http://theoinkreport.com Mon, 12 May 2008 21:18:45 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en We Oink Reporters LOVE it when a pork loving rag of a media outlet squeals for bacon. Take Tulsa World's column titled Earmarks Eyed, for example. For some inexplicable reason, six members of Oklahoma's seven-member congressional delegation seem to understand the value and importance of helping to fund much-needed projects across ... http://theoinkreport.com/2008/05/12/tulsa-world-if-they-get-pork-we-should-too/ How much in pork packed earmarks is being requested for Louisiana alone? $13,985,227 And this is state budget!!! We Oink reporters had to step back from the trough for a minute after seeing the list. Rep. Herbert Dixon, D-Alexandria: Arna Bontemps African American Museum, $200,000; Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Louisiana Inc., ... http://theoinkreport.com/2008/05/05/the-louisiana-pork-train-arrives/ Charles Black, a former lobbyist for BKSH & Associates who now works as an unpaid volunteer for John McCain, is now saying that earmarks promote bad government and are totally "out of control." One of Washington's most powerful critics of earmarks as wasteful and irresponsible use of taxpayer funds is Sen. ... http://theoinkreport.com/2008/04/28/former-earmark-lobbyist-admits-that-earmarks-breed-bad-government/ Your daily dose of government waste news: More than 70% of Alaskans oppose funding for “bridge to nowhere” in new poll but bridge authority claims 70% support it Alaska legislature drops funding for “bridge to nowhere” $4.2 million federal earmark helps pay for purchase of property from Vermont golf club Federal grants now available ... http://theoinkreport.com/2008/04/23/the-daily-oink-federally-funded-shoting-ranges-edition/ Education funding is undoubtedly one of the most emotional issues in American politics, mostly because education plays directly into the lives of our children.  And schools never cease to ask for more money.  There is probably not an educator in America who would say that his/her school is adequately funded.  ... http://theoinkreport.com/2008/04/23/when-good-tax-dollars-go-for-inflatible-alligators/ Your daily dose of government waste news: Chicago aquarium “sitting on hundreds of millions of dollars in net assets” received $1.8 million in earmarks from members of Congress who received campaign donations from Aquarium officials Miami Beach Teen Club used part of a $50,000 earmark to take club members white water rafting ... http://theoinkreport.com/2008/04/21/the-daily-oink-government-funded-white-water-rafting-edition/ One facet of the pork spending issue that often goes overlooked in debates is the costs inherent to government distributing hundreds of billions of dollars of our tax dollars back to us.  Those opposed to earmark reform often tell us that earmarks are a necessary method of appropriation, and that ... http://theoinkreport.com/2008/04/21/did-you-know-that-we-pay-the-government-to-distribute-our-own-money-back-to-us/ Your daily dose of government waste news: Texas Congressman denies any wrongdoing for directing earmarks to an Alabama company that contributed tens of thousands of dollars to his campaign New Jersey Congressman who earmarked $624,000 for his wife’s employer denies wrongdoing Congressman has spent more than $1 million on legal fees to fend ... http://theoinkreport.com/2008/04/17/the-daily-oink-were-all-going-to-disneyland-edition/ In the world of politics the accusation of being "disconnected" gets thrown around a lot.  Barack Obama was accused of being disconnected from rural voters when he suggested that they cling to guns, religion and dislike of people not like them because they're "bitter."  Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats have ... http://theoinkreport.com/2008/04/17/connecticut-congressman-wonders-why-people-care-about-pork-so-much/ Here's your daily dose of government waste news: Officials plead guilty to public-corruption and conspiracy charges for taking bribes to steer federal funds to politically connected defense contractors Former director of Smithsonian center charged taxpayers for salon, spa and gift shop purchases and stays at five-star hotels with ocean views and Jacuzzi ... http://theoinkreport.com/2008/04/15/the-daily-oink-ocean-views-and-jacuzzi-suites-edition/