The sugar industry as government client

U.S. sugar policies have doubled the price of sugar to Americans over world sugar prices, according to Mark J. Perry. He continues, "By preventing American households and sugar-using companies from buying imported sugar at the world price, America's trade policies imposed an unnecessary $4 billion burden on the American consumer according to my January study."

There's a small group of Representatives who would like to see reform. And they sent a letter signed by 22 house members to the Speaker, Majority Leader and Minority Leader asking for a robust debate about sugar policy during consideration of the 2012 farm bill.

Unfortunately, Texas District 11 Representative Mike Conaway's name isn't among those signing. However, Mr. Conaway's name does appear on another list: Recipients of donations from American Crystal Sugar.

Mr. Conaway, according to MyWestTexas.com, conducted an unannounced meeting in Midland recently. Excerpt:

"The federal government does not grow the economy," he said, adding that the government should cut back on regulations to improve confidence in the private sector.

Technically, propping up an industry with import tariffs might be distinguishable from regulations. But wouldn't it be refreshing if those Representatives who took sugar money gave it back and voted to get the government out of the private sector? The sugar industry should be allowed to sink or swim it on its own.

Comments

[Rob O.]

Well, why not prop up the sugar industry? it worked so well with the other industries we citizens have, against our will, propped up in the past few years.

Bailing out fat cats so they don't have to suffer the consequences of their own inept actions or bend to the will of market forces is what we Americans do. Welcome to the new world, where accountability is but a quaint anachronism.

Funny that we criminalize the consumption of other chemical substances, but our government legally - gleefully - pushes sugar on our society as if the word "diabetes" didn't even exist.

[Geo]

Rob O., crony capitalism is a parasite and needs more exposure. It's not partisan, both parties do it. And it really should end.