Remember how Democrats seized a congressional majority in 2006 — based partly on promises to reform a “culture of corruption”?

In 1994, the GOP also had a reformist agenda. But the so-called “Republican Revolution” actually installed a couple reforms before getting co-opted by politics-as-usual.

For the past couple years, especially after Hurricane Katrina, increasing pressure has been put on the Congress to reduce rampant earmarks. Glenn Reynolds of InstaPundit fame, along with a group called Porkbusters, deserve credit for putting congressional feet to the fire. Some pork has indeed been cut thanks to their efforts. Oh, and to those of a few congressmen, such as Senators Tom Coburn and Jim DeMint.

But overall, the rising of tide of earmarks continues to lift lobbyist liners while sinking the fiscal ship of state. The Office of Management and Budget reports that there are over 12,000 earmarks slated for this fiscal year, totaling some $24.7 billion. Funding for a Woodstock museum and for some kind of home for the perfect Christmas tree were the only two earmarks axed from the billowing budget.

And all pork was supposed to be added to a searchable public database before being voted on, so we taxpayers could take a look and maybe raise a fuss. Congress accepted the requirement but has now waived it.

They call that reform? They agree to change how you do things, but add a proviso saying, “Oh, never mind!”?

That makes zero sense . . .  and zero reform.

This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.