[SJackson]

Since most journalists don't know where money comes from or any other real-life phenomenon it doesn't surprise me that a reporter from the American "bread basket" would attack farm subsidies. The Environmental Working Group she cites is an organic gardening crusade.

You're welcome to convince me that subsidies as they exist are a good thing. There may be a place for a limited role, but most of what I've seen isn't much different than welfare. Additionally, I'd be willing to consider subsidies to the "small" farmer as a way of encouraging land conservation, economic or not. Despite the fact that the "small" druggist or "small" haberdasher or "small" restaurateur don't receive subsidies in the interest of preserving small town America. But that's not where the money goes.

[Brad from Tennessee]

Subsidies as they exist are not the best. Neither is the food stamp program. But unlike haberdashers or restaurateurs, farms are a strategic asset as are the corporations--who also get subsidies and make-work contracts--that manufacture high performance aircraft. American agriculture is easy to take for granted because it's always been abundant.