“OH, SAY CAN YOU SEE:”

Sometimes humor, especially when it’s self-deprecating, really is the best weapon.

At a Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce breakfast this month, Rep. Anthony C. Beilenson (D-Woodland Hills) complimented Thousand Oaks Mayor Judy Lazar on her performance after she led those assembled at the Westlake Plaza Hotel in saluting the American flag.

He then told the business people that Congress, too, began saluting the flag at the start of each session about two years ago.

“We hoped it would improve the quality of the work,” Beilenson deadpanned. “It hasn’t. We probably should start singing the ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’ ”