Some taxpayers sounding off over bailout pork

by Troy Kehoe (tkehoe@wsbt.com)

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A man protesting the proposed Congressional bailout

A man protesting the Congressional bailout holds an altered American flag on Wall St. Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

By WSBT News1

SOUTH BEND — It was the moment millions of investors had been waiting for. On Friday, the highly anticipated Wall Street bailout became a done deal. But it comes at a cost: controversy over billions of dollars in pork barrel spending.

President Bush called Friday's vote on a financial rescue package "the right move" to help prevent the crisis on Wall Street from becoming a crisis in communities across the country. He quickly signed the $700 billion government bailout after the House approved it by a vote of 263 to 171.

Senators passed the bill by a 3 to 1 margin on Wednesday.

"Congress and the President had to do something," said Saint Mary's College Political Science Professor Sean Savage. "And something almost became anything. And doing anything was better than doing nothing."

Local congressmen Joe Donnelly, Mark Souder, and Fred Upton supported the bailout plan. Congressman Mike Pence voted against it. None one changed their votes from earlier this week.

On Wall Street, enthusiasm over the bailout bill, gave way to worries about obstacles still facing the economy, as the majors averages fell again.

But it wasn't just investors worried about the "rescue plan."

Some taxpayers are changing their tune too after learning what it took to get the bailout passed: loads of pork — and not the kind you eat.

Pork barrel "pet projects" and tax breaks from individual congressmen and senators included in the bailout bill add up to nearly $100 billion, and you won't believe where all that money is going.

Supporters of the bailout plan says it's a sign of hope for a drowning economy.

Critics say Congress went "hog wild" to do it — giving out tax breaks like it was a fire sale.

The rescue package include $2 million for wooden arrow manufacturers in Oregon.

Then there's the $148 million in tax breaks for companies that make wool, the $192 million for rum producers in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, and $239 million to help fisherman in Alaska struggling to recover from the Exxon Valdez oil spill nearly 20 years ago.

There's $100 million included to help the owners of several car race tracks, and $478 million to assist those struggling film and television producers in Hollywood.

And that's just a drop in the $100 billion bucket.

Voters WSBT spoke with about the "pork" were, well, less than thrilled about the choices.

"I think it's stupid," said Sarah Lottes of South Bend. "[It's irresponsible], very. They just don't get it."

"It's just digging a bigger hole," said Samantha Morales of South Bend. "[It makes me frustrated], a lot."

"I think it's kind of ridiculous. I'm very upset. Our kids and grandkids are going to have to pay for all of this," said Russ Smith of Mishawaka.

In order to "cook up" a new solution, opponents of the bailout plan said it had to include some incentives to "sweeten the deal." Failure to pass a bailout would've been a recipe for disaster, said supporters.

"I joined the effort with a number of folks to try and strip out some of that junk — that pork that was added in the Senate. But, we didn't have the votes," said Rep. Fred Upton, (R-St. Joseph, MI). "The alternative of failing [to pass a rescue package] was not one many folks wanted to face again."

Experts say, that's nothing new.

"This is something that typically happens on a regular basis on a major trade bill, or on the annual federal budget bill," said Savage. "Some of these so-called pork barrel projects have been necessary to get their votes."

It's rare, though, experts say, to see this many projects pushed through all at once.

But with election day just a month away, some believe the only way some in the House could justify their votes of support for the plan would be to "bring home the bacon" in the form of a high profile local "pet project" or fund.

That boosted the bailout bill from 3 pages just 4 days ago to more than 400 pages by the time senators were done with it.

Supporters say the additions aren't all bad, because they include a new, higher cap on the amount the government will insure on your savings. The limit is now $250,000 per person; up from the previous level of $100,000.

It also offers new tax breaks for businesses trying to rebuild after Hurricane Ike, and supporters say it will help put the economy back on track.

Regardless of the reasons, for some, the "bailout bonuses" are the last straw.

Their support for a rescue plan will be on hold until, well, pigs fly.

