Ban Earmarks

The Honorable Rob Wittman, 

You must bring sanity to the discussion on earmarks.  Republicans appear poised to squander the good will that the American people have for them in a very public argument about earmarks.  Please convince your colleagues that earmarks must be banished both in word and deed in the US Congress.  People wouldn’t be so concerned with Representatives “bringing home the bacon” if the government didn’t take so much of it in the first place.  

As you know, the American people know what to do with their earnings better than the Federal government.  Cut taxes, dismantle the egregious excess of the Federal government, and then we won’t have to worry about turtle crossings and swamp mice.  

Think of how detached from daily reality Senator McConnell must seem to us when he says that eliminating earmarks won’t save any money.  He said that after it was reported that current bills under consideration in the House and Senate have earmarks totaling more than $8 billion.  We also don’t need Senator Jim Inhofe running around defending the practice - earmarks must stop.  The most effective thing that you all could do right now is to sign a pledge to the American people to forgo earmarks permanently.  If I were running the show I would make you all sign it in blood.  

Focus on single-issue small bills rather than these 3,000 page monstrosities.  Make the process understandable and completely transparent.   

Tell the leadership not to squander this opportunity – it won’t come again anytime soon.  We are depending on you.  

Sincerely Yours, 

 

Defund Propaganda

The Honorable Rob Wittman, 

Congratulations on your big win this past Election Day.  I can’t tell you how happy my wife and I are to be represented by you.  I was serious when we met that I expect you and the rest of the Republicans to make defunding this Federal monstrosity your top priority.  

I believe that one place to start is to halve the propaganda budgets of all Federal agencies.  I am astounded at the sheer number of commercials, flyers, mailers, and print ads that are produced by the Federal government.  In particular if I hear Andy Griffith lauding “that new health care law” on television again, I just might scream. 

If the Surgeon General wants to warn me about the approach of cold and flu season, I can see where that might be of some benefit.  At the same time, CVS Pharmacies, WalMart, and any number of other commercial enterprises are crowding out that message with the offer of flu shots for $24.95 and no waiting.  

I think that there is a fine line between information and propaganda under the current administration.  The most blatant example of course is the millions that were spent on signs to proclaim that various road projects were the result of the Federal Stimulus package.  I think that a reduction of government propaganda should include defunding National Public Radio and Television as well.  Please include all the Byzantine backroom methods of funneling funds to that propaganda arm as well.  

It seems like this would be a fairly simple and effective way of reducing part of the Federal budget.   Personally, I wouldn’t worry about a surgical approach – use an ax.  

Kindest Regards,