Loyola University

Corn, Bad Health, and Government Regulation ~ Econ 101 via Loyola University

Published by Papa Giorgio

From video description:

“How Food Regulations Make Us Less Healthy” by @LearnLiberty

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Why do we consume so much high fructose corn syrup? Why does America suffer from an obesity epidemic? And why are fruits and vegetables so expensive? Professor Dan D’Amico of Loyola University argues that special interests and government policy are at least partly to blame. According to Professor D’Amico, rent seeking and regulations — such as “organic” certification — results in lower costs for less healthy foods and higher costs for nutritional foods. When corn farmers dedicate their time and money to extracting exorbitant government subsidies, corn becomes cheaper, and more people demand it. When regulations mandate special certification in order to vend organic foods, smaller farmers cannot afford to cut through the red tape, putting them out of business, decreasing competition, and raising prices on healthy foods.

So why don’t we stop this madness? Concentrated benefits and dispersed costs of course! The cost to the individual consumer of these subsidies is so small and the price impact so marginal, that it isn’t worth it for people to organize and petition government. Until we can solve this collective action problem, we’re going to be consuming a lot more high fructose corn syrup.

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From video description:

Coke is made with corn syrup, not real sugar. Why is this? According to Professor Diana Thomas, part of the reason is because government policies artificially raise the price of sugar.

Although these government policies actually cost Americans approximately $3 billion each year, the laws remain. The law benefits one group of people (farmers) at the expense of another group (consumers). But because the cost to each American is so small, average Americans don’t have an incentive to combat the lobbying groups who fight to keep the laws in place.

This phenomenon is known as “dispersed costs and concentrated benefits,” and it applies in many cases when laws are passed that benefit a small group of citizens. Prof. Thomas says the only way to prevent or end this practice is to limit what government can do.

Learn More:

A defense of farm subsidies, by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System: http://lrnlbty.co/TdO6iS

Introduction to public choice, including the concept of concentrated benefits and dispersed costs: http://lrnlbty.co/SbNc57

An article focusing on the health and environmental impacts of American corn/sugar policies: http://lrnlbty.co/UFHUNA

A detailed piece on the allocation of agricultural subsidies to various plants: http://lrnlbty.co/TO0RNt

A timeline of the economic controls put on sugar from 1789 to 2011: http://lrnlbty.co/WtaHep

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Loyola University/Chicago Refuses Karl Rove-Caught In Lie

Published by Papa Giorgio

I was sent to Gateway Pundit via the Founding Bloggers. Gateway shows that Loyola University Chicago has its adherence to a radical line of thought by whom they have let speak and refuse to let speak at their university. Here is Gateway’s post:

Loyola University in Chicago refused to allow Karl Rove to speak on campus this fall. University officials said it was due to their tax status but they have allowed liberal speakers on campus in the past.

Evan Gassman at the Young America’s Foundation sent out this press release today:

HERNDON, VA –While many college students are currently enjoying their time off, some are utilizing this summer to prepare for the upcoming school year. Conservative activists at Loyola University Chicago were planning to bring best-selling author and Young America’s Foundation lecturer Karl Rove to their campus for the fall semester. Administrators had other plans, however.

University officials denied the request to host Karl Rove, arguing that due to their 501(c)(3) tax status, they cannot host a “political” speaker before the midterm elections. Those with even the faintest knowledge of tax law understand that is simply not the case.

Kimberly A. Moore, director of student affairs and Greek affairs at Loyola University Chicago, told students in an email that, “The timing of this event is problematic given the campaign cycle. Loyola has to maintain impartiality in order to protect our tax-exempt status.” It is important to note that Karl Rove is not working for any campaign this season.

As if that weren’t egregious enough, Loyola University Chicago has a history of hosting partisan speakers on election years. On September 1, 2004, Howard Dean was allowed to speak on campus. Just a couple weeks later, third party candidate Ralph Nader not only spoke on campus, but it was also advertised as a campaign event and donations were solicited.

After long discussions, Loyola officials offered to host the event after the midterm elections, but given Karl Rove’s busy schedule, that is simply not possible.

Sean Vera, the student who is trying to bring Karl Rove to his campus, commented on the situation: “It is very disconcerting to see Loyola not live up to the standards of academic freedom that they frequently preach about. I never expected Loyola would prevent the free exchange of ideas and that they would do so in such a partisan manner.”

The Founding Bloggers posted the video of one reunion allowed to be held on their campus by SDS (Students for a Democratic Society – a radical group). Many of their constitutions and positional statements can be found here. The video Founding posts is this one: