Best place for a bridge
From Robert Novak's latest column: "Who knows best where to put a bridge or a highway or a red light in their district?" said House Speaker Dennis Hastert, defending earmarks on the Michael Reagan radio program.
I don't know what Michael Reagan said in reply, but somebody needs to remind Hastert that the last person in the world to choose where to put a bridge is a member of Congress. A Congressman is going to choose a location on the basis of political benefit, not on the basis of merit. When you let Congressmen do these things through earmarks, they will all be determined by political clout and favors traded. That's not the best way.
I don't know what Michael Reagan said in reply, but somebody needs to remind Hastert that the last person in the world to choose where to put a bridge is a member of Congress. A Congressman is going to choose a location on the basis of political benefit, not on the basis of merit. When you let Congressmen do these things through earmarks, they will all be determined by political clout and favors traded. That's not the best way.