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While I too disapprove of earmarks, they make up a very small percentage of the budget. Things like, oh, wars fought on borrowed money are much more devastating to the economy. Or tax cuts with increased spending. Or adding more entitlement programs like Medicare Part D that won't allow the government to negotiate drug prices. Or...shall I go on?
That's a novel way to look at earmarks, the scourge of wasteful spending.
Quote:
Why oppose pork-barrel spending, also known as earmarks? Because it sets a bad example, for one thing; and because it is all funded by borrowing, and so adds interminably to the Federal budget deficit; and because it is tainted with fraud, abuse, and self-dealing.
As Sen. Everette Dirksen once said, “A billion here, a billion there, and next thing you know, you’re talking real money.”
The estimates of current “earmark” amounts range from $18,000,000,000.00 to more than $30,000,000,000.00 per year. This is not the total impact, however; because earmarks are 100 per cent deficit spending, they also add to the Federal interest we pay every year.
Deficit spending is a tax increase imposed on future taxpayers. By definition, those paying taxes in the future are not here to vote. Makes it much easier to burden them with taxes, doesn’t it?
Doesn't bother you at all? I have a feeling that if the list of pork-barrel spending was in McCains column, you would be railing, ranting, raving and gnashing your teeth.
Did you read that list? No credit to McCain for abstaining?
Some say that earmarks are a representation of what the constituents need and want. It is their money, so making sure they get it back means that it's a good thing. Although I prefer to keep that money in the hands of the taxpayers to start with. No need to reduce the amount of money through overhead costs and corruption.
But to answer your question, I think it's great that McCain doesn't do earmarks. He gets his money the old fashion ways, marriage and lobbyists.
Senator McCain released an ad railing against earmarks - Then he Voted For the Bill with the earmarks he opposed?! Where does he stand again?
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