No one would deny that the federal government has been mismanaged under both Republican and Democrat leadership. I do disagree with your reasons as to why we went to war with Iraq. As to the housing issue, Barney Frank was instrumental in passing bills that required high risk lending.

But none of this addresses the point. The Democrat Party in its bid for the Presidency stated that we were moving forward. In his addresses over seas, President Obama stated that the things done are past, but we are looking toward the future. As a Senator, Obama co-sponsored a bill that would put a one year moratorium on all earmarks, and pledged to slash earmarks dramatically.
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=31059).

What you are missing is that George Bush is out of office. We are supposed to be in a new administration and moving forward. My letter to the Congressman addresses his present earmarks.

I appreciate both your candor and respectfullness in your comments!

But why is the government broke?
1. The economy took a downturn just prior to Clinton leaving office due to the dotcom bust. However at the time the country was starting to run a surplus.
2. George Bush, a social conservative, took the surplus and gave it away via tax cuts and refunds to folks who didn’t need it nor want it.
3. George Bush made a deal with the oil companies and the auto industry that deregulated gas economy, ensured the rise of the SUV and killed the electric car.
4. To stabilize oil flow George Bush went to war with Iraq.
5. The Bush administration underestimated the cost of the Iraq war and sent billions of dollars to a cause that didn’t accomplish #4.
6. Needing a feather in his cap, George Bush promoted home ownership for all – asking bankers to ease lending requirements.
7. The home mortgage industry tanks due to #6.
8. Bush leaves office leaving a miserable situation to his successor.
9. Fiscal conservatives, at this point, still at odds with social conservatives start talking about earmarks in an attempt to retake their party.
10. The social conservatives, still baffled by the change of regime, say “whatever” and rally to their party, biding their time until the economy is stable enough for them to reintroduce useless legislation designed to polarize Americans.

Let me know if I missed something…..

Unbudgeted – unfunded- giant EARMARK.

Personally I think earmarks are a good idea if they bring my taxes back home. The honorable delegate from the US territory of Iraq should thus write a defense bill with earmarks for his/her constituents.