It's true that earmarks are a vehicle for (real or perceived) corruption, as well as a part of a culture that leads to reckless overspending. But the biggest problem with earmarks is simpler than that--it's that earmarks prevent competition, by definition. Every time there is an earmark--here in Washington or in the state capitals--that means taxpayer dollars will be spent on a project without the proper merit-based competitive bidding process that assures taxpayers get the best product or service at the best price.

I've got to hand it to you Jack Murtha. This guy has more questionable earmarks and ties to shady so-called civic organizations than you can shake a stick at.

The House will soon vote on stripping an earmark for the Southwest Pennsylvania Industrial Heritage Commission. What's that you ask? Here is some background, and you can make up your own mind about the merit of this earmark.