each particular "earmark" in their own states?
Rather than debate the merits of a bridge or subsidy for a given district, why don't we ask why anyone in another state should be footing the bill?
Even if you can't reduce the federal government to the few roles it's actually supposed to serve, can you still reform the "earmark" practice so that it is at least put on the states clamoring for the pork rather than the country as a whole?
2007-03-16 12:09:11 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Government
That would be cool for a while, but imagine how tedious that would be if we had to vote on any new spending bill. Not to mention the expense of having elections every quarter or so. People would get bored with it and stop going. Then you'd end up with 5% of the population voting on a budget bill that effects everyone. Not really democratic, is it?
2007-03-16 17:04:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sadly, the people who SHOULD change the laws regarding how Federal dollars are spent are the very IDJITS who are getting their free-lunchs, golf trips, and other goodies from lobbyists and special interest groups.
Same reason we have a bill for a fence on the southern border, yet no funding for it... same reason we have constant "discussions" on campaign and lobby reform, but never a law to correct the problem... same reason we have crime bills that quietly die from lack of funding after their first budget... same reason we have no action on securing our ports and borders or enacting immigration "reform"...
The Congress will whine and wail for a spell... hold meetings and committees... as long as the media makes a ruckus, and not a DAY longer.
I'd like to know the methodology to start a FEDERAL proposition !! Make those in Congress listen to those who they are SUPPOSED to serve !!
2007-03-16 19:37:32 · answer #2 · answered by mariner31 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a great Idea. Write congress and say make a constitutional amendment that says that they may only write bills on one topic only at a time, with no ad ons as pork, freebies, or anything other than the stated topic of the bill.
You would kill a couple of them from laughing themselves to death over your letter.
Yet if enough people demanded this kind of bill, we the people could push it through congress to a law.
2007-03-20 12:51:02 · answer #3 · answered by allen w 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think I could agree with you more, sadly the fact appears to be that state, county and township governments are more corrupt than even the federal government.
What you suggest is not impossible, but it would be an enormously difficult task.
2007-03-16 22:58:18 · answer #4 · answered by clwkcmo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
short answer yes. Long answer it is not going to happen. The congress is rolling in to much money from special intrest groups. If they had to actually listen to the people, then they wouldn't have jobs because of incompetence
2007-03-16 19:46:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd love any solution to cutting pork, but what do people like us in Illinois do? We are drowning in government corruption and voter fraud.
2007-03-16 19:14:29 · answer #6 · answered by Apachecat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds good to me. If they aren't willing to pay for the bridge, why should we?
2007-03-16 19:17:31 · answer #7 · answered by kingstubborn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Huh?
2007-03-22 18:41:08 · answer #8 · answered by Amber F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