I'll take Dictator Targets for $1000

A Pentagon agency is setting up a web-based betting pool for people who want to make wagers on the likelihood of assassinations, coups, terrorist attacks and other catastrophes, the Asociated Press reported (link to SF Gate).

In a news conference Sens. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Byron Dorgan of North Dakota criticized the market:

"The idea of a federal betting parlor on atrocities and terrorism is ridiculous and it's grotesque," Wyden said.

Dorgan described it as useless, offensive and "unbelievably stupid... Can you imagine if another country set up a betting parlor so that people could go in ... and bet on the assassination of an American political figure, or the overthrow of this institution or that institution?"

Who's behind it? None other than John Poindexter.