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Pork
I've changed my mind on the importance of pork. I saw an episode of PBS's Now on earmarks, pork and the budget where they interviewed Tom Coburn. I listened to his well argued points and just came to the conclusion that I disagree. The fight to eliminate pork isn't that important for the reasons stated. If we're talking about pork's effect on the budget and our national debt then I remain unconvinced of its wickedness. Pork in 2006 amounted to about $29 billion out of about $2.5 trillion. This isn't the great an effect on taxes that people seem to think. In the end, if it creates jobs and meaningful results, then it's probably a net gain.

Where pork harms the system is in how it's doled out. The lack of transparency in the earmarking system lends itself to log rolling and other forms of corruption. These projects act as bribes to congressmen for votes on major issues. Those are then used as bribes to constituents in lieu of running on issues and results. It breeds corruption. So if cracking down on pork is used to "dry up the swamp" then I'm all for it. If it's part of cry for lowering your taxes then I'll skip the fight. Yes, remaining vigilant against wasteful spending and useless projects is important. I think all it would take is a little courage from leaders that sign these bills. Bush, the Republican, has vetoed one bill in his tenure so he's not the guy. It's not line item vetoes, just political courage, that will put a stop to this. Don't hold your breath on that. So maybe we do need legislation that adds more scrutiny to the process.

P.S. It might seem kind of fishy that I'm writing this post now that the Democrats have come to power in Congress. I can only promise you that I wrote an outline of this a long time ago, when the Republicans were still in control.

Update: (3/18/2007 6:30:27 AM) Some more pork resources: Pork Busters, GPO Access and the budget process.
I thought at first you meant pork, the other white meat. I was quite relieved when I realized that I was laboring under a misapprehension, and that the aim of this invective was not going to be directed against a meat I love so much.

Posted at 2/28/2007 9:37:15 AM by Rachel


Pork comes from the magic animal that apparently makes also bacon so I totally want to fund bacon production as much as possible. Is there any way to signify for all my tax dollars to go to help the magic animal?
yours ctw

Posted at 2/28/2007 12:41:58 PM by CTW


 
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