Lots of previously furrowed eyebrows are being raised today in response to a statement by the King of Pork, Sen. Robert Byrd, that he will forego earmarks in the current budget if it will help clean up what he views as the budget mess left by the Republicans. The fact that Byrd, who has used earmarks to put his name on just about every available public space in the state of West Virginia, would make such a statement is encouraging. But Byrd is not stupid and those of us in the media, old and new, who think earmark reform is important need to be absolutely clear about what is and is not genuine reform. First, simply making Members of Congress attach their names to any earmarks they sponsor is a necessary and good thing, but taken by itself it is far from what is needed. Many Members already shout to high heaven whenever they get an earmark approved because they think it impresses voters and helps secure re-election. So simply forcing Congressman Jake Takealot to put his John Henry on his earmarks is not enough to get him to give up earmarks entirely. In fact, a mere requirement that Members’ names be attached to their earmarks could even function as an incentive for more earmarking. The problem with earmarks includes their anonymity, but it goes beyond that factor to the fact the earmark is given without accountability, without public debate on its merits and without safeguards against waste, fraud and political favoritism. The only way to address these additional factors is to eliminate earmarks entirely. Except in matters of deep national security, spending tax dollars should always be done out in the open from beginning to end, with debate on the merits and with competitive bidding processes wherever possible and/or appropriate. This includes spending via contract and grants. So don’t be fooled in January if Democrats or Republicans pass an “earmark reform” that only takes the first step, public disclosure. If either party tries that, we will know they still aren’t listening to the voters who are fed up with corruption, secrecy and political favoritism. In the meantime, how about challenging every Member of Congress to sign a “NO MORE EARMARKS” pledge? Bloggers can get that question in front of all 535 Members and their responses can all become part of the public record before the debate begins in January. Earmarks Porkbusters GOP Republicans Democrats Congress Corruption
