by Rick Lowe
You know it turns my stomach when I read comments that government should fund farmers and certain business people and "green" projects etc while criticising governments funding or should I say subsidising "big oil". In fact oil companies receive tax incentives which is different than receiving cash or tax payer funds, but that's a story for another day. However, there are surprising reasons why oil subsidies exist. Read more here…
My position is there should be no subsidies of any kind. However, political cronies of one stripe or the other somehow see nothing wrong with this, if it's their guy, gal or pet project getting the money.
Then there's the argument that government should force companies or individuals to "go green" through regulation as a way to "save the planet" and help those people in the "green" industry get their business going.
Here again my position is diametrically opposed. People are intelligent enough to do things on their own to protect the environment etc within their means and interest. But of course, there's nothing like using government to force other people to do what you want them to do right?
Solomon's Fresh Market makes my point about voluntarily "going green". Their web site tells us:
"The Fresh Market brand is committed to creating more value with less environmental impact. The store has been designed to be environmentally friendly and comes very close to achieving US energy efficient rating standards. From building materials to air conditioning, refrigeration to lighting and water usage, we have incorporated many environmentally friendly aspects into the construction and operations of the store. These “green” features demonstrate our dedication to positively impact the environment. Our goal is to operate the best, to the benefit of our customers and the community we serve."
Of course some of that might be feel good public relations, but they did this on their own because they are concerned and think it's a good way protect the environment and to attract like minded customers. Like Whole Foods or Trader Joe's in the US for example.
Good examples like Fresh Market changes things. Subsidising cronies with other peoples money is a threat to a market economy and piles on debt for future generations.
