I am not anti-American. I am pro-American. I supported the invasion of Iraq (but not the nation-building disaster). I have argued for a pre-emptive strike against Iran. However, when America shoots itself in the foot, I will say so. As for ethanol, drought, and rice: there is very little substitution between rice and other grains. To the extent that the weak dollar pushes up oil prices, that will also affect the price of ethanol and hence corn, etc. There is no rice shortage. Thailand, the largest producer, had a record crop, and (as I said) world price production is at a record. Thailand, the US, and other producers easily can augment production. Thai farmers can if needed produce three crops a year; the state of Louisiana alone probably could feed the world. That is what makes this situation so alarming. It is the first global food shortage in the midst of plenty.
I actually thought your article was a good one, and brought up some good points to be reflected on.
Thanks for the info on world rice production, BTW.