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Some of my Republican friends are screaming that the President's economic stimulus plan is loaded with "Pork."Â Evidently they really don't understand what "Pork" really is.
"Pork"is a slang term used to describe the process of politicians getting tax money to pay for projects that benefit specific areas, industries, or people.
According to a Wikipedia article, "Pork" spending is defined as:
Â
- Requested by only one chamber of Congress;
- Not specifically authorized;
- Not competitively awarded;
- Not requested by the President;
- Greatly exceeds the President's budget request or the previous year's funding;
- Not the subject of congressional hearings; or
- Serves only a local or special interest.
So, let's put Obama's plan to the litmus test. Â
1. Requested by only one chamber of Congress: Nope! That one won't fly! Both chambers are supporting the stimulus plan.
2. Not specifically authorized: Gotta' say "No" to that one too. The President specifically authorized the plan and met with members of both houses prior to being sworn in to get the plan passed ASAP.
3. Not competitively awarded--The plan but spreads the money around through the entire spectre from the military to the homeless. Can't see a problem here.
4. Greatly exceeds the President's budget request or the previous year's funding-Don't think it exceeds what Obama thinks each area needs; certainly does exceed funding to many of these areas from last year, who have been shut out of their fair share during the past eight years of Bush economics.
5. Not the subject of congressional hearings--Uh
uh! Can't buy that! Congress has been hearing arguments on the floor for and against the bill every since the House sent the bill to the Senate.
6. Serves only a local or special interest: Sorry! This bill stands to benefit every area of business as well as give a tax break to every citizen who has paid in tax.
So, I guess my question to my Republican friends is:Â "WHERE'S THE PORK?????"
Some information supplied by:Â https://wiki.answers.com/Q/In_politics_what_is_pork
