Earmarks epitomize to many Americans the corrupt culture that has brought Congress to its lowest level of public esteem in modern history. But professional politicians in both parties are now treating the country to a vivid demonstration of an equally disreputable illustration of what is wrong with Washington — turning the tax cut compromise between President Obama and congressional Republicans into a “Christmas tree.” That’s what happens when the politicians agree on a broad course of action (the tax-cut compromise, which is the “Christmas tree”), then use it as a vehicle for doing other things (the “ornaments”). The ornaments often have nothing whatever to do with the tree and frequently are used to buy votes of senators and representatives who supported the original purpose without any inducements.
Vice President Biden reportedly told House Democrats on Wednesday that the deal cut by Obama, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker-to-be John Boehner was a “take it or leave it” proposition. But even before Biden’s tumultuous appearance among House Democrats, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, was crowing to reporters back home that the compromise would include an expensive ornament — the use of tax credits to extend subsidies for ethanol and biodiesel fuels, neither of which has anything to do with income tax rates for individuals. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid also reportedly dangled these subsidies, which encourage corn farmers to grow more corn, to ensure the vote of Sen. Tom Harkin, Grassley’s Democratic colleague from Iowa.
