Can someone clarify what an "earmark" is for me in plain english? And then possibly give an example? I keep hearing the word but I don't get what it means....
by 
WoOZackWoO
ANSWERS: 2
-
Originally an earmark was a mark given to an animal on the ear - usually a branding to identify the animal as being owned by a particular landowner/herder. Today they use ear-tagging similar to pierced ears, except the jewelry is plastic and has an identifying number and perhaps a name (of the owner of the beast). From its original use it was brought into the broader usage meaning 'identifier' such as in 'An earmark of poverty" meaning a quality or condition which is common or is easily identified as part of poverty.
-
This is my understanding..a bill is ready to be passed..some congressmen "tag on" pork for their constituents/for their state..so their constituents will think they are working hard for them. Pork like "the bridge to nowhere", for instance. Because so many of them do it, they operate under the "you rub my back and I'll rub yours" principle..they sign the dam* bill, knowing there is so much unnecessary pork..but since almost everyone is guilty as he** the bill passes, the states get their funding for stupid reasons, and everyone goes off on holiday! Meanwhile, we the people get it in the neck..again! :(
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC