BEGALA:   Time now for the hottest political stories in and out of the headlines. It's time for our CROSSFIRE "Political Alert."  Senator Joe Lieberman is calling for a broader role for the National Guard. In a speech to the Progressive Policy Institute today, the Connecticut Democrat said the Guard should play a larger role in homeland security. Lieberman envisions Air National Guard pilots flying patrols over key cities, Army Guard troops protecting bridges, railways and roads, and guardsmen overseeing the training of local and state emergency medical workers, firefighters and police. White House had no immediate reaction to the Lieberman proposal, but I wonder if the Bush administration thinks the Guard is really all that reliable? After all, according to the "Boston Globe", at least one Air National guardsman failed to show up for duty at all from 1972 to 1973. His name, Lieutenant George W. Bush. 
CARLSON:   More evidence tonight that many federal bureaucrats have more free time than good sense. The Agricultural Department has opened a Civil Rights investigation into the 4-H Clubs of West Virginia. The ramifications are potentially serious. The club could have its federal funding yanked. The investigation could be taken over by the Justice Department, the nation's top law enforcement agency. What heinous crime does the 4-H stand accused of committing? Brace yourself, using Indian names in some of its ceremonies? Among the banned words the 4-H'ers apparently used -- Seneca, Delaware and Cherokee, which of course also happen to be the names of a city, a state and a popular four-wheel drive vehicle. Through a spokesman, the 4-H responded at the agency with the ancient Indian term Wonka- Wiccaga (ph), which means, when translated, get a life, you meddlesome paper pushers. 
BEGALA:   In a move that has angered right-wing conservatives and stunned the rest of us, President Bush has signed a bill allowing death benefits to be paid to the domestic partners of police officers and firefighters who die in the line of duty. This is the first permanent federal death benefit for gay couples. John Ashcroft's Justice Department had opposed the bill, saying it was - quote - "likely to create unintended and unfortunate results" - unquote. Yes, like the loved ones of people who give their lives for their country actually be taken care of. I want to congratulate the president on what may well be the first truly decent and liberal act of the Bush presidency. He promises it'll never happen again. 
CARLSON:   And moving on to a story in the news, corporate greed. Between them, Bill and Hillary Clinton have taken close to $30 million in payoffs from big corporations since the former president left office a year and a half ago. The Clintons are now fabulously rich, members of the dreaded one percent of wealthiest Americans. But that doesn't mean they pay their bills. In fact, they don't. According to "Washingtonian" magazine, Senator and Mr. Clinton still owed more than $1million to Bob Bennett, their former attorney, for bills they racked up years ago. The Clintons appear to have no intention of paying. Their attitude -- sue me. Leona Helmsley couldn't have said it better.  
BEGALA:   Where do you get this from? The Clintons have a legal trust fund. They paid over $7 million ... 
CARLSON:   They can afford to pay and they should. They have more than $1 million. 
BEGALA:   Last year ... 
CARLSON:   They owe it. They should pay it like normal people do. 
BEGALA:   ... last year they paid over $1million in legal bills.    They have worked out payment plans for ... 
CARLSON:   They made $30 million last year ...    ... their lawyer is owed money. 
BEGALA:   That's ... 
CARLSON:   Between their book contracts and his 9$.4 million in speeches, Paul, it's on the record. I'm sorry. 
BEGALA:   ... false. 
CARLSON:   Pay your debts. 
BEGALA:   But we're used to that. Next on CNN, Connie Chung will have the latest headlines including a fashion statement from Capitol Hill. Also, WorldCom has a world beater and a Republican beater campaign issue.
