Earmarks v Palin, Biden, et al.

On AC360, Anderson Cooper makes a point of "Keeping Them Honest." A few nights ago, the focus was on Gov. Sarah Palin (the Bridge and Road to Nowhere) and Sen. Joe Biden (with His own Bridge Earmarks) Earmarks have become somewhat of an issue. The media has latched on to them as a form of quasi-corruption. I however have two issues with earmarks, the lack of spending control and their secretive nature.

I have no doubt that within the earmark society there is corruption. However the projects that are funded via earmarks are important nevertheless. An earmark is really just a budget request. We cannot deny that the U.S. Congress, just like any other legislative body, has to allocate money for special projects. The issue is that while these allocations have no open platform, in the full view of the nation, they will continue to be hidden. Or they will continue to bloat massive spending bills.

So yes lets eliminate the pork. But lets also provide for projects to be brought into the light, where Americans can view them and give these special projects all due fiscal and ethical consideration.

Until then, lets keep them honest.