The Law of the Infinite Cornucopia: No shortage exists of reasons to bolster whatever theory anyone wants to believe. (Leszek Kolakowski)
The Law of Universal Self Interest: We are all driven by self-interests, meaning not only selfishness but what the self is interested in. (Ken Cauthen)
Given the Law of the Infinite Cornucopia and the Law of Universal Self-Interest, this essay is undertaken boldly but with humility and in light of Whitehead's observation that sometimes it is more important that something be interesting than true.
My understanding is that the huge subsidies given to American corn farmers Under NAFTA have been disastrous for Mexican corn farmers, leading to immigration from the farms to Mexican cities and the United States.
I propose that the government subsidies, which totaled $56.2 billion from 1995-2006, should be reduced by 10% each year and the savings used to sponsor illegal immigrants willing to return to Mexico and grow corn or take other jobs, with added assistance from the Mexican government.
Will it work? I have no idea. Will it happen? Absolutely not.
But it is an awfully interesting subject. If you google the terms, you will soon get into economic theory regarding free trade (may produce gain for the many, pain for the few), the loss of Amazon forests, ethanol controversies, a lot of interpretation to suit the predilections of the interpreters, American political realities, e.g., power of farm lobbies (Obama voted for the subsidies, McCain against, etc.), corn products and obesity, how rich nations can help overcome poverty in poor and developing countries, economic adaptation to changing conditions, and a lot of other stuff illustrating my favorite terms -- complexity and ambiguity.
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