To the editor:

In response to the recent level of attention that the Iowa media has given to the “farm crisis” impacting many Iowa farmers, I would like to state a few points that have not been addressed on this issue.

The part the media never seem to cover is what farmers have been given before they reached this point.

For how many occupations does the government annually subsidize for a bad crop or provide low interest loans to purchase new machinery and seed?

What other business will the government provide aid because the owner overextended, made poor business decisions or had a bad year for sales?

The press never mentions what is going to be done with the money farmers receive from the sales of their land and equipment, which will likely net them hundreds of thousands of dollars if not more.

I am inclined to believe the sentimentality felt toward a John Deere combine would soon dissipate when the $40,000 check for its sale is received after the auction.

What their failure as a farmer boils down to is they failed as businessmen in a tight market.

The issues that today’s farmers face are not a whole lot different from those of any other person working to support a family and way of life.

The fact is, too much is produced as a result of years of technological advances in crops, and so there is a glut in the market that results in low prices. To fix this problem, less has to be produced.

The problem cannot be solved unless we reduce the number of farmers producing crops. It is not necessarily their fault that they feel they should have unconditional job security, because the government gradually created this ideology through years of aid, supports and other farm bills.

I have a problem with my tax dollars paying to support a way of life for these people, though I think I could get over paying a little extra for my bacon and steaks at the grocery store.

I hope that the public is wise enough to see through this “problem” and understand that the real problem is allowing this charade to continue.

Brian M. Leimbach

Sophomore

Art and design