"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny." -- unknown

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results - Albert Einstein

No more earmarks?
January 29, 2008 - 6:54 am

"While many Republicans applauded Bush�s announcement that he would issue an executive order directing his administration to ignore earmarks contained in conference reports accompanying future spending bills, some lawmakers voiced skepticism."

I need to get myself educated a bit more on this, but if I understand the issue right... Congressfolk like to stick little 'earmarks' or 'pork' into bills. You want to fund some nationwide improvement to highways? Well sure I'll vote for it.. but only if I get a few million for this pet project back home.

The congressfolk like to do this since it avoids having to get real approval to spend money on projects only people in their home area care about -- a sort of way for the congressfolk to say, "Look what a good job I'm doing, I got this thingie-ma-bob built!"

I don't doubt for a moment that some earmarks are actually worthwhile. However a quick search reveals.. that millions of dollars truly wasted. Granted, millions may not be much in comparison to our budget, but why allow any frivolous spending? Why not keep the budget the same size and take these millions.. and bump up education?

Simply turn the pork spending money into more money for college loans or public school improvements? This benefits the whole society a lot more than pet projects... which if the local folks really want... they should donate/raise money to get it built.

But.. as article goes on to say, we'll have to see if it ever gets done and how the government reacts. Though... at first blush, it's actually something Bush as done that I like.