Political Hay
It’s Not Just Pork
“Earmarks” are but a symptom of something a lot more corrupting.
(Page 2 of 2)
What it represents is a pervasive attitude throughout government, and extending through both political parties, that there are no rights of the people other than those granted by those in political power. Local and state government, with eminent domain and economic incentives, merely represent the farm system that leads to the big-time pork playground.
“Industries that want favors or protection from government…hire the powerful to manipulate the levers of power,” Fund wrote. “Local governments (are) similarly motivated to look for free federal money. Abuse and corruption… inevitably follow.”
The New York Times reported Tuesday that some states are moving faster on lobbying reform than the federal government.
That’s an O.K. start, but the pervasive corruption inspired by political patronage and big government, at all levels, is epidemic. Politicians need an attitude overhaul, not just changes in these figureheads near the top.
About the Author
Paul Chesser is executive director for the American Tradition Institute and a senior fellow for the Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives. The views he expresses do not necessarily reflect the views of these organizations.
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