Savage says what's "pork" to some may be "prime rib" to others. So, cutting out all pork spending may be somewhat unrealistic.

One way to avoid that problem, says Upton?

"Republican president or Democratic president, they ought to have a line item veto. And it ought to be, not only on spending, but also on tax provisions," he said.

Without a change, Upton says the pork will just keep piling up.

Tuesday, Oct 7 at 7:17 AM Conservative wrote ...

3:54 J...That rant sounds familiar??? Is there a letter missing from your name in this post?

Monday, Oct 6 at 4:44 PM wow wrote ...

354 J: We didn't vote for the crooked one, W has a good upright posture. We voted for the puppet:)

Monday, Oct 6 at 3:22 PM Minorities? wrote ...

We are blaming GREEDY people who wanted something for nothing. I don't care what color they are. ALL greedy people no matter what color they are who knew they could not pay for a 250k home and a new car on a 30k income. Don't confuse the facts with your race card rantings. That is cheap banter designed to ignore the problem.

Monday, Oct 6 at 2:54 PM J wrote ...

We had Bush in office eight years and voting was screwed up in Florida one year and Ohio the next(something was not right, but people never made a big deal out of it). The Bush family formed the Carlye Group with the Bin Laden family and was selling arms to foreign countries and they are probably the ones killing our US soldiers now. We went to Iraq to find Bin Laden for the 9/11 attacks and came back with Sadaam. Nobody seemed to worry about voting for a crooked politician then.

Monday, Oct 6 at 2:22 PM Myrt wrote ...

Our economy during the Clinton era was a "false economy" due to the dot com era and the IPO's. I'm tempted to vote ALL the incumbants I can out, the new people can't be any worse.

Monday, Oct 6 at 12:56 PM conservative wrote ...

the economy was GREAT when Clinton was in office right? HELLO PEOPLE was Congress left or right then?...are people that DIM not to realize WHO MAKES THE LAWS? To Obama supporters...look up ACORN and Bill Ayres...is that really who you want in charge of YOUR country? Or just stay on the band wagon and if god forbid you get what you want see for yourself just what "change" is in store

Monday, Oct 6 at 12:26 PM wow wrote ...

hey 1207: i agree, some(one) has some race issues.

Monday, Oct 6 at 12:05 PM Leo wrote ...

Check out the economy years ago, that was prior to the Democratic congress. Also check out the top former CEO's of Fannie Mae, F. Raines and , T. Howard, and J. Johnson of Lehman where they are now. Rains is Obama's Campaign Chief Economic Advisor, Howard i Obama's Chief Economic Advisor, and Johnson was selected to run Obama's VP search campaign. The pendulum swings in the direction of who you pal around with.

Monday, Oct 6 at 11:15 AM OBAMA wrote ...

Please vote for McCain. I will destroy everything!!

Monday, Oct 6 at 11:07 AM Anonymous wrote ...

OMG....now you guys are blaming this on minorities. Your hate shows no boundries. If you look at these corporations, they are run by white men. Most of the loans were given to white people. And who profited, white investors and realtors, builders, etc. Go find out the facts and simply acknowlege you probably have some race issues

Monday, Oct 6 at 8:39 AM Fred wrote ...

In 1994, the lawsuit Buycks-Roberson v. Citibank Fed. Sav. Bank forced lending institutions to give loans to minorities, even if they weren't qualified. This started the problem we have today. One of the lawyers for the plaintiff was Barack H Obama from Illinois. http://clearinghouse.wustl.edu/detail.php?id=10112

Monday, Oct 6 at 5:24 AM hey julie... wrote ...

Obama worked and trained ACORN members. They pressured banks into giving loans to "at risk" people. The "at risk" people defaulted and now you and I are forced to pay for it. You can't blame one side or the other. They were ALL mixed up in this mess. I personally do not believe that there is a spit in the river's difference between one politician and another any longer. They are all the same. What vote do we have left if both sides want the same thing?

Monday, Oct 6 at 5:18 AM Time! wrote ...

