Farm Lobby Beats Back Assault On Subsidies (WSJ)

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120657645419967077.html?mod=hpp_us_pageone

jakoblodwick:

This is it, folks – tyranny in action, at your expense. It’s mob rule; it’s the old idea of a screaming, pitchfork-waving horde. Except that it’s on a national scale, and it’s happening right now, in March, 2008. To summarize: Billions of federal tax dollars will continue to go directly to farmers (and farming corporations) because these people demand stability. That is, unlike you, they want they income guaranteed by the government instead of earning it like every other person. And since the government gets its money from tax payers, you are directly financing this out of your paycheck.

Via adamiss

This thinking is so wrong. I’m against tobacco subsidies. I’m against price guarantees. I’m against farm subsidizes for non-resident farm owners (rich guys in the city) who own the land and collect the checks from the government as well as farm subsidies for farm corporations.

But when folks want “local” and organic produce that means not grown 3 countries away and shipped in by container boat. Everyone could subsidize the American farmer if you’d be willing to pay higher prices, but you’re not. You like your food fresh, always available and cheap. So you end up paying via a tax redistribution instead of paying at the checkout line. You can’t have your food grown locally and not pay more. If you don’t like doing it this way, change it but realize the money is still going to leave your wallet.