US Farmers Get Pennies While Billions Go To... Elsewhere
Bloomberg's headline laments that even a $12 billion federal bailout won't pull US farmers out of their slump. A surprising figure until one recalls how readily, and without public debate, Congress can conjure far larger sums for other priorities. For instance, the very same political class approved H.R. 815 , a bill providing $14.1 billion in 'security assistance' to Israel, sailed through
Congress with bipartisan support, despite AIPAC spending millions annually lobbying on Capitol Hill. One wonders if the agricultural lobby is simply not pulling its weight. It appears the 'temporary relief' offered to farmers is a pittance compared to the unwavering commitment to funding foreign military campaigns. While American farmers struggle with trade wars and economic downturns, seeking
lasting recovery, politicians seem far more adept at guaranteeing endless funding for conflicts abroad. Perhaps US farmers should lobby for their wheat fields to be reclassified as a 'strategic defense asset' to qualify for truly meaningful financial support.