Olive Fruit Flies: Good or Bad?

Don’t you hate it when those pesky fruit flies attack your expansive collection of olive trees? I know I do. That’s why I’m not too peeved that the U.S. government spent $211,509 last year on olive fruit fly research in Paris, France. However, I guess the Citizens Against Government Waste group members don’t enjoy olives in their martinis as much as I do. They included this pork barrel expenditure in their 2008 Congressional Pig Book, available online now.

The report provides details on thousands of government pet-projects across the country. New York Rep. Charles Rangel of Harlem received the highly-coveted “Narcissist Award” for his $2 million investment towards a City College center, which will don his own name.

But don’t feel left out, Hawaii and Alaska, because you’re finally included, even if it’s not in a geographical sense. You both had the highest “pork” per capita when it comes to needless spending.

Personally, I don’t really see what all the fuss is about. We need this kind of research. Who can argue with spending $460,752 on hops research? With the economy going the way it is, all the U.S. might have left are our pest-free olives and hoppy beer. Think about it people.

CAGW’s 2008 Pig Book Digs Up $17.2 Billion in Pork

Rangel Earns a ‘Narcissist Award’ From Pork Barrel Critics