I had an interesting conversation with a friend over lunchtime burritos. Ethanol sucks.
Of course, we didn't let any facts get in the way of a good conversation. Ethanol sucks.
Let's think about this: if you use corn for gas, then there's going to be a run on corn. A run on corn = everything we fat americans eat is more expensive (high fructose corn syrup is in everything), the price of chicken goes up (chickens eat corn feed), and the price of prime rib goes up (guess what cows eat??). In short - ethanol makes everything we eat cost more.
What's worse is that I've read articles which indicate producing ethanol actually consumes more oil than what you save by using it to drive your car - it takes a ridiculous amount of energy to convert corn into alcohol (and hence the premium price you pay for a good bourbon like Makers Mark).
I'm a liberal hack. I like the environment. Hell, I even believe in Global Warming. But ethanol sucks. I want nothing more than to reduce America's dependence on oil. But ethanol isn't the answer. Save the corn for my booze.
Save the Corn!
3 comments:
Check this out. Brazil makes their fuel out of sugar, and not corn. It's a 3rd as expensive, and requires less land to grow.
So, why hasn't there been much interest. Bush and others in Washington fear that investment in sugar would increase our dependence on high-sugar producing countries, and destabilize our corn economy.
Just more info. and perspective for you.
How's it going, Joel? Good to hear your thoughts.
Corn subsidizes are about one of the worst thing America does:
It makes us fat because corn syrup is cheaper than the ridiculously taxed sugar.
Ethanol as noted.
We waste a lot of what we grow, instead of selling it to starving countries at a price they can afford.
It destabilizes other corn producing countries (i.e. Mexico) and does not allow them to compete.
Did I mention it makes us fat.
Say no to corn subsidizes.
have you tried a nice rye? michter's stacks up nicely.
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