Willing to give up subsidies

[cowfarmer]

I get tired of going to JD dealership and hearing people bash socialism when we as farmers take on subsidies. I realize our subsidization is a very small part of the federal budget. But I for one am officially not taking them any longer. There is no rationalizing this with six dollar corn. I am heavily involved with cattle to, no subsidy there. Bash me if you want but facts are facts, and if you are a socialist remember the treasury takes donations, if you think that big brother knows how to spend your money send them more of it.

[Jim Meade / Iowa City]

Right now it may be possible to get by without subsidies, but the fact is that we farmers compete against each other as well as wnat to provide a good standard of living for our families.  If we turn down subsidies that our friends are getting, we are putting ourselves and our families at a financial disadvantage.  My kids have as much right to go to a nice school as the neighbors do, and my wife has as much right to a nice house or car as my neighbors.  If I bid on renting land, I will bid more competitively if I factor in subsidies.

[cowfarmer]

Jim with all do respect. This subsidy thing is a joke. They shouldn't exist, I have chosen not to toake them if that 20 dollar bill an acre is the deciding factor on whether or not you rent a piece of ground god help us all. As far as needing subsidies when corn is two dollars bullcrap. When corn was two dollars I worked in a factory 40 hours a week to pay the bills the government owes no one a living. If a guy can't make it someone else will step up and take his place. To many people in this business think they have a birthright to sit around 9 months out of the year then collect a check. What a terrible way to live a life. Be a man and stand on your own two feet.

[cowfarmer]

Jim one more thing. You talk about your wife and kids needing a nice place to live and a nice school. I completely agree and think your a good man for thinking that way, but the government probably didn't and SHOULDN'T provide that. Your hard work probably did. I own some ground and on paper look very wealthy. That just shows how out of touch this system is, they have no idea that in my depressed region of western iowa the farmers have more money than the poor factory worker or small merchant they don't get subsidies. As far as cheap food and providing inflation control BS. If you can't do it without government help someone else will. Line up boys and take your shots I know this is not a popular statement. But I'm an old man who is very concerned with this whole industry and country.

[Blacksandfarmer]

Cowfarmer I agree that with $6 corn most don't need direct payments. The way I look at things the government wasted a lot of money bailing out banks and car manufacturers, and accomplished nothing. Our Government blows money on worthless things all the time, at least when the money is given to farmers it gets spent in rural communities, kind of like a stimulus plan. Why should I do the same work for less pay than a neighbor that takes the payment? Im not for or against direct payments but as long as the government gives out free money I will take it and probably invest that money somewhere local for my farm.

[Mike M2692830]

Take the subsidy and give it to a local charity. That would show more character than accusing one of being less of a man for taking it. MikeM

[idalivered]

Good call, mike. 

[centralillinois]

The same investment bankers who considered us welfare recipients were lining up at the trough when the mortgage crisis surfaced.  But when they received government help they wouldn't consider giving up their bonuses.  I'm not sure how guilty I should feel when I sell corn for $6. 

If a member of your family ever has a health problem, you might wish you would've taken those subsidies.  A health problem or an accident can devastate a family for a long time, so I won't be turning down any government payments.  All we need is the government to reduce or eliminate ethanol subsidies, and that $6 corn will be long gone. 

[cowfarmer]

Once again you are forgetting, if I had a major health problem or my family did that is not the governments job to watch over and take care of them it's mine. I really am not trying to insult anyone here and don't cuss at people for taking the things I just believe that it is wrong. As far as charity I give a lot of cash to disabled vets and my church. I give to disabled vets because I spent some time in the jungle in the 60's and saw first hand the care those guys get when hurt. They deserve a big government hand out not us. Once again I'm just trying to get your guys view who's to say whether  Im right or wrong. I think Chuck Grassley takes subsidies too more money well spent.

[kraft-t]

So are you a manly type that refuses to take a SS check because you don't need it?