Open Letter To Iowa’s Governor Brandstad

Dear Governor Branstad,

Last week you told the citizens of Iowa to vote for anyone but Ted Cruz. Why was that, Governor?

Let me start by saying that I have great admiration for the people of Iowa. My favorite member of Congress is Iowan Congressman Steve King. I’ve always considered Iowans as being good, salt of the earth, God fearing Americans……..you know, the kind who cling to their guns and their Bibles……as do I.

What is one of the greatest complaints from grass roots voters, both Republican and Democrat? Isn’t it “Wall Street” and “crony capitalism”? What is wrong with both has been caused by government intervention. The government creates laws and regulations that stifle competition and enrich those in government favor. And, let’s be honest, subsidies are bribes. The government bribes you to do something you had no inclination to do. Consumers haven’t been demanding ethanol be added to their gasoline. In fact, when I googled ethanol one of the first sites listed was the locations of “ethanol free” gas stations.

But apparently, Governor Branstad, you don’t mind the government picking winners and losers as long as you’re one of the winners. You want anyone but Ted Cruz because he had the integrity to not pander to the Iowan farmers who are being subsidized to grow corn for ethanol. Cruz admitted his position may not be popular in Iowa but that subsidies are wrong for the free market, food prices and world hunger.

A 2005 study done by Cornell University researcher, David Pimental, found growing corn and converting it into ethanol used 29% MORE energy than the fuel generated. Ethanol produces 34% lower energy than gasoline. And as we know ethanol is a solvent that dissolves rubber, plastic, even aluminum.

You are a Republican, Governor Branstad. Republicans are supposed to stand for free markets and limited government. How do ethanol subsidies represent either?
Why would any Republican support taxpayers subsidizing something they don’t want, that corrodes their engines, drives up food prices and limits food production?
Do you not realize those subsidies are borrowed money that our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren….and their children, will be paying for? Our children will be living with less because of the excessive spending of this generation.

If a product can’t survive in the free market, it shouldn’t. The government is bribing people to support a product they don’t want should be abhorrent to every Republican. You disappoint me, Governor.

Sincerely,
Michael Greer

http://www.renewables-info.com/drawbacks_and_benefits/ethanol_fuel_advantages_and_disadvantages.html

http://environment.about.com/od/ethanolfaq/f/ethanol_problem.htm

http://www.fuel-testers.com/ethanol_fuel_disadvantages.html