Originally Posted by
nntrixie
I don't understand exactly what you are saying or maybe I didn't make myself clear.
Our government subsidized corn to be exported to Mexico. I don't really see any difference. The prices of the corn sold Mexico did reflect the subsidizes.
Also, we evidently pay Mexican farmers to not grow crops. One instance, I know of.
Our commodities are based on how much the government is willing to subsidize them, in all the many forms, Think Ethanol, think crop insurance, think the tax benefits, think school lunches, think food stamps. Also how many times they are sold or resold on the commodities market. Not a lot to do with free market. That's what keeps the price of oil up and much of our food stuff.
While traveling through an area where they raise a lot of cotton, two years in a row, I saw them plowing under acres - hundred, I could see of cotton that had not been picked.
I read, or saw don't remember which, a documentary about a cotton farmer. He said he couldn't afford NOT to grow cotton. because of all the subsidies, crop insurance, etc., by the government, he would always come out OK no matter the circumstances.
I remember Pres. Bush lobbying for money for corporations. Those corporations who remained in the US AND 'those who have moved offshore, so they can stay competitive'
Boy would I like to see something done about Chinese and other foreign imports, but unless something changes, does it matter which mob puts the squeeze on you - Chinese or our own.