Can We Get Over Our Obsession with Agriculture?
Dan Griswold writes today about our depressing continued subsidization of the agriculture business, up to and including gutting any reasonable energy policy in favor of subsidizing corn farmers.
Beyond shear inertia and the fact that Iowa leads the primaries, can anyone really explain this. For God sakes, we have a cabinet-level position for agriculture, and, in case of a massive Cylon attack, the secretary of agriculture is 8th in line for the Presidency.
Here is some perspective: Agriculture, even if you include fishing and forestry, accounts for 1.1% of US GDP. $122 billion of total value added. Computers and electronic parts is a larger industry. As is entertainment and recreation. As is the restaurant industry. Heck, Exxon and Wal-Mart are probably more deserving of cabinet positions.
