A "few" bad apples.

I saw a republican representative make the case for earmarks by stating that the practice of directing federal dollars to constituent districts has been sullied by a "few" members who have abused the system.

If by a "few", he means "most" then he is correct. With billions of dollars to play with the temptation to abuse the system is enormous. Good judgement seems to go out the window as a representative moves up the ladder of influence and seniority. And most egregious is the fact that the party leaders turn a blind eye or tacitly endorse the abuse.

Maybe earmarks are beneficial and maybe federal dollars are well spent when thoughfully allocated to benefit a small portion of the country. Bu the process is broken.

To my way of thinking the whole process of bringing bills to the floor is broken. A bill should stand on it's own. No riders that have nothing to do with the main issue. No legislation should be anonymous. Congressional members should proudly place their efforts before the public and their colleagues for consideration and an addition to their record of service.

No bill or earmark should be automatic. We elect our representatives to be our proxy in the political process. We expect them to use good judgement in determining what is best for the country, the district, the constituents and the representative him/herself (in that order).

Hopefully the new blood in the legislative process will begin to turn the tide of corruption and ethical chicanery back to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.