[caww]

It's not about the money issued Lazlo....it's about how politicians use these to secure votes, bribe, and payoffs....it's a scam and a darn right nasty one at that, not for the good of the people but for the cards in hand the politicians choose to play.....they are bought and sold like stock in the stock exchange and just as corrupt those who abuse them.

"bridge to nowhere" comes to mind.....so don't be telling me how wonderful earmarks are....the people are the last to benefit if at all.

[Lazlo in PA]

"bridge to nowhere" comes to mind.....so don't be telling me how wonderful earmarks are....the people are the last to benefit if at all.

Baloney. You keep confusing the fact that the congress has the power to distribute tax cash as they see fit and corruption of politicians. Prior to earmarks, appropriation committee heads just doled out the cash behind closed doors to wherever they saw fit without any accountability. Why don't you enlighten me on how you would like to spend this money after we eliminate Article 1 Seaction 8/9 of the Constitution?

BTW, some didn't think the spending for the Bridge to Nowhere was such a bad idea. Actually, a candidate for GOV in AK ran on this Stevens earmark being a great idea. Was she corrupt for that or lobbying for something illegal?