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- iHaveNet.com: Politics
by Cal Thomas
Most Americans may not be fluent in the language of economics, but thanks to our Puritan heritage ("waste not, want not") we understand waste quite well.
The annual ritual of rendering unto Caesar on April 15 brings with it the always-useful "Congressional Pig Book." Compiled by Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW), the "Pig Book" lists some of the more outrageous spending indulged in by our "public servants" in pursuit of the only bipartisan activities still practiced in Washington: spending and re-election.
There are 9,129 pork barrel projects listed in the "2010 Congressional Pig Book." They represent a 10.2 percent decline from the 10,160 projects identified last year. "The reforms that were adopted when Democrats took over
Even with a small reduction in pork, the CAGW found there is plenty left to outrage taxpayers whose money is being "spread around" to highly questionable projects. Such as:
-- "$2,908,000 for shrimp aquaculture research in seven states requested by two senators and five representatives. Since 1985, $74.5 million has been appropriated for this research."
-- "$2,573,000 for potato research in four states requested by five senators and four representatives."
-- "$775,000 for the
In the movie "State Fair," volunteer judges tasted pickles and gave awards for the best. Why has this become a federal responsibility?
In the defense category, there are earmarks "totaling $6,056,565,000 for 35 anonymous projects. This accounts for only 2 percent of the 1,752 earmarks, but 59 percent of the $10.3 billion cost of the bill, which is more than last year's 57 percent."
-- "$200,000 by House appropriator Marion Berry (D-Ark.) for the
-- "$200,000 by Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.) for the expansion of the
-- "$102,142,500 for 90 projects for
CAGW recognizes several members of
Read much more and weep at CAGW.org. It's a pittance compared to
Available at Amazon.com:
The Political Fix: Changing the Game of American Democracy, from the Grassroots to the White House
AMERICAN POLITICS
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Congressional Pig Book: Pigs at the Trough | Politics
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