I came across this blurb about farm subsidies on PCRM’s site (Physicians Commitee for Responsible Medicine). PCRM readily promotes a vegan lifestyle, especially regarding child obesity and cancer. I of course enjoy visiting any website that promotes such a lifestyle, plus they also have a lot of recipes. This particular page I’m referring to today is on the topic of farm subsidies (money given to farmers to keep costs of products low, to supplement their income and to control product amounts). Between 1995 and 2004, nearly three-quarters of farm subsidies (or nearly 52 billion dollars) went to the meat and dairy industries. How much was spent on grains, nuts, legumes and fruit (or simply apples) you ask? A measly 15.51%!!!! For fruit alone (or should I say just APPLES), the amount spent was only 0.37% of total farm subsidies. Hmm, I wonder why obesity is so high in this country and why high cholesterol and high blood pressure are so prevalent! Could it possibly be the fact that meat and dairy, which are huge hinderances regarding good health, are the most supported commodities by our own government? COULD IT BE THAT? Ding Ding Ding! 
Could an obese person technically blame the government for their woes? I suppose, but it still comes down to educating yourself and another very important…often overlooked…..aspect: SELF CONTROL. Anyway, the totally pitiful importance that is put on farms who provide meat and dairy is alarming. Is it really any wonder why the health of our country is in the state it is?
Hopefully PCRM won’t mind me borrowing this graphic, but take a look at this “perverse pyramid” as PCRM states. What kind of insane society would place food in this order of importance??? It would be hilarious if it weren’t so damn true!
PCRM's Farm Subsidies' Perverse Pyramid
Sara said,
August 15, 2008 at 9:45 am
Is it still considered self-control when I eat as many apples (or fruit and veg in general) as I do, simply so I don’t have to feel guilty if I put away a batch of vegan cookie dough with baking any actual cookies?
veganverve said,
August 16, 2008 at 2:43 am
Well you have to have some level of self-control to realize that you should counter balance your cookie dough eating with something healthy, eh? I generally just exercise longer…..then have more cookie dough LOL.