I've spent far too much time away from writing. (Mostly because of ongoings this year way out of my own control.) Today, however, is simply too much. If no one else is reading this, I at least want a memory for myself of how outraged I am at our leaders in Washington, D.C. Not just because of the current healthcare debate before Congress, but because of the general attitude of our elected officials. In an article at WSJ.com on $4 billion in earmarks in the latest defense bill, the following commentaries are made:
"Member of Congress in both parties defend the use of earmarks and say that they are often for worthy projects.Among the earmarks in the Defense bill: $18.9 million for the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the Senate sponsored by Sen. John Kerry (D., Mass.); a $23 million item for the Hawaii Healthcare Network, sponsored by Senate appropriations chairman Daniel Inouye (D., Hawaii); and a $20 million appropriation for the National World War II museum in New Orleans, by Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu and Republican Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana.
Ms. Landrieu said she was "proud" to secure the museum funding, which will pay for a new wing for aircraft, tanks and landing vehicles used during the war.
One of the larger spending items is a $300 million appropriation touted by Reps. Jim Moran (D., Va.) and Chris Van Hollen (D., Md.) to improve their region's overstressed transportation system. The road widenings are justified by expanding operations at area military facilities, including new hospital facilities."
Even if I were ok with the type of spending that takes place, I question the reasoning behind putting any of this in a defense spending bill. By its very name, one would expect that a defense spending bill is on defense, right? Apparently one can fund healthcare facilities, museums, airports and roads and jobless benefits and rent seeking companies and... Through defense spending.
Mr. Obama promised transparency and promised an end to this type of childishness. I understand that changes in long standing practices are not made overnight. On the other hand, many families in our country have found themselves without any income to speak of. Weren't they, by nature of their situation, required to make drastic changes in their practices and behavior? Apparently their representatives think it unnecessary to follow through on pledges, let alone act in a responsible manner.
If the spending is so necessary and so justified, bring it before Congress and the people in an open and transparent manner. Vote on it as it stands alone and let it live or die on its own merit.
