Ethanol is plainly a no-win scam
By Robert Hively-Johnson | Winona

By all accounts, ethanol production increases global warming, causes massive destruction of carbon-storing forestland and, worse, wastes huge amounts of already limited potable ground water. Reduced corn supply significantly raises food prices and related products.

Ethanol additives further enable American oil addiction, while reducing vehicle engine efficiency — miles-per-gallon. Save short-term profits for farmers and opportunists — and politicians — preying on gullible citizens. Ethanol is plainly a no-win scam!
Investors wishing to chance investing in ethanol production facilities should be required — individually and jointly — to assume (personal) liability for plant operations, local and downwind ecological degradation, reimburse adversely affected businesses, individuals and families, and be allowed to build only if the community unanimously approves.

It is the right time for citizens to put an end to corporate shield laws. No citizen should foot the bill for ethanol and similar ventures, particularly when those who gain from an enterprise did so by shunning their moral and civic responsibilities. Shielding corporate officers/ boards rewards corruption and limits enterprise.

Similar standards should apply to factory farms — pig, beef, poultry, large dairy — and professional sports. That various state administrations and Congress continue subsidizing these businesses is criminal.

It is bad enough farmers remain subsidized generally, but assisting (stopgap) ethanol production is a hard slap to the voter’s collective face. That we let them get away with it. Shame on us!

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