[classicman]

The “Earmarks” Issue

Why oppose pork-barrel spending, also known as earmarks? Because it sets a bad example, for one thing; and because it is all funded by borrowing, and so adds interminably to the Federal budget deficit; and because it is tainted with fraud, abuse, and self-dealing.

As Sen. Everett Dirksen once said, “A billion here, a billion there, and next thing you know, you’re talking real money.”

The estimates of current “earmark” amounts range from $18,000,000,000.00 to more than $30,000,000,000.00 per year. This is not the total impact, however; because earmarks are 100 per cent deficit spending, they also add to the Federal interest we pay every year.

Deficit spending is a tax increase imposed on future taxpayers. By definition, those paying taxes in the future are not here to vote. Makes it much easier to burden them with taxes, doesn’t it?

On this issue, John McCain wins, hands-down, and his past performance indicates that he will make good on his promise to battle earmarks. But don’t take my word for it - - judge for yourself. Set forth below is a McCain versus Obama comparison on earmarks requested for Federal fiscal year 2008.

Earmarks requested by Sen. John McCain for fiscal year 2008: None.

Earmarks requested by Sen. Barack Obama for fiscal year 2008 (word-for-word, Sen. Obama’s own press release):

It totaled up at 900 million or so.
[bold mine]