Earmarks

I think there are two good things that might come out of this election cycle. The first being that the Republicans might be able to disrupt this insane plan to make businesses 1099 everyone with whom they do more than $600 of business. To even propose that sucks.

The second is that DeMint has said he wants to put an end to earmarks. I know, I know, Obama promised the same thing and not only did he fail... considering the size of that bloated stimulus package, I think it's fair to say he didn't even try. It's a shame because much of my initial fondness for the man was predicated on the idea that he would.

I hate earmarks. I know hate is a strong word and must admit I tolerated them in better times, but when people are struggling and their government is setting aside money for a tea kettle museum or whatever non-essential pet project of the wealthy and well-connected they're earmarking in your neck of the woods, it's hard not to feel like there's something wrong with the system.

And the Dems are right to say that Republicans have been hypocritical to both decry earmarks and take them home at the same time. Many of those Republicans have been ousted by their base compliments of the Tea Party movement. Now, there's a lot I find unreasonable about the Tea Party Movement. Socially, they're so far to the right it's almost as though they're either missing out on or denying a certain part of their humanity. But at least, metaphorically, they believe in bringing their own tea kettles.

-DH