The Politex blog of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram tells of a rather humorous incident. Last Thursday, John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth unveiled their new patient tower. The five-story state-of-the-art medical center will begin taking patients in May.
One of the big-shots invited to the unveiling ceremony was the right-wing metroplex Republican and member of Congress, Joe Barton. Rep. Barton decided to use the occasion to defend some Republican-style politics. He decided to speak up for the much-maligned practice of "earmarking" (the tacking of pet spending projects onto popular bills).
Speaking about earmarks, Barton pointed at the new tower and said, "There is a reason that they're good and you're looking at it right there."
The only problem with the statement is that the new building wasn't the beneficiary of an earmark. In fact, the facility was built without any kind of federal funds. Barton is trying to take credit for something that didn't happen.
Maybe it's time for him to retire.
What a doofus.
ReplyDeleteHospital or not, earmarks are wrong when they are not transparent and voted on.
I'm fine with Federal money for hospitals. But, I want that Federal money going where it will objectively do the most good. Not where there is a Congressman who needs to buy some people off.
"Doofus" is a good word for him. He even looks the part.
ReplyDelete