Congress. The Fanjul family of Palm Beach, Fla., a politically connected family, has given more than $1.8 million to both Democratic and Republican parties over the years. They and others in the sugar industry give millions to congressmen to keep high tariffs on foreign sugar so the U.S. sugar industry can charge us higher prices. According to one study, the Fanjul family alone earns about $65 million a year from congressional protectionism.
Chairman Emeritus of Archer Daniels Midland Company, Dwayne Andreas, has given politicians millions of dollars to help him enrich ADM at our expense. For that money, congressmen vote to restrict sugar imports that in turn drive up sugar prices. Higher sugar prices benefit ADM, who produces corn syrup (fructose), which is a sugar substitute. When sugar prices are high, sugar users (soda, candy and food processors) turn to corn syrup as a cheaper substitute sweetener. Early on, some sugar-using companies found out they could import products like ice tea, distill out its sugar content and still beat the high prices caused by Congress’ protectionist sugar policy, but to do so was eventually made illegal.
Congress’ sugar policy not only reduces the health of American people, it reduces American jobs as well. Chicago used to be America’s candy manufacturing capitol. In 1970, employment by Chicago’s candy manufacturers totaled 15,000 and now it’s 8,000 and falling. Brach’s used to employ about 2,300 people; now most of its jobs are in Mexico. Ferrara Pan Candy has also moved much of its production to Mexico. Yes, wages are lower in Mexico, but wages aren’t the only factor in candy manufacturers’ flight from America. Sugar is a major cost and in Mexico, they pay one-third to one-half what they pay in the U.S. Life Savers, which for 90 years was manufactured in America, has moved to Canada, where wages are comparable to ours, but their yearly sugar cost is $10 million less.
Working in the favor of Congress with these and other life-threatening and health-reducing schemes is American unawareness and the fact that most often, their victims are invisible.
Williams, as usual, is right. The market works very well providing people with quality goods at reasonable prices. When the government interferes with the market it always benefits the politically connected at the expense of everyone else and always with unintended consequences.
The unintended consequence of forcing people to eat fructose turned out to be deadly.
I am proud of my country. I am proud of the great time and effort we as a people have put into science and health and the efforts we have made to ensure the health of our citizenry. This effort has made us one to the greatest nations in history. The 'Market' has nothing to do with providing health or anything else. The market is the exchange of goods and services. The 'Market' has robbed 3 generations now of savings and retirement. We do not live by bread alone. I thank all the great scientist and politicians who have contributed to our great nation.
Scientists, yes!
Politicians,…are you kidding?
Hmmm….., old Downie is not the sharpest knife in the drawer is he. As for the politicians, crucifying all of them on Pennsylvamia Avenue for the trillions of dollars they have looted and wasted and the republic which they have perverted would be letting them off easy.
How about we "crucify" them in November by turning them out of office? Republicans inspire no real confidence, but lo and behold, this is a case of "lessor of two evils" if there ever was one. We've got to stop Barry in his tracks.
Instead of infringing on our rights by telling us what we can and can't eat, infringe on the rights of the obese by making them excercise. That wouldn't take the rights of all though, and complete power and control over all Americans is their objective.
Who can Afford the kind of Food the Government wants you to Eat? They Just Need A excuse to Starve people that have no money! No Money Get It? Not Everyone in America can afford the standards Government puts in to Law! Truth is the only Freedom we have and it is Free! Truth is free.
The politicians involved in the creation of these bills need to be named, and a list made of them, along with other politicians who have supported similar bills. I suspect there are a great many. Then these corrupt weasels need to be outed, and drummed out of office if they are still there. One can understand this kind of behaviour among Democrats, but what of the involvement and acquiescence of Republicans? From them, all I hear is a deafening silence. Has this kind of feather-bedding become so common that almost no one even thinks twice about it anymore? All I have is questions. Issues like this one, and "earmark" spending seem hip-deep in corruption all through both parties in Congress.
the MARKET is the one that's pushed high fructose corn syrup as a cheap alternative to real sugar, the same goes for every other piece of garbage processed food filled with preservatives that the FOOD industry shoves down our throats. Eat fresh, eat local.
The alarming rise in obesity is exactly concurrent with the removal of sugar and replacement of fructose in sodas. Another unintended consequence is the poverty of the Caribbean and Central America, especially Haiti. Some say New Coke was just a ruse to make the changeover. Also, I wonder if the fructose affects those who need a gluten-free diet?
Another brilliant column, Dr. Williams! I will forward it to my friends.