Unspin - Mr. President: Pork's not so good for a healthy economy

[question everything]

Sunday, August 14, 2005

Unspin - Mr. President: Pork's not so good for a healthy economy

The Issue: The $286 billion, pork-laden federal transportation bill President George W. Bush signed into law last Wednesday.

The Spin: "I'm proud to be here to sign this transportation bill, because our economy depends on us having the most efficient, reliable transportation system in the world," the president said at the signing.

The Unspin: Would "efficient" include the infamous "bridge to nowhere" in Alaska, which connects the mainland to a postage-stamp-sized island with a population of 50 and an airport? The cost: $223 million. It replaces a ferry. It would be cheaper to buy a fleet of helicopters to take people to the island.

(snip)

Spin No. 2: Republicans are the conservative, skinflint, pork-frying party.

Unspin No. 2: The top power in Congress for 10 years now, Republicans have outdone Democrats in shoving their snouts deep into the pork trough. It's too bad we have a two-party system in name only when it comes to profligate spending.

- John Seiler

http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2005/08/14/sections/commentary/commentary_columns/article_633248.php