Getting an earful on earmarks

There I was a couple miles high minding my own business when my phone rang. "Private" says the caller ID so I figured either a salesman or a politician with a canned recorded message. "Hi this is Dick" my usual salutation. "This is Sen. Ben Nelson" was the response from the other end.

Senator Ben was calling to express appreciation for the comments I'd made in last week's column about his admirable record of voting the will of the people, Nebraskans that is. Then the other shoe dropped. Senator Ben was not happy concerning my comment, "Now if we could just break him from conjuring up and voting earmarks in attempts to make himself look good for his next election!"

Senator Ben rightly told me that he had secured many projects, federal money that did good things for Nebraskans. I agree, I too like the concept when good things come our way. I just object having to pay for the projects that King of Pork Senator Byrd captures for West Virginia, Senator Stevens pulls in for Alaska, or any of the other 47 states where I don't live and seldom visit. I didn't mention the absolutely worthless $22 million foot bridge over the Missouri that Former Senator Kerrey dreamed up and we all get to pay for.

My perspective on grants ("free" federal money including earmarks) comes from experience in local government. If local officials deem a project necessary all they have to do is present the project to the voters those who pay the taxes to make it happen. If those who have to pay are in favor the project goes forward. If the voters say no, the project simply doesn't happen.

Earmarks, on the other hand, are slipped into the federal budget by stealth and seldom see the light of day before they are voted on by a Congress that only spends and escapes the paying part. Worse, the pork is usually attached to -- and therefore needlessly inflates -- essential appropriation bills. Again, we taxpayers are committed, but most likely not in line to reap a whit of any benefit that might come from the expense incurred.

I'd believe Senator Ben's contention that he doesn't do earmarks "to make himself look good" if the Senator didn't show up at the formal announcement of each essential project that he has secured for us. Senator Ben did point out to me that he does post all his recommended earmarks on his Web site.

I found it a little hard to navigate to the location, but yes, all his earmarks are listed there. Not quite like defending a local bond issue, but at least they are exposed to the light of day for anyone willing to dig a little.

Actually, I think the world of Senator Ben Nelson, a long time acquaintance and friend. He continues to do a good job for Nebraska in his position of considerable power. I wish he were not a Democrat, but then he didn't convince me that social-shaping federal handouts are a good thing, either.

Ann had a great day Friday. First she breakfasted at the Chief with a fun group of high school classmates. She then joined a long-time girlfriend for lunch at the Bieroc. Later that day I had a flying trip and invited her along to dine at a very nice Italian restaurant in Denver. We were back home a little after nine. She thinks she could grow accustomed to that lifestyle.

Flying home that night under a beautiful starlit sky, I heard another pilot tell Center they were diverting into McCook. ATC always curious as to the reason for landing at a destination other than the one originally filed had to ask. The lady's response was "potty break." Later, after hangaring our airplane, I found a young man and his female instructor pilot looking a little lost. Both turned out to be unrelated flight instructors who had rented the light twin in Miami in order to build multi-engine flying time. Departing Pensacola, Fla., that morning, they had spent most of the day sorting through nasty weather -- the deteriorating remains of hurricane Gustav.

Ever notice how young kids manage to announce a new illness a few minutes after the medical clinic closes on a Friday afternoon? Well airplanes are like that. This couple landed to take care of a pressing need, and a spot of fuel, only to find their airplane bleeding hydraulic fluid on the ramp. The mechanics had gone home and the place was locked up.

The old adage states, "If you have time to spare, go by air." Our couple elected to spend the night and press on in the morning.

After hours, the courtesy car simply wasn't available, so Ann and I loaded them up and took them to the friendly motel with the best breakfast. Next day our mechanic fixed their problem, a broken hydraulic line, and saw them on their way to visit friends in Whitefish, Mont.

That is the way I see it.