In the Obama omnibus plan to spend America out of this ugly recession, many highly important projects are getting a chunk of American pie. Georgia will receive $209,000 to study ways to improve blueberry production, however this particular earmark has caused controversy among critics claiming it is discriminatory against blackberries. Senator Tom Harkin has asked for two million bucks for swine odor and manure management. Perhaps this project could best be used by encasing Congress in charcoal filters. Besides, Capitol Hill is where the stench of swine is coming from. Thank goodness Obama has led us into a new era of responsibility and accountability and is implementing his promise of change and reform.
Massachusetts has its priorities straight and focused on recovering the economy. They are putting close to $22.5 million into the extremely important cause of preserving the Kennedy legacy.
More than one out of every five dollars of the $126 million Massachusetts is receiving in earmarks from the $410 billion omnibus federal spending package is going to help preserve the legacy of the Kennedys.
The bill includes $5.8 million for the planning and design of a building to house a new Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the Senate. The funding may also help support an endowment for the institute.
The bill also includes $22 million to expand facilities at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum and $5 million more for a new gateway to the Boston Harbor Islands on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, a park system in downtown Boston named after Kennedy’s mother and built on land opened up by the Big Dig highway project.
Rush Limbaugh joked that Congress should put aside some of the money for a Kennedy Memorial Health Care Bill.” The Violence Worker suggested just renaming the state in his honor, calling it Edward M. Kennedy Memorial Commonwealth. Doug Powers created a list of suggested initiatives, including the ceremonial bronzing of silver spoons for all family members holding rank of second cousin or higher.
I have searched the entire bill and still can’t find any funds set aside for the Kennedy course on how to stay above the law. I suppose that if one can not make history, he might as well buy it with other people’s money. I’m sure there are several parts of this family’s legacy they would rather not have people remember as well. Surely our tax dollars can also pay for private jets for Ted to oversee these improvements as they are implemented.
At the end of the day there is nothing more important Congress can do with our tax dollars than create memorials of themselves, and there is no one more deserving of such an honor than the Kennedy family. Twenty-six percent of the $126 million Massachusetts will receive will go towards honoring America’s scandalous royal family. What better way could your money be used to stimulate the economy? I can’t think of a single one except to give it to a few failing banks with no strings attached to spend on golden parachutes, lavish parties, and retirement packages.
One year ago this week Obama said, “we can no longer accept a process that doles out earmarks based on a member of Congress’ seniority, rather than the merit of the project. We can no longer accept an earmarks process that has become so complicated to navigate that a municipality or non-profit group has to hire high-priced D.C. lobbyists to do it. And we can no longer accept an earmarks process in which many of the projects being funded fail to address the real needs of our country.”
It is good to see that Obama has kept his word to the American people to lead the charge in cutting these high spending traditions in Congress. He has really stood up against the establishment to usher in real change.
The good news is Obama has made history yet again with this legislation making a new record for earmarks. Perhaps next time we can just get the entire budget to be earmarks. Bipartisanship is definitely on the rise. Transparency and responsibility have certainly returned to Washington. I am thankful the American people have chosen such a bold leader to spend us out of this economic mess and tax the crap out of those greedy rich people that own small businesses. We know with Obama that the buck never stops. It is refreshing to see change we can truly believe in.
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