Posted on 11/23/2010 10:42:01 AM PST by WOBBLY BOB
WhilWASHINGTON - Despite their claims, the Republicans' ban on earmarks won't stop lawmakers from steering taxpayers' dollars to pet projects. And it will have little if any effect on Washington's far graver problem the gigantic budget deficit.
(Excerpt) Read more at startribune.com ...
http://www.startribune.com/politics/local/109087984.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU
this is likely what makes the MPLS Star & Sickle really sad...it's as if they'd be OK with bribery as long as it's a REALLY productive bribe.
It may not fix the problem, but it is a great place to start.
To not slow spending where ever possible because “it’s just a few pennies” is a losing meme.
Who said ending earmarks was the end-all and be-all??
Its just a very small start.
Who said ending earmarks was the end-all and be-all??
Its just a very small start.
“Earmarks ban may sink state projects”
The Central Corridor rail line is one of many plans that are in serious jeopardy.
http://www.startribune.com/politics/local/109087984.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU
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ending that boondoggle is one positive side effect...
while Wille’s guitar gently weeps.
This is the drum-beat from the left. Expect to hear a lot of it.
Remember Kaa, in the 1967 Jungle Book movie?
“Go to sleep... go to sleep... Earmark ban won’t work... Won’t do anything at all...”
Another point.....why do we abet these politicians by also calling this an ear mark “ban”....it is not a ban...it is a 2 year moratorium. A big difference.
NO MARKs AT ALL... and what should be funded should be under-funded..
the federal government needs to be dowNsiZed...
in a Congresscritters mind, 2 years without a payoff or a kickback IS an eternity.
I agree. Earmarks are not a big portion of the deficit. But they are a major way that congress critters purchase campaign contributions from unions, corporations, NGO’s etc. They are a big source of corruption.
Ultimately, the only way to curb corruption long term is to rid the congress of most of it’s new-deal and later powers and return to the enumerated constitutional powers. If congress critters don’t have much to sell, there will be fewer buyers.
We know that of course, but as any poor person will tell you - don’t cut vital things unless the non-vital go first.
Cutting Social Security or Medicare before all the swine odor studies and turtle tunnels are done away with is stupid.
It is demeaning and demoralizing no matter if the project is only a few million dollars. It all adds up.
The back room deals will be cut down - unrelated provision into bills will be less and lobbyists will be less powerful.
What a fine mess these politicians have gotten us into. Too bad is a big game to them - they will never be affected.
But this is my life, my children’s lives and the soon to be grandbaby’s life that is affected.
A POX on both their houses!
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