I have long assumed it would be the hardline stance by the right that would finally, finally end our farm subsidy embarrassment. And certainly it has been stalwarts such as Jeff Flake and Ron Paul, backed by every conservative think tank I know about who have battled to end them.
But a darling of the left may be equally as adamant.
As a candidate for the US Senate, Elizabeth Warren showed a livelier interest in raising federal revenues than in cutting government spending. But about one spending target the senator-elect has been admirably blunt. When asked to name some items in the federal budget she’d like to see slashed, the first program she cites is one of the most indefensible: agriculture subsidies. [More]As the payout for this year's crop insurance grows to enormous numbers, and while record farm income (again!) is loudly proclaimed, if we can't end this "safety net" farce now, we won't get a better chance.
In fact, farmers have set themselves up for a one-two punch: loss of an excessive farm program and a bitter estate tax result. Both of these items look like ideal negotiating chips for both sides, compared to other cherished budget items.
No comments:
Post a Comment