Time to vote for Luke Puckett. If you don't, do not complain any longer.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 4:19 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

Can you imagine what a much better job the Snyder's could have done for Roseland had THEY thought about applying for a 700 Billion dollar bail-out?

Sunday, Oct 5 at 3:18 PM IRATE-BROJOE wrote ...

DEAR FOLKS I AM DISAPPOINTEDIN JOHN MCCAIN FOR NOT DIGGING IN HIS HEELS AND CALLING THESE PEOPLE OUT. HE SAYS HE IS A REPUBLICAN, WHEN WILL HE START ACTING LIKE ONE, PORK IS WHAT WE DON'T NEED, AND HE SHOULD KNOW THAT. HOW CAN WE AS A NATION SURVIVE, WHEN SUCH LEADERS, ARE DOING AS MUCH AS THEY CAN TO DESTROY OUR ECONOMY.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 1:04 PM safe-t wrote ...

700 billion is a small price to pay to keep our roads safe. That's only $2300 a person.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 9:23 AM D_Brett wrote ...

Well I think many of us were against this bailout but our elected officals still voted for it even though we said no I think its time to vote them out in November show them we want change.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 9:05 AM wow wrote ...

buying these failed mortgages is like buying a hool-a-hoop factory. they failed for a reason. 800 billion should have been spent on "businesses dedicated" towards a reduction in our dependence for oil. its time for a lot of people to understand the consequeces of "HARDLINE VOTING" and for all our sake, GET RID OF THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE!! its not the solution, but it is the biggest STEPPING STONE in a creek full of TAX-PAYER EATING PIRANA

Sunday, Oct 5 at 7:43 AM SS wrote ...

If you are bashing Democrats for the pork in this bill- you might want to remember... The majority of Democrats passed the bill the first time without all the pork. The Republican vote was needed so all the pork was added and the Republicans changed their minds.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 7:15 AM steve wrote ...

puckett has my vote

Sunday, Oct 5 at 6:15 AM Ed wrote ...

To 4:42PM Julie, You hit the nail on the head there. The economy has gotten a lot worse the last 2 years. That is also when the Democrats took control of Congress; coincidence; I think not. Julie 9:35 is correct except Regan started deregulation which is a good thing but it was allowed to get out of hand in the banking world. Let's not forget that the people who took these sub prime loans are just as guilty. You never bite off more then you can chew if the worse case scenario happens.

Sunday, Oct 5 at 3:20 AM Kent wrote ...

Well maybe its time to vote libertarian come on ppl enough of the old ways lets try something new

Sunday, Oct 5 at 1:10 AM Anonymous wrote ...

You think it is bad now if Obama gets in office he will sell us all down the river. I really don't think the government gives a heck about the American people. I wonder who will be next in line with their hand out wanting to be bailed out. This country has went to the dogs or should I say hogs!!

Saturday, Oct 4 at 8:35 PM Julie, congress runs the country wrote ...

Next year you won't have Bush too blame. Maybe then you will realize it all falls on Congress. The President does not have line item veto power & his veto of any bill can be overturned by Congress. We live in a capitalist republic and the market would have fixed itself in time. The democrat senate made this mess not Bush. That doesn't mean I agree with him. This problem started when Clinton & the republicans deregulated, there is more to it than HYPE! Stocks go up & down daily...

Saturday, Oct 4 at 7:19 PM Jacques Necker wrote ...

There They Go Again" The Imperial Washington bleeding us taxpayers so they can live like Royalty and give our money ( Almost a Trillion in this case) to their friends and champaign donors. This time they just rubbed our noses in it a little more than usual to show us how really powerless we are. The French came up with a solution for this problem a few years back? Cake anyone? Jacques Necker "There is always a solution"

Saturday, Oct 4 at 4:37 PM Bob wrote ...

AND NEITHER DO YOU!

Saturday, Oct 4 at 3:42 PM Julie wrote ...

