Today my history text book for my Government and Constitution class discussed whether government has too much power and along the lines of that it began talking about taxpayers dollars and where they go. I knew Americans' money has been used in very liberal and disappointing ways (to say the least) but I was not quite ready for what I read. 

"The federal government pays money for schools that would probably go out of business if they had to compete with other schools providing a better education for their students.  The government pays cash to artists who are not good enough to earn a decent living on their own. And it gives money to farmers, whether or not they actually need the financial help." 

My textbook also said that the government has for decades payed farmers to not raise certain crops! The book shared a letter that had been written to a Congressman who is involved with agricultural issues. The letter is pretty funny so I thought I'd share it. 

"Dear Representative: 

I need your advice with an agricultural situation, please. My friend, Ed Pererson, who lives in Wells, Iowa, received a check for $1,ooo from the government for not raising hogs. So, I want to go into the "not raising hogs" business next year

What I want to know is, in your opinion, what is the best kind of farm not to raise hogs on, and what is the best breed of hogs not to raise? I want to be sure that I approach this endeavor in keeping with all government policies. 

I would prefer not to raise razorbacks, but if that is not a good breed not to raise, then I will just as gladly not raise Yorkshire or Durocs. 

As I see it, the hardest part of this program will be in keeping an accurate inventory of how many hogs I haven't raised. 

My friend, Peterson, is very joyful about the future of the business. He has been raising hogs for 30 years or so, and the best he ever made on them was $422 in 1968, until this year when he got your check for $1,000 for not raising hogs. 

If I get $1,000 for not raising 50 hogs, will I get $2,000 for not raising 100 hogs? I plan to operate on a small scale at first, holding myself down to about 4,000 hogs not raised, which would mean about $80,000 the first year. Then I can afford and airplane. 

Now, another thing, these hogs that I will not raise will not eat 100,000 bushels of corn. I understand that you also pay farmers for not raising corn and wheat. Will I qualify for payments for not raising wheat and corn not to feed the 4,000 hogs that I am not going to raise?

Also, I am considering the "not milking cows" business, so send me any information you have on that, too. 

In view of these circumstances, you understand that I will be totally unemployed and plan to file for unemployment and food stamps. 

Be assured that you will have my vote in the coming election. 

Patriontically yours, 

Harry Calahan

P.S. Would you please notify me when you plan to distribute more free cheese?"

According to my text book, the U.S government spent trillions of dollars in the 1900's for "alleviating poverty, relieving suffering, and increasing the standard of living for selected individuals. Public housing, public education, food stamps, health care.....and more." My teacher, the author of the book, goes on to say that trillions upon trillions of dollars will be spent during the 21st century on more such "good causes" and other things. My only question is: "is it any wonder that our economy is in the position it's in?" There is more I could share about large government and how much government have stepped outside their boundaries, but swim practice awaits....  =)

~Marissa