Jay Kersting's Blog

When the Democrats seized power following the 2006 elections, many hoped that THEY would be the party of fiscal responsibility since the Republicans had willingly surrendered that title.  And they did it BIG TIME.

Well, the Democrats not only didn't grab that title, they made things worse.  Maybe not in pure dollars and cents, but by the use of the earmark in their first year back in power.  I'm sorry, let's use the Nancy Pelosi term...they are NOT earmarks, they are "legislatively directed spending"...which makes them SOOOOO much better.  You know, like the how the Congressional approval ratings have improved in the past year.  (For those who miss the sarcasm, Congressional approval ratings hit all time lows in 2007.)

Earmarks DOUBLED in 2007 over 2006.  Let me clarify, the NUMBER of earmarks doubled.  The dollar amount dropped from $16 Billion down to $9 Billion.  But when the Democrats promised a review of the procedures and policies, this is an obvious failure to take action with ANY substance.

So last night, during his State of the Union address, President Bush gave the impression of moving toward fiscal responsibility (six and a half years late in my opinion) by annoucing that he would CUT $18 Billion from his budget presentation by reducing or eliminating wasteful and ineffective programs.  Good. 

He went a step further.  He announced that he is issuing an Executive Order that would forbid Federal agencies from spending money granted them by earmarks that were never voted on.  

So, if that is ALL of the earmark money, BIG IF, then President Bush will effectively cut up to $27 Billion from the Federal budget.

This is a good start and from two perspectives.  First, funding projects without ever having the merits of the project voted on is downright irresponsible.  Both Democrats and Republicans are to blame for this system that has ripped off We The People for decades.  Second, continuing to fund programs that have failed is insanity.  Throwing more money at these programs is worse.  And that is the way things are done in Washington.  Not to sound like Susan Powter, but STOP THE INSANITY.

So, for one day, my Bush bashing will go on hiatus.  Because he is right on this point.  

But the belts need to be tighened further.

In fact, take that stimulus package, which will buy millions of HDTV's, and redirect it to FIXING OUR ROADS AND BRIDGES ACROSS THE NATION!!!  That will create jobs, those jobs will lead to the spending of money.  That spending of money will....GET THIS...STIMULATE THE DAMNED ECONOMY!!!!!  

I will find my OWN way to buy a new HDTV.  It will just take a bit longer.   

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I want to express my condolences to my brother this morning.  Yesterday, he had to put his dog to sleep.  Boba Fett was a great dog and a great companion to my brother through the good times and bad over the last 11 plus years.  

I did call him last night, but I got the impression that he wasn't in the mood to talk.  (You got my number if/when you want to talk.)

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Also worth noting, former USC head football coach Larry Smith has passed away.  Around this part of the country, he is better known for coaching the Mizzou Tigers.  But, I think it is hard to argue that the high point of his career was his three straight Rose Bowls when he led the Trojans.  

Also worth nothing that was the same era when a good friend, who will remain nameless to protect him, was giving me a hard time for being a USC fan.  He did later convert to the Cardinal and Gold.

From what I have heard from everyone who knew him, Larry Smith was well liked and respected.