Is Pork Good For The Country?

COL Ted Mc — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 12:53:13 -0500

The Washington Times has an interesting article

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/4/congress-fast-tracks-bills-loaded-with-special-int/

Congress fast-tracks bills loaded with special interest projects in year-end rush

Tucked inside the massive defense policy bill now pending on Capitol Hill is a rewrite of terrorist watch lists, a host of new national park sites and a land deal that American Indians say threatens to destroy ancient burial grounds.

Meanwhile, several tax break bills speeding through Congress renew a controversial credit for wind turbines and end Medicare’s program to pay for penis pumps for senior citizens suffering erectile dysfunction.

Lawmakers were in year-end mode, looking to clear up business and clear out of Washington well before Christmas, dropping the curtain on what’s been a singularly unproductive Congress.

Do you feel that the practice of attaching totally unrelated items to legislation which "must pass" - especially where you know that those unrelated items don't stand a ghost of a chance of being approved if submitted independently is the best way to govern?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2014 1:21 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 13:21:32 -0500

Sir, in direct response to your question: No, I do not feel "pork" is a good way to govern. But, that's how politicians get things done for their constituents in our broken, not-willing-to-compromise system.

It seems to work some of the time - certainly for the politicians, and sometimes for the people - so until both sides are really ready to sit down and give a little (compromise for the good of the country), this may be the best we can expect.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Dec 7 at 2014 1:56 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 13:56:00 -0500

And they talk about wanting transparency..............

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2014 2:44 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 14:44:49 -0500

Bacon is awesome!!! So are pork chops, when marinated correctly (my wife makes great pork chops) and hams.

Okay, on a serious note...wait, the above IS serious.

Okay, really, on a serious note...

Pork, as used in the vernacular of legislation, is most definitely NOT a good thing. Regardless of who it may possibly positively benefit, it is theft of the people's money and an abuse of the taxpayers' trust.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 7 at 2014 3:06 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 15:06:25 -0500

COL Ted Mc, Sir, it's not just bad.... It is the fundamental problem of our political system. Though I suspect you posed the question just to provoke debate, and already think it's bad.

Everyone who has the time: please watch this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uR4lqa7IK4&list=PL-erRSWG3IoAjganbeMIM8eSZcTGeWaq9

Public Choice: Why Politicians Don't Cut Spending

Why did politicians cut a trivial amount of money in the recent budget agreement? Prof. Ben Powell explains why politicians don't cut spending, as a general ...

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 7 at 2014 4:23 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 16:23:49 -0500

I hate when they add stuff to a bill that has nothing to do with it. Because if you find out what in it and it has nothing to do with the bill you vote it down then they make you look like you don't care on a veterans bill. But what they don't say is he/she voted it down because mixed into it was a bill that would pardon charles manson. I know far fetched but it is just an example.