You fault �eliminate the corn subsidies� for being impractical, but this entire thread depends on eliminating another set of subsidies � those for health care.

I thought I was pretty clear on the point of ending all subsidies...and that all of them are politically non-starters. Hence my rather fatalistic view of the future of this country. In another generation or two it will no longer be the United States of America save in name only, IMO.

My thoughts exactly. We'd do well to cut out the middle man and just end ag subsidies.

You fault "eliminate the corn subsidies" for being impractical, but this entire thread depends on eliminating another set of subsidies ... those for health care.

In a May dispatch from Atlanta on Southerners' notoriously unnutritious, fat-laden cuisine, a Chicago Tribune reporter watered readers' mouths with descriptions of the "hamdog" and the "Luther" (prized dishes of Mulligan's restaurant in Decatur, Ga.), which are, respectively, "a half-pound of hamburger meat wrapped around a hot dog, which is deep-fried and served on a hoagie topped with chili, bacon and a fried egg," and "a half-pound burger served with bacon and cheese on a Krispy Kreme doughnut." The 11 states from Washington, D.C., to Florida, west to Texas, have the nation's highest mortality rate from strokes, but, said a University of Mississippi professor, "Food is a strong emblem of identity for Southerners," uniquely shared across racial lines. [Chicago Tribune, 5-16-06]

Perhaps the best way to improve America's health is to reconsider that whole "no secession" thing?

Ha! Hadn't thought of that. However, I think it would probably be better to get rid of both than to go with duelling taxes/tariffs.

Do you think food stamp users are â??coercedâ?? when the rules disallow alcohol purchase?

Of course, and [somewhat tongue-in-cheek] it is a stupid policy. After all, one alcoholic drink a day will significantly reduce one's risk of heart attack.

No, Iâ??m saying your article was a little ideolized when it suggested that the corn-sugar consumers are harming only themselves.

They are, it is the government that is bringing the pain (so to speak) to your doorstep. Not only that, but this tax will just increase your pain.

As for ending subsidies...I'd go for that, but as Anderson noted in another thread:

Great, a political non-starter! Next!

I pay taxes for medicare, medicaid, Social Security, etc. Therefore, I want the government to use its coercive powers to make these people behave in a way I find acceptable. Not exactly consistent with the notion of liberty, IMO.

Do you think food stamp users are "coerced" when the rules disallow alcohol purchase?