Congress Over a Barrel
Government David Jeffers
May 31, 2008		  

Wikipedia describes “pork barrel” as “The term pork barrel politics refers to government spending that is intended to benefit constituents of a politician in return for their political support, either in the form of campaign contributions or votes.”

 

Most Americans are familiar with the term pork barrel, with the latest catchy word being “earmarks” but regardless the moniker, it is a despicable act.

 

The good people at the Center Against Government Waste (CAGW) put out an annual “Pig Book” and it makes for some interesting and infuriating reading. While all pork barrel spending is despicable, the lowest of lowest legislative life-forms are those who play politics with the defense appropriations bill.

 

CAGW every month identifies the “Porker of the Month” and there are some shabby swine immortalized in CAGW’s “Porker of the Month” Hall of Shame. The most coveted CAWG award is the “Porker of the Year” award. The 2007 winner was none other than Pennsylvania 12th Congressional district’s great patriot and “war hero” John “ABSCAM—after we've done some business, then I might change my mind” Murtha. Would someone from the 12th district please contact me and let me know Murtha will be unemployed by January!

 

The Pig Book says this about the senior swine from Johnstown, PA:

 

Former Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham (R-Calif.) is in jail because of bribes he accepted from defense contractors in exchange for earmarks; on February 27, 2008 House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman John Murtha (D-Pa.) received a standing ovation at a fundraiser for defense lobbyists. On February 11, 2008, Roll Call noted, “Every private entity that received a special project from the Pennsylvania Democrat in last year’s defense spending bill had given him political money at some point since 2005” There are no two better examples to illustrate the problems with defense earmarks. When members of Congress gorge themselves on defense pork, America’s fighting men and women are not getting the proper equipment that they need to fight the war on terror around the globe.

 

HEAR, HEAR!!!

 

Using the defense appropriations bill for lining the pockets of lobbyists and greedy constituents borders on treason in my humble opinion. Any member of Congress, from both houses, caught using the most important appropriations bill for personal and/or political gain should be run out of office. My loathing for such people knows no bounds.

 

Last Thursday the House approved The Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5658) by a 384-23 vote and it will be interesting to see what type of pork was included and by whom. If you find your own Congressman or Senator has been involved, I encourage you to email, fax, and call him or her and let them know this must stop, regardless the benefit to the district or state. You can keep on top of this at my blog Salt and Light and if warranted I will write a follow up column here on the Talon.

 

As stated in the CAGW’s mission statement, we as Americans need to strive “to eliminate waste, mismanagement, and inefficiency in the federal government.”
David Jeffers is a lay preacher, retired Army Master Sergeant and author of Understanding Evangelicals: A Guide to Jesusland. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Liberty University where he received his degree in Biblical Studies, Mr. Jeffers frequently comments on the Evangelical perspective of current affairs in the media. Mr. Jeffers has published numerous articles on The New Media Journal and appears regularly on talk radio shows around the country. Mr. Jeffers is available for public speaking engagements.

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