Most Americans may not be fluent in the language of economics, but thanks to our Puritan heritage (“waste not, want not”) we understand waste quite well. The annual ritual of rendering unto Caesar on April 15 brings with it the always-useful “Congressional Pig Book.” Compiled by Citizens Against Government Waste, the “Pig Book” lists some of the more outrageous spending indulged in by our “public servants” in pursuit of the only bipartisan activities still practiced in Washington: spending and re-election.

There are 9,129 pork barrel projects listed in the “2010 Congressional Pig Book.” They represent a 10.2 percent decline from the 10,160 projects identified last year. “The reforms that were adopted when Democrats took over Congress in 2006 can be attributed to many years of work exposing earmarks,” writes CAGW.