I figured HUD or Education were easy picks, but I'd overlooked Joel Connelly's latest column in the Seattle P-I which points an accusing finger at Interior.

Here's the heart of the matter, with my emphasis.

"In an internal memo leaked last week, from the Northeast Region of the National Park Service, superintendents were told bluntly to cover up the cuts -- and cover the backside of the administration that has left these professionals short of resources.

'If you think that some of your specific plans will cause a public or political controversy, Marie (Regional Director Marie Rust) and I need to know which ones are likely to end up in the media or result in a congressional inquiry," wrote Chrysandra Walter, deputy director for the Northeast Region.'"

Joel also offers a look at the kinds of cuts they have in mind.

"Budget cuts suggested by the Northeast Region memo seem designed with the discomfort of America's families in mind.

'Close the visitor center on all federal holidays ...' was one 'service level adjustment.' Guess when families have time to visit parks? Another idea: 'Eliminate all guided ranger tours.' A third "adjustment": 'Close the park every Sunday and Monday.'"

And Parks employees who won't play along?

"Park professionals who speak out find themselves on the hot seat.

Last winter, Teresa Chambers, U.S. park police chief, in an interview with The Washington Post, revealed and discussed low staffing levels.

Days later, Chambers received a notice proposing her termination. Deputy Park Service Director Donald Murphy asked Chambers to surrender her badge and gun, put her on administrative leave and ordered her not to speak with the media."

There's a word for it.

Scandalous.