Although the House and Senate have both defeated a moratorium on earmarks, the debate about direct congressional grants rages on. And generally absent is any mention of the pressing needs that these grants have helped so many of our nation's communities meet. Are programs to reduce gang violence a good use of taxpayer funds? How about keeping sewage out of local streams? Or fixing unsafe roads and bridges before another tragedy? By any reasonable standard, nearly all congressionally directed grants would be considered a good use of taxpayer funds.Local officials nationwide have a common goal: providing residents with public services...