Log rolling trumps common sense every time

Presidential politics and congressional re-election is what's on solons' minds, not common sense or what's good for agriculture in America or the U.S. economy. Prime example number one is the Farm Bill, passed by veto-proof margins in both the House and the Senate.

It is so bad, President Bush will probably veto it symbolically anyway, but it's a done deal--loaded with pork, earmarks and goodies for corporate agriculture and an empty plate for the small farmer. It is larded with welfare for the "poor" in the way of food stamps and food giveaway programs, disguised as "helping family farmers."

With record grain prices and many farmers making money hand over fist, the bill increases grain subsidies anyway. If you wonder if this is true, read the Wall Street Journal article detailing how rural car dealers are having trouble stocking enough fancy new pickups to meet the demand.

At the same time, the bill will chill foreign exports of U.S. grain, a crucially important market, because with the subsidies larded on top, our grain will not be competitive in world markets. It is ludicrous, because our trade negotiators are overseas, getting foreign countries to cut out subsidies of their farmers, at the same time we're increasing ours.

The Farm Bill is a travesty, and many normally sensible solons voted for it just because its an election year and they want to win.

We should adjourn Congress during election years, calling them back into session in December, after the election. They can;t be trusted when votes are at stake.