Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Simeone on April 12, 2012 at 8:52pm

The massive subsidies given corn growers have a lot to do with how unhealthy the average American’s diet is. How is that Republicans from farming states can get away with talking about Capitalism on one hand and supporting ridiculous subsidies on the other?

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on April 12, 2012 at 9:01pm

hey Jonathan ... Have you heard of the documentary "Food Inc."? It talks about corn growers and ethanol production, instead of food and the subsidies and such.

Thanks for the link Dallas .. Will check it out.

Permalink Reply by Dallas (on hiatus) on April 21, 2012 at 6:16pm

Well, it's not just the republicans who are give subsidies. I think part of the economic motivation behind subsidies is to hide the true cost of production, giving the illusion that food is cheaper than it really is. This drives our economy, and it makes US-grown food easier to export to other nations that may not be able to match our prices, since subsidies make it so low. I'm not saying that's right or fair. And it is hypocritical of all those who champion free-market enterprise like some religion. I'm just saying that that is what drives it.

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Simeone on April 13, 2012 at 12:50am

Hi Steph, I hadn't heard about that documentary but I'll try and find it online. I know about the problems caused by ethanol though and I oppose those too. As long as Iowa continues playing such a large role in American politics I don't see ethanol's standing changing.