Re: economic stimulous package...I believe earmarks ARE needed.

[Joe Fields]

For once, I would not be opposed to earmarks being worked into the package. I would stipulate that only earmarks that would translate into the creation of jobs be considered. The process to determine how much money and how it would be divided fairly throughout the U.S. would take some negotiating, but if job creation is the goal to help stimulate the economy, then I believe that earmarks would not only provide creation of jobs throughout the country, but it could be a win/win situation for all congresscritters.

Although it was announced earlier today that Obama would not accept earmarks, his team corrected that statement later and said that only the earmarks which are transparent, those which had been discussed, debated on and approved would be allowed; that there would be no hidden earmarks.

[Greyhound]

1. How about reforming the SBA into a direct source of capital? n/t

[Joe Fields]

5. I wouldn't know the ramifications of implementing it,

but it is a real interesting idea. Do you know if anyone on the Hill has promoted it?

[Greyhound]

7. LOL! You're kidding, right?

No, nobody has promoted it. If anyone proposed it, and we ever heard about it, their lifespan could be measured in days.

The major ramification would be to dry up one of the biggest sources of corporate welfare.

[Taverner]

2. For me, now is the time for pork

Give me pork pie

[Joe Fields]

4. I want a pork pie hat.

[housewolf]

3. Obama used a conditional phrase re: earmarks that no one seems to mention

I can't remember the exact phrasing but it was something like "secret" earmarks, or "earmarks that no one voted on" or something like that... my take on is that there can be earmarks but that ther has to be transpancy about them... no more "middle of the night" earmarks or those snuck into bills without anyone else knowing about them.

I HOPE that's what he means... because to me it makes sense for legislators to have a some say in how the money that is appropriated is spent, but the secret/hidden nature of what's been going on is what's wrong.

[Joe Fields]

6. That is correct. Earmarks will be discussed openly (supposedly)

debated and voted on before being included in the package. No secret earmarks inserted slyly.