[Pining_4_TX]

She is right about the GOP establishment, but she is wrong on ethanol. It is a big deal. It is the epitome of crony capitalism that exists to enrich the few at the expense of many. If a candidate can’t even stand up to a program that is not only wasteful, but harmful, then I question that person’s ability to really make a change in DC.

And, no, I’m not a Cruz supporter. I don’t believe a word any of them say. Guess I’m too old and cynical to think elections do anything to halt the long downward slide of the US into socialism.

[Redbob]

You are so right on ethanol: it is crony capitalism AND it’s just a plain bad deal and a bad idea.

Ethanol increases the cost of the fuel we use daily, it’s creation increases the cost of our food, it corrodes the cars, boats, and motorcycles it’s used in, and it gives no discernible benefit in terms of emissions.

It is in short, a hoax.

[P-Marlowe]

I don't believe a word any of them say.

That is the best place to start from.

Words from a politician are as cheap as a two dollar hooker.

And don't tell me Trump is not a politician.

[SVTCobra03]

She is also wrong about "subsidies" for the oil and gas industry. From the American Petroleum Institute:

The U.S. oil and natural gas industry does not receive “subsidized” payments from the government to produce oil and gas. However, there are many provisions in the tax code that allow companies to recover their costs. The oil and gas industry are eligible for these deductions, which are similar to, if not the same as, deductions available to many other industries. U.S. oil and natural gas companies pay considerably more of its profits in taxes than the average manufacturing company. Tax deductions should in no way be confused with subsidies. A fundamental pillar of the U.S. income tax system is that businesses are taxed only on net income. This means that there needs to be some practical and fair method for businesses to recover costs. The policies underlying cost recovery provisions in the tax code legitimately utilized by the oil and natural gas industry are no different than those for any other industry, and are necessary to insure that our industry is treated no differently than any other. Major energy producers pay at least their fair share and are a tremendous source of public revenue – click here to view all the taxes and fees paid by the industry. Did you know, unlike some forms of energy, the U.S. oil and gas industry receives no special spending credits in the tax code? To learn more about the tax treatments of the industry and exactly why they are not a taxpayer "subsidy", see "Why Oil & Gas Tax Treatments Are Not Unique or a Subsidy."

[higgmeister]

She is right about the GOP establishment, but she is wrong on ethanol. It is a big deal. It is the epitome of crony capitalism that exists to enrich the few at the expense of many. If a candidate can't even stand up to a program that is not only wasteful, but harmful, then I question that person's ability to really make a change in DC.

So, do you think Cruz should be admonished for not speaking out against Oil and Gas subsidies in the same way Trump has been attacked regarding the Ethanol subsidies?

From Wikipedia article Energy Subsidies:

A 2009 study by the Environmental Law Institute[30] assessed the size and structure of U.S. energy subsidies in 2002-08. The study estimated that subsidies to fossil fuel-based sources totaled about $72 billion over this period and subsidies to renewable fuel sources totaled $29 billion. The study did not assess subsidies supporting nuclear energy.

The three largest fossil fuel subsidies were:

1. Foreign tax credit ($15.3 billion)
   
2. Credit for production of non-conventional fuels ($14.1 billion)
   
3. Oil and Gas exploration and development expensing ($7.1 billion)

The three largest renewable fuel subsidies were:

1. Alcohol Credit for Fuel Excise Tax ($11.6 billion)
   
2. Renewable Electricity Production Credit ($5.2 billion)
   
3. Corn-Based Ethanol ($5.0 billion)