[nanny]

The degree to which the Democrats engage in purchasing votes with taxpayer money via a wide variety of "social programs" far exceeds any similar behavior on the part of the Republicans.

You know I might have given the Republicans the edge on that moral high ground until this administration. Let's see - illegal immigration (which is pandering the the hispanic vote as well as pay offs for campaign contributions), either way it is vote buying with taxpayers money. The education bill - The Farm Bill - I don't know - I think the Republicans may be fairly new at this - but they seem to 'take to it real well.'

[Myrddin]

I stand corrected on buying votes. The hispanic pandering is outrageous. Both parties are going after hispanics in a big way. The corporate welfare in the Farm bill and education bills doesn't buy many votes at election time. Teachers and farmers are a small part of the population compared to people living on welfare, social security and unemployment benefits. The Idaho state budget is grossly slanted in the direction of education. It is an "untouchable". It is also a big time white collar entitlement program. Every county as a separate school district with a full complement of administration... no matter how big or small the population of students. The school system needs a MAJOR overhaul to be more efficient.