The Only Time Legislative Pork Works for Me

As one who supports limited government and all the fiscal responsibility and reduction in state services it entails, legislation like the recent highway bill should be a target of intense criticism. Yet there's one little nugget in that bill that gives me reason to be grateful for its passing. Although I believe that government should concentrate its roles in the protection of property (defense) and of its citizens' rights (police) while leaving education and healthcare to the private sphere, there's always a nice boondogle it should indulge in from time to time. Especially if that boondogle promises one these beauties:




My lucky hometown of Dallas is guaranteed to get two signature bridges by Santiago Calatrava, one the world's most celebrated architect/engineers. Sure there's no urgent need for such a flashy design, as the current bridges are fine though dull. And yet, there is something to be said for objects of beauty that can be seen at a distance, and Calatrava does not disappoint. Well done Texas congressmen and senators! I'm all for a little pork if we can have some more gorgeous architectural monuments out of the deal.