I can't believe more people are upset about something this horrible. This is such an outrageous crime, such an obvious in-your-face robbery of the American people. The developer and the congressman should face fines of at least $20 million dollars (minimum twice what they stole) and should face prison sentences as well. Sentences in a normal prison, not some country-club type one.

Than again, America just looks the other way. Heck this post isn't even getting any attention, the crime certainly won't.

When President Clinton can give pardons to people who gave $1,000,000 contributions to Hillary's congressional campaign and get a clean bill, not to mention the other pardons that were obviously bought and paid for, when such earmarks above (although not so blatant) are done time and time again and no one cares about it, it is a sign that there is something incredibly wrong with America.

I actually heard about this coconut rd project a while ago on NPR as it related to the environmental impact of the development. I'm not suprised, nor would I be suprised if there was a D instead of an R before the representative's name. I'm sure he doesn't feel like he did anything wrong, and not just in a tell the media "I don't think I did anything wrong" way. People in power quickly become accustomed to the perks of being in power. He probably figured "Its not in my state or affecting my constituents directly, and it is coming from the pockets of the NATION's taxpayers, and if I don't take the money and vote someone else will" I think the bridge collapse will bring many of these strange bed fellows earmarks to light, but I doubt it will change anything as long as what it takes to win an election is overwhelming economic force.

Excellently said! You are also correct in that both parties play this criminal game.
As mentioned in the commemts what is to stop someone from changing the law to whatever they want, to something even more blatant.

Can't believe this happened 2 years ago and only now hearing about it.

so the lesson learned is:
politicians are corrupt.