In Bed With Big Government

The Houston Chronicle:

Paul, the libertarian-leaning GOP lawmaker from Lake Jackson, said on NBC's Meet the Press that he has requested earmarks "because I represent people who are asking for some of their money back."

"They steal our money," said Paul, during a heated exchange with the show's host, Tim Russert, who questioned whether he was being true to his convictions.

This year Paul requested 65 earmarks, more than any other congressman in the Houston area, including money for the renovation of an old movie theater in Edna and wild shrimp marketing.

Paul's congressional district also has been among the top in Texas in receipt of federal assistance since 2000, receiving $31 billion from Washington, according to a study by the group OMB Watch. In the first nine months of the 2006 fiscal year, the district received $4 billion in federal aid.

His district, which hugs the Gulf Coast, and reaches into Brazoria County, receives a substantial amount of flood control aid.

Paul said that although he has requested earmarks, he did not vote for the final spending bills that include the special projects.

"I'm saying I represent my people. They have the request, it's like taking a tax credit," he said. "That's the system. I'm trying to change the system."

What a monumental hypocrite. It seems to me if you don't like the system, you work to change it. Dr. Paul seems to think the only way to change it is to utilize it (his district paid $31 billion since 2000? Yah, right!) and run for President.

He has as much chance of becoming president as Ralph Nader. Or Ross Perot. Or me.