To the Point
The Farm Bill and the Quality of the Food We Eat
After promising to reform the subsidies that critics call corporate welfare, the House passed a new Farm Bill today. Also, the market's downward slide and NASA responds to a report that it allowed astronauts to fly drunk.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenAfter promising to reform the subsidies that critics call corporate welfare, the House passed a new Farm Bill today. What happened to promised reforms? How does the Farm Bill dictate food quality and public health? Also, despite reports of economic growth, the market continues its downward slide and, on Reporter's Notebook, NASA responds to a report that it allowed astronauts to fly after reports that they were intoxicated.
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In this episode
3 storiesSpace, the Final Binge
Astronaut Lisa Nowak was arrested in February on charges she tried to kidnap her rival in a love triangle. An investigative panel was created by NASA, and today it released a sensational finding . On two specific occasions, astronauts were so drunk before launches that concerns were raised about flight safety, but "(t)he individuals were…
Read the story1 minFarm Bill's Distorted Economics and the Quality of Our Food Supply
The Farm Bill dates back to the Depression and World War II, and it still reflects the priorities of those bygone days. The result is that $25 billion in subsidies have gone mostly to corporations and wealthy investors, many of whom are paid to grow nothing at all. Small farmers are driven out of business.
Read the story1 minStock Market Continues Slide despite Economy Growth
Yesterday, the stock markets saw a massive sell-off. Today, the Commerce Department reported the strongest economic growth in more than a year . Nevertheless, the markets continued to slide. Daniel Gross writes the " Contrary Indicator " column for Newsweek magazine and the " Money Box " for Slate.com.
Read the story1 min
