OK if farmers live off of Government farm subsidies (communism) Why do they vote Red???

Question

Don't thay have the guts in the Midwest to admit they are commies???

Or is the RedsStates really red???

I'm not anti farm I just see a double standard.

It's ok to give a whiteman in overalls a higher price on his corn. But not ok to help a blackman with his student loan.

And yes that is inflamatory but I'm making that point for the sake of strong answers.

Answer 1

I am appalled by Republican welfare programs. I am not at all informed about this issue enough today, though, to discuss it wisely. But, just as an alternative thought, back when Carter initiated that grain embargo in the 70's, it put my husband and me out of business as soybean farmers. It crushed us. U.S. grain was used to bicker and barter with the world politically. That's fine, but, the cost of that should have been spread out among all U.S. taxpayers, not just the grain farmers. It was the same thing as if the federal government suddenly said that plumbers couldn't work for three years . . .all to help the nation, of course. Or, let's say, for the good of the nation, the government initiated a program in which all shoe stores had to shut down for three years. It wasn't right. My husband and I never got any kind of subsidy back then. And, we never asked for one. And, as for their political leanings, farmers tend to be conservative, either Democrat or Republican. They look backwards, not forwards. They believe, though, strongly in the pluralistic values of this nation. Midwest farmers tend to be unusually tolerant and, although they have their share of prejudices, Midwest farmers would have no problem whatsoever standing up for any man, of any color, if he was in trouble. They are some of the most decent people, albeit simple people, I've ever met. I've lived all over the world and the U.S. and trust me, if racist morons like the Minutemen cause trouble for this nation, there wouldn't be a single Midwest farmer who would join them.

Answer 2

good question, because yes, they farmers do rely on social programs much like the poor rely on welfare. a farmer is giving subsidies to raise crops or livestock (even if they fail). So, it would be interesting to see how this is structured/restructured under each candidates plan. That would have been a decent question for the debates. I personally believe the subsidies are necessary to encourage the continuation of farming, else most farmers would give up and sell the land for subdivisions, etc. I also believe welfare for the poor is necessary to help those that need it get back on their feet. I would like to see better regulation around how the money is distributed and under what circumstances. Some farmers (and to be fair, welfare recipients) abuse the system to keep themselves comfortable. So, a little more investigation and oversight into individual circumstances is needed.

Answer 3

interesting because just yesterday the Ag committee met and the chair Tim Holden (D- Penn) lambasted the secretary for not budgeting MORE money for subsidies than the administration wanted..

but farmers dont WANT susidies however when you put regulations on people and businesses you have the obligation to take care of them when it hurts them. Im all for cutting subsidies if you cut back the regulations as well. your implying that farmers live off subsidies and that is not the case. it is only used to level the field across the country for hundreds of reasons including not having to truck corn from one side of the country to the other because a bigger grower can corner the market on one side of the country... which raises the price for the kid that needs help to go to school...

Answer 4

The farm subsidies are from self interest. Look at what happened with the famines in Europe after WWII. It is bad enough being dependent on foreign OIL, being dependent on foreign food would be unacceptable.

And then, a lot of us conservatives are populist.

Answer 5

I'm a conservative who gladly admits my disdain for farm subsidies. It's nothing more than a government handout for farmers. Should be abolished.

Answer 6

They would rather tax money go to help out corn then a single mother in Chicago.

Answer 7

With this logic (or lack there of) there is no such thing as Government assistance in a Capitolistic Society. Welfare is communism? ADC Food stamps is communism? ADC rent assistance to single mothers is communism? Get a grip pal..............

Answer 8

it's like corporate welfare the republicans vote for better farm subsidies, they also deregulate farm chemicals and weaken the EPA as far as water pollution and species protection.

Answer 9

I think we all need to stop fighting with farmers,Arabs,Mexicans and who ever else and focus on the real trouble makers,OUR GOVERNMENT.

Answer 10

Don't talk about farmers with your mouth full.