Quote:
Originally Posted by jjmerago
I want 1 real example of out of control ... just one real example thats it.
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speaking of bridges
2005.
Republicans control the White House and both houses of Congress. Early on a Saturday morning in August ? the day of the week, and the month of the year, least likely to attract media attention ? President Bush signed into law a highway bill passed by his own party with more than 6,000 earmarked projects.
Bush signed the bill after sternly telling his party he'd veto any highway bill that spent more than $256 billion. He promptly "adjusted" that figure to $284 billion after complaints from party leaders. The bill Bush ultimately signed came at a price of $286 billion, $295 billion if you count a few provisions disguised to make the bill look cheaper than it actually is. Not exactly holding the line.
The Republican Party's wholesale abandonment of limited government principles has been on display since President Bush took office. Government spending under the GOP's reign has soared to historic highs, any way you want to measure it. And in stark contrast to President Reagan ? or even the president's own father?President Bush refuses to rein in spending. He hasn?t used his veto a single time since taking office ? the longest such streak in U.S. history.
What continues to amaze, however, is the sheer arrogance and hubris with which the Republicans have chosen to govern. As Congressman Jeff Flake ? one of the few principled Republicans in Washington ? told the Washington Post, "Republicans don't even pretend anymore."
Consider that highway bill. The bill calls for nearly half a billion dollars to build two bridges in Alaska. One will connect the Alaskan mainland with a tiny island called Gravina (population: 50). It will cost U.S. taxpayers $230 million. In fact, when it comes to pork barrel politics, Alaska is the new West Virginia. That's because Alaska Rep.Don Young chairs the transportation committee. The transportation bill is named after Young's wife. The second bridge the bill appropriates money for ? another $230 million ? will be called "Don Young Way."