I’m glad to see that you *did* blow Price away by asking him if he reads bills before he votes on them. I didn’t expect him to show up for a debate, but you pulled off a great tactical move by showing up for his town hall meeting, asking a simple and direct question, and letting everyone see how he tried to dodge it.

-jcr

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/20/AR2008052001581.html

We’re setting subsidy price levels based upon today’s near-record commodity prices. Thus, even if commodity prices were to decline, the taxpayer would be stuck with the bill based upon our subsidizing prices at today’s near-record levels.

Re (2), my point is that subsidies distort the economics of agriculture internationally as well as domestically. The inability of many developing nations to feed themselves is an unfortunate side-effect of our domestic protectionism.

Re (3), I am a physician although I no longer practice. Based upon earning an MD, taking care of sick people, and taking on the student loans to prove it, I am comfortable calling myself a non-practicing physician. I’m sure my opponents will find it more productive to tear me apart based upon my lack of political experience :-).

First, I think you need to explain your assertion that the Farm Bill “‘locks in’ these high prices” more. I am not quite sure what that is meant to mean.

Next, whoever wrote the quotation about the Farm Bill’s effect on foreign producers does not understand the term efficient. He confuses productive efficiency with low cost. American farms are more productively efficient, meaning that they produce more with a given amount of resources than third world farms. Third world farms, however, do produce at a lower cost than American farms due to lower input costs.

Finally, I did not know you were a physician. I thought that you attended medical school, but did not finish your residency and do not practice medicine. You have to be precise about that or your opponents will tear you apart.

-jcr

-jcr

When I read posting like this, it makes me want to donate to your campaign. You are absolutely correct, these sorts of special interest giveaways, just end up hurting the average Joe and Jane in the end.

Thank you for being a voice of sanity in contemporary politics.

Best,

James H.