To For Julie at 2:35: I understand the power of a sitting president. This plan was initially called Bush's plan; who admitted that he needed our tax dollars to bail out Wall Street. Obviously congress was involved as our constitution is designed. However, it was Bush that brought on the "hype" causing stocks to plummet by his remarks to the press before the 1st vote. The economy has sucked for 2 years. All of a sudden he notices & he thought the world would was ending that day.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 3:22 PM This is 9:01 Julie wrote ...

To Voting for Arnold: 1st off read the paper, BUSH was the voice encouraging the bailout. Obama voted yes AS DID MCCAIN. But remember BUSH caused the hype. This bailout filled with pork money will come from your tax dollar. That's what Bush does with your taxes. During his 8 years we have also accumulated more foreign debt than ever before. Unless you want to be owned by these countries, taxes will have to raise to pay this debt as well as pay for the pork in the bailout.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 2:47 PM Dorie wrote ...

There are several obvious reasons why things are insuch disarray: politicians, gas prices which has & is taking minimum an extra $100 per month per household, illegals, higher cost 4 groceries, utilities, taxes, the screw the south bend residents option income tax, property tax, gas tax, incompetent office holders, people like B. Patrick Bauer-double dippers, and so on. Quit blaming us hard working,non welfare citizens who struggle 2 pay all our bills.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 1:36 PM TSH wrote ...

I wll not vote for Donnelly or anyone else who voted for this bill. There were plenty of other alternatives to this crap! Check out the Dave Ramsey Website for other solutions that would have cost us so little, and would have helped both investors and people w shady mortgages!

Saturday, Oct 4 at 1:35 PM For Julie wrote ...

Please do not vote in November. You are a very misinformed individual that knows nothing about congress or the power of a sitting president.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 1:03 PM alan wrote ...

I can't understand why the major news networks won't devote more air time exposing pork and the people responsible.Katy, you should make fools of these people instead of a Governor running for President.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 12:25 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I agree some of that money should have been distributed among taxpayers. Perhaps save a family from losing their home by paying up on their mortgage, buying gas to get to work, food, etc. The government easily could have done that and restricted what it could be used for (i.e. not going to a bar drinking all night with it). But no, there isn't ANYthing in this of us "common folk" who struggle daily - only those with already swollen pockets who were (yet again) saved. WHAT ABOUT US?

Saturday, Oct 4 at 12:20 PM Voting for Arnold wrote ...

Thanks Cornfusion....those are traits of all humans not just Americans. Julie....Obama voted for this bailout along with everyone else. Obama is not what we need as a leader at this time. He will take what little we have when he increases taxes to pay for all his socialistic plans. This country does not have $700 billion sitting in a safe somewhere. So think about where this $$$ is going to come from? And you want Obama in office to add even more taxation to fund his projects? Open your eye.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 11:48 AM rcculver wrote ...

$110 BILLION in pork. This Democrat Congress said 2 years ago NO MORE PORK. What happen to their promise ? No one in Congress is honorable anymore.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 10:21 AM Thanks Cornfusion wrote ...

My initial reaction to this 'Cornfusions' response was to dismiss it. But I could not stop thinking about it and he is right! What being an American has come to mean is, grab all you can at all expense and conduct your life like there's no tomorrow. I believe our worldly neighbors see us just as that. We pushed the Indians out, exploited blacks, destroyed forests and wiped out much wildlife. This has become a mentality that defines us.Pork belongs in Hot Dogs in ball parks, not in our budgets.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 10:10 AM America Veteran wrote ...

The 700 BILLION should have been divided up by the 200 MILLION taxpayers over 18 years old in the country. Now THAT would have been a stimulus package ! Whoever voted FOR that handout should not be re-elected, for anything, even dog catcher.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 9:31 AM Todd wrote ...

The very same day congress votes on this bill there is a bidding war between banks to buy the bad assets of a failing bank. Hmm. Do they not see that the banking market has been self correcting all week? I am certainly not economist, but I do have a little common sense. Congress did not vote this bill in to save us from bad debt...they did it so the stock market would not tank again and they loose all their personal investments.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 9:21 AM Jim wrote ...

