Pork Barrel Politics

A little something I found in a Molly Ivins column. Paraphrased.

“Earmarks” are those monies set aside for the “Pork” that politician delivers to his constituents…or to his friends and family, depending on his principles. It seems that the number of earmarks has grown quite rapidly under this administrations guidance. Last year there were 15,584 earmarks worth $32.7 billion dollars. Yes, billions. That is more than twice the dollar amount in 2001. (As you can tell…they are becoming bolder!) And it’s more than three times the dollar amount in 1998. Ah, those compassionate conservatives sure know how to live! (Hard to blame this on the Democrats)

Here’s how it works…”earmarks are added anonymously, frequently during last-minute closed-door sessions of the appropriations committees. An especially attractive feature for those private interests seeking earmarks is that they are awarded on a noncompetitive basis and recipients need not meet any performance standards.”

The data came from an article in Harper’s Magazine, “The Great American Pork Barrel: Washington Streamlines the Means of Corruption” by Ken Silverstein.