Is this what Alabama Republicans want?
When some Alabama Republicans went to St. Paul to help write the party platform, by all reports their biggest concern was making sure that "we continue to support our conservative base, especially pro-life and family values."
They had reason for concern. Since the platform traditionally reflects the views of the nominee, Sen. John McCain's moderate position on things such as stem-cell research were troubling to social conservatives in the state's GOP.
But when the platform emerged, it was not issues such as abortion rights and embryonic research that caught the attention of the Alabama delegation. Reflecting McCain's long-standing opposition to congressional earmarks for purely local
projects, the platform stated that "earmarks must stop … tax dollars must be distributed on the basis of clear national priorities, not a politician's seniority or party position."
Whoa!
Those folks have quit preaching and gone to meddling.
In 2008, Alabama had about $280 million for special projects — that's $60.52 of earmarks per capita, according to The Birmingham News. Although Alabama is a small state, its earmarks rank 17th in the nation, according to the Citizens Against Government Waste. Some might recall that McCain even opposed the $2 million that Alabama's delegation secured for the restoration of the Vulcan statue that rests on Birmingham's Red Mountain.
Although Alabama Republicans talk a good game, when it comes to earmarks they quickly belly up to the pork trough. Like Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville, they are all for doing away with earmarks as long as Congress does not give up its authority over the budget.
Well, if Congress does not cede authority to divvy up the money and send it where well-placed members want it to go, then earmarks will always exist. And states such as Alabama will continue to use federal money for things it refuses to do for itself.
Which is fine — if Alabamians want it that way. But please don't talk about bringing down the size of government, balancing the federal budget, and reducing the dependence on Washington while standing there with hands out.
Anyone can see that for what it is.
