Shaking up mindsets

"Yes, the amounts of pork we're identifying are chump change in comparison to the overall fiscal fiasco that we call the federal budget. But the exact dollar amounts saved by trimming specific pork projects aren't the point," writes New Zealand Bear re the efforts of us PorkBusters trying to get our Senators and Representatives to come out and tell us where they stand in the pork-for-Katrina debate:

To me, the point is to take a step --- a small one, granted -- towards a culture of greater fiscal responsiblity in Washington. If we can hold our representatives on Capitol Hill accountable for the small bits of pork, then perhaps that example will also make them think twice about the larger boondoggles that plague our government.

Think of it as a "broken windows" policy for the national budget. Just as urban police departments crack down on decay and neglect as a way to discourage the larger problem of serious crimes, we're stamping down on pork in the hopes that by so doing, we shake some sense into Congress and get them to take their responsibilties to the budget more seriously.

It might not work. But then again, maybe it will. Let's give it a try with our best efforts, and find out.

As we said in his comments:

It's so yesterday to say there's nothing we can do. How do we know -- and how can we live with ourselves -- if we don't try? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. When old saws come streaming to mind, you know you're on to something. This is about shaking up mindsets, and the "Broken Windows" analogy is perfect pitch.

Oh, yes, and there's a lovely InstaLanche in there, too.

Also this email from Crystal Patterson, internet operations manager of "Kennedy for Senate." [Was there ever any question? --ed]  It sounds like the senior Senator from Massachusetts is up to speed on the blogospheric imperative:

Hey!  I run Senator Kennedy’s campaign website, and I oversee all of our online outreach and organizing.  I got a heads-up that you were looking for some answers on some of the budget decisions that are going to have to be made because of Katrina (and as it stands now, probably Rita as well).  I wanted to get back to you and let you know I should have an answer for you shortly.

PS – I have a group of bloggers that I keep in contact with, especially in Massachusetts.  Can I add you to that list?

You sure can, cutie pie. She wants to convert us, and we want to convert her.  This could get interesting.

Technorati tag:  porkbusters.

Comments

[dymphna]

Thanks for the reminder and especially for the pork link.

I emailed our representative this morning. His grade is 73% -- would've been better but he voted yea on that horrible prescription boondoggle.

Anyway, thanks for getting me started; I'd been procrastinating.

[dymphna]

BTW, Kennedy hasn't been up to speed on anything since he crawled out of the pond in a drunken stupor. However, he does have the Kennedy ability to hire excellent staff and use them well.

Have you noticed he has trouble putting sentences together lately?

Sometimes I really miss Massachusetts -- especially this time of year. But I sure don't miss having him for my senator...I wonder whatever happened to Margaret Heckler?? She used to be my rep.

[goomp]

"To add a new "saw," "something ventured, something gained". Ripples on the surface from a beginning breeze come before a howling gale and an ocean torrent of shaking waves.