Partial ban on earmarks is a start
To paraphrase a bad joke, what do you call a boat full of earmarks being deep-sixed? Answer: A good start. The U.S. House, believe it or not, may be about to ban earmarks for corporations. Democratic leaders announced a ban using earmarks in appropriations bills to spend funds on projects to benefit specific companies ... companies which, perhaps not coincidentally, contribute to campaigns. U.S. Rep. David Obey, D-Wis., Appropriations committee chairman, told The Associated Press on Wednesday he hopes the ban will mean 1,000 fewer earmarks. The AP report states research by Taxpayers for Common Sense found last year’s defense appropriations bill contained 1,720 earmarks worth $4.2 billion. We expect the House ban on corporate earmarks will resonate well with voters. But, as stated at the onset here, it’s a good start. We suggest others in Congress — Republicans? Senators? — propose extending the ban to all earmarks, including those for pet projects which benefit home districts.
» Full StoryHealth of economy should be a priority
An editorial cartoon in the Daytona Beach News Journal last week shows a TV news anchor stating, “Good news! Unemployment stayed the same at 9.7 percent.” To which a man viewing at home replies, “Staying the same isn’t good news for me.
» Full StoryBoard should derail plan if it’s costly
Members of the state Controlling Board have the power to kill a plan to establish a so-called high-speed railroad line in Ohio, even if that means passing on $400 million in federal funds pledged for the purpose.
» Full StoryForecast calls for continued growth in debt
Can it get any worse? Unfortunately, yes.
President Barack Obama, who won office in part by accusing Republican President George Bush of irresponsible spending, has admitted his policies would result in federal deficits of $8.
Bill of Rights should govern all of us
Ask high school graduates whether the Bill of Rights governs cities and states and most of those who paid attention during civics class will answer, “Of course.” But now, the U.S. Supreme Court is pondering that very questio.
» Full StoryHats off
2 years and counting at Sentinel
Congratulations to everyone at Sentinel Career Center for being named an Ohio School of Character for the second year in a row.
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