Right, Left Agree on Spending Database

Finally, there is something the Right and the Left agree on -- a proposal by Oklahoma's Senator, Tom Coburn to list all government contracts and grants in a searchable online database.

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But Mr. Coburn's plan, hailed by conservatives, is also sponsored by a Democrat, Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, and applauded by liberal groups that support activist government. The result is a showcase of clashing assumptions and the oddest of coalitions, uniting Phyllis Schlafly, a prominent critic of gay rights, with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

Liberal groups, while also praising openness, are hoping for a new appreciation of what government does, like provide clean water and feed the hungry. "We need to remind people where Uncle Sam helps us each day," said Gary Bass, director of OMB Watch, a liberal group that got its start monitoring the Office of Management and Budget.