Glenn Reynolds, the Insta-dude, posted an e-mail from one of his readers; read it for yourselves. In summary, Mr. Butler brings up the possibility of bloggers from each state putting pressure on their Congressional delegations to suspend federal funding for some local projects. This money can then be reallocated to help rebuild the areas devastated by hurricane Katrina. As an example, he lists bloggers in Alaska and the federal funding of the "Bridge to Nowhere."
I think the idea of suspending the federal funding of local projects is a sensible idea in the aftermath of Katrina. I'm sure some projects are reasonable, while others are mere pork; but even federal funding for a sensible project can be put off in light of the anticipated cost of bring New Orleans back to life.
Likewise, the suggestion that blogs could influence the decision makers [or influence those who influence the decision makers] is also on target, and for more than one reason. Collectively, weblogs do have the ability to inform, fact-check, refine arguments, and to persuade. This plan presents another benefit: different factions within the blogosphere could have a common objective. Liberal-leaning bloggers who would normally advocate increased federal funding for social programs might be on board with moving some money away from such programs -- temporarily -- in order to meet more pressing needs in Louisiana. I'm sure they would also want to protect certain services, and would sacrifice unnecessary and costly pork to ensure social programs stay funded. Bloggers to the right of center who naturally lean towards reduced federal spending could push for delaying or denying the funding of projects that threaten to ballon the ever-increasing deficit. Reducing the overall size and scope of the federal government would also be a motivation for conservative bloggers. Even non-partisan and single issue advocacy blogs could get involved. Want to ensure your program stays funded? Time to get on the bandwagon and strip the funding from obviously unnecessary pork projects in your state.
The goal would be the same for all groups: help [or force] Congress to re-assess spending priorities in light of the massive rebuilding necessary in southern Louisiana.
One more thing: which "Bridge to Nowhere" are we discussing? The Copper River Bridge? The Knik Arm crossing? The Gravina Access Project?
Alaska even has the "Last Train to Nowhere" -- a not-so-shrewd transportation initiative from the last century.
In fairness, I'm not sure if any federal money was spent on the repairs to the Copper River Bridge. And while I don't buy the rationale behind the Gravina Access Project, there are arguments for and against the Knik Arm crossing that seem reasonable at first glance. Having recently moved to Anchorage from Maryland, I haven't heard enough of the debate to form an opinion yet.
I do believe that in the wake of Katrina that Congress must re-prioritize, and no state or local project that receives federal funding should be exempted from the scrutiny. Let's hope the blogosphrere can have a positive impact.
Update: Saturday, 1:30pm ADT
Welcome Instapundit readers. I've been blogging for about 12 days now. I had 196 hits as of last night, in the ballpark of 500 today thanks to the Instalanche.
Update: Sunday morning
A little over 1,100 hits yesterday. Mister Snitch has some thoughts on the subject, too. 15 minutes, now back to obscurity. Heh, as they say.
Update: Sunday 2:15pm ADT
Some more folks are looking to differ federal funding ear-marked for their states, to help pay for the rebuilding of southern Louisiana. Jay Tea at Wizbang leads the charge. Impossible Scissors talks about suspending our race back to the moon. Stupid and Wrong wants to know who's calling to see those bridges and highways to nowhere scrapped. The Conjecturer believes that Rep. Tom "ongoing vicory" Delay has no shame. Elephant in Exile thinks the President should have called out some Congressmen and Congresswomen by name, specifically Rep. Don Young from here in Alaska. Division of Labour details some good things happening in Bozeman, Montana. And of course the Insta-dude has a great round-up of other blogs looking to cut the fat in the wake of Katrina, and some sound advice for Monday morning.
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