earmark increase

I tend to believe that both sides of the legislative aisle tend to be about equally corrupt (which is probably less so than often thought), depending on which party is in control. This statement from The Christian Science Monitor seems to exceed my expectations, though:

"Since Republicans took back control of the House, the number of earmarks on spending bills has soared from 1,439 to nearly 14,000, according to Citizens Against Government Waste. Over the same period, the number of lobbyists has jumped from 10,798 to 30,402, many of whom now specialize in obtaining earmarks in spending bills for their clients."

Nice. I'd like some reporter to throw that info back in a GOP politician's face when he invokes the demons of special interests, liberal spending, or pork. I'd also like one to keep this stat handy for when the Dems do get back in power, and compare it to their performance. Then again, maybe we'll be lucky enough to have some honest legislation in place to curb this kind of slimy crap. *sound of strong inhale and holding of breath*

I'm guessing this breathtaking increase is due to a confluence of factors, the most important of which is the majority stranglehold that the Republicans are currently enjoying (others being items like a reckless administration, a glut of spending on 'security' issues, and the timely culmination of an incredibly successful and farsighted political machine that has lifted the likes of Tom Delay from the muck). Yet another indicator that the best government is one split down the middle, so neither side can get too much done. So next time you vote, try to hold your nose and spread the love around a little, will ya?

This is the entire article, which is actually about the GOP's recent struggle to find a new House leader.