Who do Republicans think they are when they talk about Dem pork spending to win votes on Iraq?

Question

Pork spending for fence riding conservative Democrats and moderate Republicans (not liberals).

Did you all forget about Alaska's "Bridge to Nowhere" already?

According to a Congressional Research Service study, the number of earmarks in spending, or appropriations, bills went from 4,126 in 1994 to 15,877 in 2005. The value of those earmarks doubled to $47.4 billion in the same period. Earmarked projects often include roads, bridges and economic development efforts.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=2767546&page=3

Yes. Both sides pork spend, but Republicans do it so much better.

Answer 1

I guess because they forget about pigs like (R) Senator Ted Stevens from Alaska...

"Alaska Senator Ted Stevens became the object of strong media criticism when in October 2005 he opposed diverting the Gravina and Knik Arm Bridge funds to help aid recovery from Hurricane Katrina. In his speech on the senate floor, Stevens threatened to quit Congress if the funds were removed from his state." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravina_Island_Bridge)

"Alaska's Gravina Island (population less than 50) will soon be connected to the megalopolis of Ketchikan (pop. 8,000) by a bridge nearly as long as the Golden Gate and higher than the Brooklyn Bridge. Alaska residents can thank Rep. Don Young, who just brought home $941 million worth of bacon." (http://dir.salon.com/story/news/feature/2005/08/09/bridges/index_np.html)

"The project has been met with fierce opposition[2] and has been labeled the "Bridge to Nowhere." It has been cited by Senator John McCain of Arizona as an example of pork-barrel spending in the 2005 Transportation Equity Act. This $223 million federal contribution to the bridge would cost approximately $15,849 per person in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough (pop. 14,070) if the costs were split amongst them. Opponents have noted that the federal contribution represents $4.5 million for each of Gravina Island's 50 residents." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravina_Island_Bridge)

Also see: The Bridge to Nowhere: A National Embarrassment: http://www.heritage.org/Research/Budget/wm889.cfm

BUT Democrats are equally as guilty for doing the same and for allowing this waste, mismanagement of funds that can be used to the benefit of all American elderly, disabled, retired and poor across the Nation, and to improve the conditions of the Vet Hospitals that are dilapidated, and in need of overhauling inept and malfeasance employee AND supervisory personnel to eliminate the abuses and neglect that routinely go on (as witness by ME on many occasions during the years that I volunteered as a Adapted Swimming Instructor, and when I visited friends and relatives)

Pork Barrel programs are nothing more than a way for influential politicos to pay back their super rich and powerful campaign supporter by awarding them lucrative contracts and funneling huge fortunes into their coffers... it is a disgrace, it is unethical and should be totally eliminated from politics and the government as a whole! THIS happens because we, as voters, do not demand that it be stopped; WE allow this to happen by not demanding accountability and excellence from our elected officials that see being elected as a way to enrich their cronies, their relatives, families and themselves!

Answer 2

Yes both parties do it, But this is a war time bill and the Pork is being used by Polsi to "Buy" votes for support from other Democrats that would not go along with the bill, so it becomes proof on one of the greatest issues facing the USA, that it they have no plan and it is disingenuous, what they are doing does not support the troops and is only posturing for 08. So should after the veto, will she double the anti to 42 Billion in pork while Troops wait for money.

Answer 3

As an Independent, I am outraged by pork barrell spending on either side.
THIS particular example goes beyond the pale.
The Dems have cynically crafted a situation to hobble this presidents efforts to win this war by essentially bribing members who would never have voted for this garbage bill without those 'incentives'.
This new Congress made a big song and dance in front of the cameras 4 weeks ago about how they were going to eliminate this terrible practice...can you say 'hypocricy'?!
Worse still, the same press that covered their 'aren't we noble and pure' presser on this subject are basicly silent about this latest abuse.
And you Dems that voted these pinheads in...where is the outrage?
All I see is excuse-making and attempts to justify this crime with the usual 'the Repubs used to do it, whats the big deal?'
The BIG DEAL is that it is cynical, dishonest and it is a 180 degree turn from public promises made only weeks ago.
On top of all that, it is pure political gamesmanship that does not help our troops.
By putting forth such a dishonest bill, they have guaranteed a veto, which delays the funding to meet the needs of our servicepeople.
Democrats - if you truly have the good of the country at heart, you should be ashamed of what this congress has done.
Shame on them!

Answer 4

Hypocritical
Both sides are guilty of the "pork barrel spending" but to listen to some of the Pubs who spoke made me want to hurl. They did the same crap for the last 12 years they were in power. They also did it even more when the spending was for the troops, you know those Defense Spending bills.
One critic, Don Young (R-Ak.) is the biggest one of all. In 2005 alone he had $941 million in pork including the Bridge to nowhere.
It is also a slick move. I do not agree with putting it with the funding for the troops BUT it can be used as a political football where the politicians can say they tried to get funding to help their communities but the Prez denied it.

Remember this, in 2006, there had been the roughly $136 billion fiscal 2007 Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs spending bill which ended up laden with pork by the Republicans yet they start this crap.

Answer 5

It is hypocrisy at it's finest, of coarse the Cons have loaded up legislature with Pork for the last 14 years as the majority. The American people want out of Iraq, and this is the deal that Bush will have to take. It opens up every-ones eyes to what has been happening the whole time the Congress was majority Republican. Bush needs to reassess and negotiate, or else...this is the deal.

Answer 6

I personally don't know anyone that likes the pork, but when our Troops lives are used as political pawns for the dems to make gains is outrageous. If the Dems thought they had something real to bring to the table, there would be a bill for Troop funding...period.

Answer 7

Because it is a War budget...not give your Uncle Bozo, money for his Bunghole Study of Pigs Bungholes. All the Pork is planned for the Libs biggest supporters and contributors...It is the only way Libs can get support, by buying it.
Pork is a common ingredient, but on this, it should only be addressing the War issues.

Answer 8

Without the PORK the bill would have failed.
So they bribed their way.
Just goes to show the ethics,honesty and Mind set of the libs.
With enough taxpayer money they can buy anything.

Answer 9

Get in line for your hand outs chickenhawk, your civilian hands have been in the cookie jar now for 14 years with the ex majority Neocon Congress and Bush's 25 trillion dollar deficit. You can stop lying anytime now. The military personnel will be at your door when they come home this year.

Answer 10

I think I am a conservative who despises pork on both sides ... the bridge to nowhere was also a liberal dream.