Army Waits for Aid as the Pork Piles Up

Re “Army Awaits Emergency Aid as Senate Tacks Pet Projects to Bill,” April 17: This report is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our elected officials packing pork into major legislation meant to address one or two major issues. Senate aide Jenny Manley says, “Any amendments came as an afterthought and did not take money from the troops.”

How stupid does she think her paycheck providers (taxpayers) are? No money from the troops justifies adding millions for fish hatcheries, forest road repairs or desalination plants?

If any esteemed senator wants money for a pet project back in his or her own state, then why not introduce a stand-alone bill just for that purpose?

Here’s why not: The other 99 senators would tack on their own self-serving amendments!

Dennis Erkel

Burbank