Yesterday, some Conservative Republicans put up a proposal to "temporarily ban senators from earmarking spending bills with back-home projects like roads, water projects and grants to local governments."
The Senate rejected it.
It seems they don't have the courage to take away this little privilege of theirs that they use to take more fiscal pork back home.
Sure, they call themselves "Conservatives" or "Blue Dog Democrats" but like a hog at a trough, they just can't come up with enough strength to walk away.
This was only going to be a temporary moratorium on these earmarks, too.
Talk about lack of conviction.
Here's a thought and suggestion I've put up here before for some enterprising representative in Washington:
Propose that earmarks be done away with.
Heck yes.
It's the only fiscally responsible thing to do.
We've been hearing for weeks, if not months, about the debt and deficit we have as a nation.
And these legislators will still spend far too much in government--who are they kidding?
"Defenders of earmarks say they represent but a small portion of the overall budget, are a legitimate way for lawmakers to exercise Congress' power of the purse, and that they know the needs of their states better than agency bureaucrats."
Horse-hockey.
Besides spending too much money--and coming out of "back rooms" to do it--it also raises questions of these same representatives doing illegal political favors for constituents and companies that get funds from earmarks. Getting rid of them would give the nation a huge double benefit, at minimum.
"Opponents say earmarks are often wasteful, invite corruption and are a way to win votes for big-spending legislation."
Much more true.
So, note to some political upstart Senator or Representative out there (Claire? Anyone?)--go against the Party line and make a serious proposal for a law making earmarks illegal.
You'll be on and in the news immediately (you glory hound).
I'm surprised someone hasn't done it already.
This is no way to run a government. Or country.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
1 comment:
I am not familiar with this bill, and I am not defending conservatives. I would love to eliminate earmarks, and riders and slapping unrelated amendments on bills in general--but I can not figure out HOW to do that in a way that doesn't have massive gaping loopholes. Is it an earmark if a defense bill includes money for the Corps of Engineers to rebuild the levees in New Orleans?
Post a Comment