Ear marks, for the a large part, are funding for important research that

[WCGreen]

doesn't pass the market test. In other words, no one else will do the research because there is simply no financial pay off.

It's how stuff like the Internet, bio-tech and other important discoveries come to light.

It also goes toward projects too small to be considered for taping into the highway funds, and don't forget funds directed at libraries and museums.

Sure, there is abuse of the system, but I would rather take a small hit in fluff than stop the important stuff that comes out of earmarks...

You know what would be really cool...

Fund a wax museum with earmark money...