Define the term. Congress is the constitutional authority for how my tax dollars are spent.
Should we just skip the budget process and tell the executive branch “Spend the money any way you want”?
I say no.
Earmark definition: An earmark is a legislative (especially congressional) provision that directs approved funds to be spent on specific projects, or that directs specific exemptions from taxes or mandated fees.
Congressional spending should be for projects that benefit the US as a whole. Federal money should not be allocated by congressmen to the benefit of specific localities, or non-competitively-bid contracts to specific companies.
Open Secrets, list of earmarks, sorted by congressman. Click on the politician name to get his list of earmarks and who benefited.