An “earmark” is nothing more than Congressional control over spending, as opposed to Presidential control. By the time legislators “earmark” funds, the total budget has already been set. Any money that is not “earmarked” by the direct representatives of the people (Congress) is turned over to the President and his agencies to spend as he sees fit. In light of that, it is wholly irresponsible for Congress NOT to “earmark” funds and therefore to give the President free rein.
Ron Paul believes that if money has already been set-aside and is guaranteed to be spent by someone, then his constituents should not be left out. That doesn’t change the fact that the spending is a bad idea in the first place.
About Josh Hanson