Government Waste 2014!
U.S. Senator Tom Coburn has released his annual “Wastebook
2014”. Coburn, the Republican from Oklahoma has a broad resume. He
earned a business degree, worked for 8 years for a manufacturer and
after suffering from malignant melanoma, went back to medical school and
became a doctor. He opened a practice specializing in family (maternity)
and delivered over 4000 babies. He was also a Deacon in a Baptist
Church. His opinion is welcome.
This report provides the Senator’s worst examples of wasteful spending. Totaling
approximately $25 billion dollars, this is really the tip of the
iceberg.
The report is required reading for those that get upset every time their taxes
increase.
How about Swedish massages for rabbits costing $387K? Or synchronized swimming
for sea monkeys at a cost of $307K.
Here’s one? Promoting U.S. culture around the globe with nose flutists at a cost of
$90 million. That doesn’t sound good for a number of reasons. In
another, a team of University of Florida (UF) researchers secured a
nearly $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to
create a new communication (social media) network for fossil enthusiasts
and professionals. There are plenty more and one must wonder what else
lies under the covers.
Sadly, this is Senator Coburn’s final Wastebook, as he is not running again. The
Senator had some influence from Senator William Proxmire, the Democrat
from Wisconsin. Wasteful spending is one are that has bipartisan
support. Both parties can take credit for this very interesting booklet.
Enjoy!
Mark Schuster, Partner
October 24, 2014
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