I'm not a big fan of earmarks generally. Even if specific projects are defensible, the process just seems fundamentally flawed. But what if the "earmark" is a suspension of a tariff duty? As a free trader, shouldn't I support that? According to this story, both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have engaged in the practice, taking money from companies who want a tariff reduction for specific products. John McCain, on the other hand, does not:
John McCain, the likely Republican nominee, does not introduce tariff suspension bills under "a longstanding policy — no private relief bills or any bills for one person," spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker said in an e-mail.
It's good to cut tariffs, right? But is it good to cut tariffs as a special favor to well-connected lobbyists? Tough call, but at least the process seems to be more transparent these days.
