I found a 1990 USDA-ERS Briefing Booklet on "The Basic Mechanisms of U.S. Farm Policy: How They Work, with Examples and Illustrations." I dare anyone to find the public good in the booklet.
This is funny and sad at the same time.
Here is some good press for my alma mater.
2 comments:
But it is not educating them. It does not make any attempt to make them think. It is an advertisement for the USDA-ERS, nothing more, nothing less.
I could write a pamphlet explaining the basic mechanisms of my Dad's late fee policy. Would the USDA publish it?
(Public)education is about what should be. It is about critically evauluating all possible alternatives. This booklet refuses to consider alternatives.
You are right. I cannot argue with your logic.
But you are not addressing any normative implications.
Justify the USDA. But do not use "the public wants it" or "Congress wants it." Why does the USDA exist besides the fact it exists and has existed? Does the USDA do anything that cannot be done privately? Can the USDA honestly justify its own existence? Don't we need an outside source? Does the USDA create wealth?
I do not care if the USDA can be better. I care if the USDA should exist.
This is where we disagree. The USDA does not fit into my society. I do not care if an elected Congress funds it. I do not think it should exist. I do not care that it does exist.
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