Ever wonder about farm subsidies? Not everyone who grows things gets them. For instance, green beans aren’t subsidized. Corn, on the other hand, is, to the tune of almost 2 billion (in 2002). Even more strangely, tobacco farmers got almost $5 million in 2002, and $345 million in 2000. I’m not sure what the economics are, but it seems odd to tax the hell out of smokers and then give lots of money to the people who grow the stuff.

The folks at the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) have collected a whole pile of statistics, which I believe originate from the USDA. I don’t believe they’re particularly pro- or anti-subsidy, but it is interesting to note all the Fortune 500 companies that are making out like bandits.