It goes without saying that American culture has always been, um, rambunctious, not to mention plagued by attention-grabbing hustlers. Just in case you were thinking things had changed, now we get word that the White House party crashers, Tareq and Michaele Salahi, are being paid $5,000 to host a party in the Pure nightclub at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

Michael Gilmartin, PR director for the venue, told the Washington Post, "We go after entertainers or acts that really capture the public's imagination, and we think the Salahis have."

What a great idea! Hey, you know who else has captured the public’s imagination? The Balloon Boy and his parents – why not give them a few more minutes in the spotlight? Or how about Octomom? But really, when it comes to capturing the public’s imagination, no one can top good ol’ Charles Manson – why not see if he could be let out for a couple of days so he can walk the red carpet, too? Sigh. I guess this is one of those “you don’t know whether to laugh or cry” days.

• Michaele Salahi gets a moment in the spotlight