Isn't this practise making a mockery of our budgetary processes, and is this practise due to the fact that lobyists have more to say on how the gov't. is run than the taxpayers?
2007-12-06 15:34:55 · 13 answers · asked by geiniusbobiknow 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Government
It has been this way nearly from the start. The only difference is now, through modern technology, we are able to find out about it a lot easier.
For many years Congress would present the President with a bill to provide some worthy cause some much needed funding. It would usually bare a touching title such as "Widows and Orphans starvation abatement bill" and it would include loads of other crap. The president now had the unenviable job of either signing a bill that spent the tax payers money on a lot of crap or reading headlines tomorrow that the president "wants to starve widows and orphans".
At least now we can get to the truth a lot easier. Before the Internet it took weeks to get a copy of a bill and all of its riders.
An attempt was made to provide the president with the ability to veto only wasteful spending called a line item veto. The bill passed but was struck down by the Supremes. The Constitution would have to be amended to allow it.
Most people are not particularly anxious to stop the practice. Many a constituent has benefited from this practice.
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2007-12-06 15:44:41 · answer #1 · answered by Jacob W 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The reason they do this is to garner votes in their home district.
For example: A rep drafts a bill with a lot of "pork" in it. He will put earmarks (or provisions) into the bill that certify his constituents get business from the government, which will help his district's economy. John Smith (Democrat from South Carolina) drafts a bill that requires all public schools to have non-fat milk in addition to other choices. Well Mr. Smith puts an "earmark" in the bill that requires that all of the cartons for these milk be made in Columbia, SC and that all of the milk to come from cows in South Carolina, etc...
2007-12-06 15:50:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because... we are not a utopian society. Can you imagine if everyone, or even like 70% of us, consistently acted in the best interests of society? It would be great.
They do it because they need votes to get their bills to pass. Each person wants to add some project that will benefit their constituents. It's how they make compromises. Like saying, "Ok, I will vote for this law that I don't really agree with, but it doesn't make THAT much difference, especially if I can get a 500k project for my hometown."
Another problem is that everyone is so apathetic. Do you know how many days all our reps don't even bother showing up to vote? All the freaking time!!! If people would pay attention and complain about stuff, they would do what we say. But unfortunately no one takes time to get educated, get organized and get involved.
2007-12-06 15:52:03 · answer #3 · answered by Sophie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Politicians are mostly pigs and eat pig rinds, does that mean they are also cannibals? LOL. Life history of voting it has always been the lesser of two evils and the only presidents in the last fourty years worth voting for were NIXON, REAGAN, and CARTER. I never vote straight party but I do always vote.
Block those swing states (a native New Yorker here,) get out and vote and do not allow Hillary to run our country again!!!
valrie in ocala florida
2007-12-06 15:42:07 · answer #4 · answered by mariposavalrie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because every lawmaker loves to bring home money to their district. The people who elect them love the extra money and assistance!
Too bad poor little Hillary didn't get her $1 million earmark for her Woodstock Museum. Boo hoo! LOL
2007-12-06 15:38:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because most members of Congress won't vote for a pointless pet project but they will vote for things like children's shelters. If you attach your pork project to the children's shelter bill, who will vote against it? It's for the children for crying out loud!
Many times that's the only way pork projects get passed.
2007-12-06 15:41:04 · answer #6 · answered by Will G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they don't actually read the bills that they are presented with.Most "earmarks" are for funding for projects that have nothing to do with the bill they are actually in. It's a sad state of affairs, but sometimes that money is used for good things.
2007-12-06 15:47:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
To get the bills passed. Happens quite frequently. You're right on all counts. Money and lobbyists run the system.
2007-12-06 15:39:17 · answer #8 · answered by Carmen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because pork is harder and harder to sell these days.
or
Because politicians use every means possible to make more money under the pretense of doing what is the perceived best interests of the people.
2007-12-06 15:38:45 · answer #9 · answered by -=B=- 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Dems love it and it is what they fight for power for...look at Murthas district since the dems went in...hes the champ,followed by pelousy
2007-12-06 15:37:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