Why don't the taxpayers get a say on how our taxes are spent?

Of course they get a say, it is called elections. Those that are elected decide how our tax money is used. That is why when they run for office one of their talking points is taxes. Right now tax money is very important, with all the problems with the recession, Iraq/Afghanistan War and now the Oil spill tax money is extremely important and so who is elected come November is very important.

That's the theory behind representative government. If you want things done differently, either let him or her know or vote for someone else. And you have the option to run for office yourself.

Can you think of a better way?

You have the freedom to petition your government. That does include sending a letter to your Congressman. And yes, you're allowed to rant about our wasted tax money.

Taxpayers get to vote for representatives that they feel will represent how they want their tax dollars spent.

The politicians spending our taxes this way were voted in by the people.

We voted in people to do that and it is our fault for NOT voting them out when they do STUPID things. We can not realistically ALL vote on every single issue that they vote on. It isn't logistically possible or financially reasonable to expect we could.

Well we elect officials who determine that, it is a democracy and that's unfortunately one of the side effects of it.

Call you Congressman.... that's the government. Quit bellyaching - it's the best shot we got.

Because, this is America.