Letter: Bob Bennett's defense of congressional earmarks baffling

Published: Tuesday, May 15 2012 12:00 a.m. MDT

Sen. Bob Bennett shown shortly before the end of his final term in office.

Mike Terry, File, Deseret News

Summary

Former Sen. Bob Bennett's defense of congressional earmarks is baffling.

After reading Bob Bennett's defense-of-earmarks column, I am totally flabbergasted at his lack of understanding of the reason for his political demise ("It's time to reinstate earmarks," May 7). His philosophy that it is acceptable to confiscate (tax) the hard-earned income of the citizens of this nation so that Washington, D.C., politicians can spread around favors to their friends, family and political cronies is beyond the pale of intelligent reasoning.

For one who voted for and supported the funding of the "Bridge to Nowhere" in Alaska, he now wants to return to Washington's unconscionable practice, (often times more criminal than legal) of wasteful earmarking. It is beyond the understanding of this common taxpayer.

Neil L. Blackburn

Fruit Heights

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KDave

Moab, UT

Bobs' point was that because of a few bad apples, we now have no apples.

8:55 a.m. May 15, 2012
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SEY

Sandy, UT

No, Bob's point was that earmarks DON'T ADD ANYTHING to the federal budget. The writer of this letter didn't bother reading the article, apparently. Earmarks merely designate where ALREADY APPROPRIATED money should be spent. If you More..

9:48 a.m. May 15, 2012
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CHS 85

Sandy, UT

@SEY

What earmarks do, though, is take money from programs that have been approved by Congress in the budget and take the money to pet projects. It is a no-win situation for the agencies affected. I'll give you an example. The More..

3:49 p.m. May 15, 2012
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