That is right. You know why earmarks are good? Because actual ELECTED officials distribute the money as opposed to nebulous Federal Agencies. Elected officials deciding where dollars are spent is actually covered in the CONSTITUTION.
Article I, Section 8, Clause 1
If you don't like how your legislator is spending money, you can vote him out. Apparently there wasn't much issue with Santorum on the stadium because he beat Klink 52 to 45 in a blue state.
On the other hand, I cannot find in the Constitution where the House can set up a bank where the members can involve themselves in steeling cash through check kiting schemes. Is that under the "Crooks and Liars" clause or the "Lying Thieves" Amendment?
Are you nuts? The only thing they do with earmarks is barter and bribe.....then when it gets passed on it goes to the others who do likewise.