They still think the "No Flip-Flops!" line is funny

Proper attire must...must...be maintained at all times. And you...viiiill....liiiiike it.

So signs have popped up at various White House entrances -- including the press entrance and the staff and visitors' entrance at the southwest gate -- along with e-mails to staff members, to remind everyone, particularly tour groups, that, even in these times of sinking poll numbers, proper attire is to be maintained.

The email was in ALL CAPS, so you know it had to be important. Either that or nobody-- visitors, press, staff--takes anything the White House says seriously any more. Who's for the latter? Hands?

Some visitors from the Reagan and Bush I days were taken aback by the rule postings. "We were plenty button-down," recalled a Reagan aide who saw one of the signs, but added: "Do they have nothing else to do" than fret about this?

Other than infringe on all our rights, shred the Constitution, and declare martial law...? Nah.

And flip-flops have always been verboten. "As you know, this administration has a strong record against flip-flops," said White House spokeswoman Emily Lawrimore. But Crocs, with or without socks, presumably are okay if you're biking with Bush.

Crocs with socks on Bush. Time for some new rules.