Of all the rogues and scoundrels on the internet, there are few lower than the eBay deadbeat. Someone who would put an item up for auction, and snatch it back when it doesn't fetch a good enough price -- even though it was a no-reserve auction. They're every bit as bad as people who would win an auction and then skip out without paying.

I am totally ashamed that the government of the city in which I live is this very brand of lowlife. It would be funny if it weren't so sad.

I hope somebody sues their a*ses off over this. I'll contribute $100 toward just such a lawsuit. Who'll join me?

UPDATE, 9/21, 3:36 p.m.: It just gets weirder and weirder. Now it turns out that the high bidder for the reservoir cover was a group of Water Bureau employees who had apparently figured out a way to re-sell it for more than they bid. Now there are some selfless public servants for you, eh?

You know, I wouldn't mind letting the Texas robber barons have PGE if they would also promise to take the Portland Water Bureau, too, and clean house. Especially firing the commissioner in charge, What's-His-Name.