The partnership between pork and politicians

There’s been much talk of late about pork and politicians larding up proposed legislation, particularly in light of the recent spending bills. These terms may seem better suited for the barbecue pit than the hallowed floors of Congress, but they refer to a process that, depending on one’s perception, amounts to everything from political compromise to the wasteful, even corrupt spending of federal tax dollars.

When Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States last month, he inherited war, some of the most trying economic conditions since the Great Depression, and a number of other major concerns facing the country.

Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia, the longest serving senator in history (54 years) made this speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate on June 28, 2007.

Mr. President, I feel compelled to address head on, I mean head on, the news stories in recent weeks that have pointed out the shocking discovery, yes, shocking discovery, that I am growing older. Did you get that? Shocking discovery that I am growing older.