What would you rather be:
1. a vegetarian driving a car, or
2. a pork chop chewer on a bicyle?

How about eating a vegetarian while driving an SUV? :D

Futures work well for weather and other natural uncertainties. Futures based on legislative or political acts don’t work because they are illegal. Don’t get me wrong – food futures contracts based on market distorting legislation pending in congress would be a plus.

2) Selfishness and morality are relative terms….which was my point

Given that statement, there’s no point in continuing this discussion.

gamper:
That being said, I find it rather troubling when anyone suggests it is somehow our responsibility to feed the world’s hungry. We are not the only nation with surplus food supplies or a powerful farm lobby.

The point is price and market stability, which corn ethanol distorts. People make long term commitments based on a certain price range.

Why should Grassley be condemned when so many other nations around the world have policies in place that are just as openly self serving.

Because it is right to condemn an amoral, selfish POS regardless of location.

1) Get involved in the futures markets if you are worried stable prices.

2) Selfishness and morality are relative terms….which was my point. It is easy to curse the selfishness and lack of morality of others, it is quite another thing to get out your wallet when someone comes to your door asking for a donation.

The point is price and market stability, which corn ethanol distorts. People make long term commitments based on a certain price range.

Why should Grassley be condemned when so many other nations around the world have policies in place that are just as openly self serving.

Because it is right to condemn an amoral, selfish POS regardless of location.

(maybe the choice is not that stark in reality?)

The sooner McCain or Obama starts addressing this issue, the better. Although, to McCain’s credit, he let Iowa know exactly where he stands on this.

I think when a government fashions itself to be the protector of the world, its people might start to believe it. I don’t think the Chinese have that issue, but I don’t live there and only read the propaganda on -this- side of the world.

There is so much Agribusiness lobbying money behind this. They get paid a subsidy to turn corn into ethanol and I can’t even set up a still out back to make white lightning. I’ll bet that cattle ranchers, hog and poultry farmers are not big fans of Sen. Grasley.

That being said, I find it rather troubling when anyone suggests it is somehow our responsibility to feed the world’s hungry. We are not the only nation with surplus food supplies or a powerful farm lobby.

Furthermore, it may be a more productive enterprise to relocate those starving people to regions capable of supporting sustained agriculture and human life rather than throwing food at those who will still be hungry next year, and the year after that.

Why should Grassley be condemned when so many other nations around the world have policies in place that are just as openly self serving.