Government Subsidies and Our Food Bills
Do we really know the how and why behind government subsidies? Who do they benefit and why were they created in the first place? We’ll talk this hour with writer Thomas M. Kostigen, author of the new book “The Big Handout: How Government Subsidies and Corporate Welfare Corrupt the World We Live In and Wreak Havoc on Our Food Bills” (Rodale, 2011). [listen]
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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?
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.
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