04/19/06: Leo Gerstenzang: A Liberating Inventor You Should Know

Jefferson said, “When a people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty.” Time for liberty to make a come back. Time for Leo Gerstenzang to work his magic.

Eighty years ago a Polish-born American named Leo Gerstenzang invented the cotton swab. Though it went through various name changes, since 1926 we have known this innovation as the Q - Tip. Simply, the Q -Tip made it easier to clean out our inner ear.

Today in Congress, earmarks are again tyrannizing us. An earmark, often called “pork,” is a budget appropriation added my a member of Congress benefitting a narrow constituent interest. According to the Citizens Against Government Waste’ latest Pork Book (see www.cagw.org) the U.S. Government earmarked close to $30 billion dollars during fiscal year 2006. This is a 6 percent increase over last year. And what would the most outlandish earmarks look like? Examples of prime PORK?

According to CAGW, here are some of the most egregious acts:

$13,500,000 for the International Fund for Ireland, which helped finance the World Toilet Summit; $6,435,000 for wood utilization research; $1,000,000 for the Waterfree Urinal Conservation Initiative; and $500,000 for the Sparta Teapot Museum in Sparta, N.C.

Thankfully, the Regular Guys and others are beginning to take notice. Once used to grease the wheels of the budgetary process, earmarks have made the notion of fiscal responsibility a mockery. Media watchdogs and other guardians of the public weal have begun to raise a serious stink over excessive pork inside Washington D.C. Lobbying scandals and earmark abuse are one in the same. The government has been put on watch.

Earmarks, as we know them, may soon be a thing of the past. We the people have found a way to clean them up. Like Leo Gerstenzang said eighty years ago, “What a country. Sweet land of liberty.” Out with the old tyranny and in with a fresh dose of liberty. Our government has been put on notice again by “We the people.”

Just like Leo Gerstenzang did some eighty years ago. When we see a mess, time to step up and act. What are you waiting for?