Fear of Clowns

Earmarks have a bad rep. For example, it's a good idea to shuffle education dollars from richer states to poorer states - to help kids in poor states have an education approaching that of affluent communities. Or help build a dam in one state that will provide energy for several. Congressional earmarks are a way we can move funds between states.

At the same time, the are easily abused: they can be used to reward campaign contributors with pork that doesn't benefit anyone but the campaign contributor.

Those two points noted, Sarah Palin was loquacious for earmarks before she was decidedly against them. (link from acceptance speech to be added below once she says it).

Here it is: "That bridge to nowhere? I said thanks, but no thanks. I said if we wanted a bridge, we'd build it ourself".

Labels: 2008 elections, Republicans, right wingers, taxes

// posted by Erik @ 9/03/2008 07:07:00 PM
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