MoldyDog;1325423 wrote:It's those Red State farmers in middle America that want the corn based ethenol the most
Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Nebraska produce over half the corn grown in the United States. 3/4 of these states are blue. In 2008 the lone red state (Nebraska) cast some electoral votes with the other three blue states because their state law apportions electoral votes per winning congressional district. These states however have tended to split their representation in the senate.
The corn producing house districts in these states have in the 2012 election voted decisively red in Illinois and Nebraska, split in Iowa, and decisive blue in Minnesota. County to county some of those districts that are blue lean red in geographical area. In most cases in these states that play the highest stakes in the ethanol business its the population centers that tend to shift blue. In other words the centers of business. Right where big corn is bought, sold, and distributed on the open market. Big ethanol is smack dab in the middle of it. Masses of businessmen. Bankers, distributors, manufacturers, accountants, lawyers, insurers, etc... Not to mention government regulators, licensing authorities, etc...
One thing is for certain rural farmers are not voting solely on ethanol subsidies. With everyone telling them the republicans want to cut this and that from the little guy in order to preserve low tax rates for corporate fat cats so they can enjoy a little more wine and brie at the expense of the little guy. The democrats of course just the opposite. Why would they take the chance and go red?
This is an interactive map on how they voted 2012.
http://www.politico.com/2012-election/map/#/President/2012/
This map gives one a general view of where the corn producing areas of the country exist by county. One can draw his own conclusions from the maps. I just don't see how the facts line up with the conclusion you have drawn.
MoldyDog;1325423 wrote:I think trading food for fuel is pretty stupid. Brazil's method is a better way. They've got sugar coming out their butts..
You and I are in total agreement here. Corn is a staple. Only a fool burns his excess staple food supplies. A wise man lays it up in stock to balance years that yield low agricultural production. Low yield years in nearly all cases lie outside the control of government.