It's not a rescue plan, it's not even a bailout. It's a HANDOUT! Welfare for the rich! It's for wealthy CEOs and investment bankers who have may be in danger of losing their golden parachutes. This bill, now law, is going to destroy everyday Americans like you and me.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 9:13 AM not all bad wrote ...

I heard that part of the bill is a $25 a month tax break for people who bicycle. That's enough to make me a supporter. Once there are enough of us out there, suv and mini van and car drivers will start paying attention, slow down. Or else a gang of bicyclists will take care of them.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 8:42 AM Erick Marsh wrote ...

My investments in money market and 401k are safe? What about my life insurance and my CDs. There is so much talk about the bail out and we folks that work so hard during our lifetime and saved and invested then they tell us that everything is gone.. just like that. Gone and you are broke. Who should we blame? Who will give us back all our money lost? I heard that some people are jumping out the window in desperation for their huge loses. Would we do the same? Whe is keeping all our money???

Saturday, Oct 4 at 8:06 AM shoppy wrote ...

Go to congress.org to see how our reps voted FYI Richard Lugar yes Evan Bayh Yes Joe Donnaly Yes Mark Souder Yes

Saturday, Oct 4 at 8:01 AM Julie wrote ...

Bush spent 8 years not caring about the economy. McCain says we're a bunch of whiners & the economy is strong. Yet, all of a sudden Bush starts crying crisis, crisis! Lo & behold due to the hype & the panic HE created, Bush succeeded in pushing through this bailout. All the while Bush KNEW about the B.S. hidden inside the bill that doesn't help the American middle class one stinking bit! It doesn't help the PEOPLE. Read it $478 million for TV producers in HOLLYWOOD? Vote OBAMA!!!!

Saturday, Oct 4 at 7:57 AM shoppy wrote ...

Your yes vote was wrong ! What even made it worse and a slam in the voters face was all the pork included. Why mot go after the CEO who made millions? Your yes vote cost you my vote. Im sick of pork spending and bailing out milti million dollar corporations Time to clean the offices of our elected officals

Saturday, Oct 4 at 7:21 AM Ed wrote ...

Another fine example of how out of touch our Congress is. I can't beleive they would laden a bill like this with all this pork especially this close to an election; what morons. Of course the Democrats will all blame Bush and the Republicans but it is Congress not the President that makes the laws and it is much worse since the Democrats took control of Congress 2 years ago; remember when we voted for CHANGE? Well we got it, more pork in every bill. This November FIRE THEM ALL!!!!!

Saturday, Oct 4 at 7:20 AM Doug Hampton wrote ...

Someone please explain to me why these senators that added this pork to the bill haven't been identified and had their names plastered over the tv and newspapers.The only way that these fat cats will really change is if they know that they will be accountable to the general public by being identified for such outragous votes.

Saturday, Oct 4 at 7:13 AM Dick Merryman Newark,Ohio wrote ...

Those who put pork in the Bailout bill should be "HUNG BY A ROPE ON A PUBLIC SQUARE" they are no worse than a theif.They got paid under the taxpayers table of TRUST.Who were they and what was there PORK reasons? Publecise them.

Friday, Oct 3 at 11:50 PM Corn(burp)fusion wrote ...

Things have been tough for a long time and getting tougher but I think it would be unAmerican to serve anything less than 100% pork Ballparks in our stadiums.

Friday, Oct 3 at 11:18 PM sean wrote ...

I will never vote for any congressman who voted for this handout. If they wanted to help the economy, then help the people who need it not the ones who will take their proverbial ball and go home.

Friday, Oct 3 at 11:11 PM Renee wrote ...

Another fine example of our government's ineptitude. We've got people ruining, I mean running this country who couldn't find their way out of a paper bag with a flashlight, a compass and a map.

Friday, Oct 3 at 10:57 PM Goshen wrote ...

Do NOT vote for anyone who voted for this bill! We need to show these yahoos who is in charge here, and it's not them. If this rescue pachage was so important they should have passed it without all the pork. Guys, you just lost my vote.

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