Conrad: Gingrich, Romney spread ‘misinformation’ on sugar program
January 24, 2012 at 10:38 am in Grand Forks Herald
N.D., Minn. officials react to GOP presidential hopefuls’ debate call Monday to end federal sugar subsidiesNewt Gingrich and Mitt Romney called for the end of federal sugar subsidies during Monday’s Republican presidential debate in Florida, but Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., said Tuesday that the comments show the candidates are spreading “misinformation” about a vital program that does not subsidize the sugar industry. Continue Reading
Well, now what to think?
Seems the GOP has pretty much left ND to swing in the wind.
Hot debate. What do you think?
51 
42
“Convienient” how he closed out that Swiss account, just before declaring. And the Cayman Island thing is just too much to swallow.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
60 
21
The more Mitt hides the more we have to pay-or we could just let our infrastructure continue to deteriorate. Sure is tough getting those rich republicans to pay their share-not very patriotic of them.
Hot debate. What do you think?
35 
44
Hides?
How so?
Is following the tax code illegal?
I would suggest we fix the tax code, how about you?
But who would be in position to do that right now……… Help me here Jeff…….
Thats right OBAMA could fix the problem!!!!!!!!
Oh, but wait, hes more focused on health care and re-election than the economy.
Guess we will have to wait until he’s gone to get real “Hope and Change”
Hot debate. What do you think?
47 
40
Check and see what party put those loopholes into the code-yup republicans-facts are facts. and the republican House won’t pass anything but what their rich lobbyist boss’s tell them to-Don’t you watch cspan and all the republican obstructionists.
Hot debate. What do you think?
38 
45
Putting a lot of money in a Cayman Islands account or a Swiss band account is legal, but is it ethical?
And, I haven’t heard much from Obama about health care in some time, just the GOP wannabes.
Guess you’re not all that happy about the sad demise of Osama? Or the rescue of the two hostages from the Somalian Pirates, either?
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
42 
7
Is Obama a member of Seal Team 6?
If not, then he did neither of those things.
Hot debate. What do you think?
32 
29
You sure would have blamed Obama if they failed. Obama owned it as they say. Nice try-you should work for faux noise.
Hot debate. What do you think?
29 
33
Gaylord Conrad has collected a government check his whole life and always will. He has no room to talk about the finances of others.
Even though it is his job, he has yet to produce a budget in over 1000 days!
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
60 
41
No, cap, the Prez ain’t in SEAL team 6. He’s their Commander in Chief.
You know, the dude they take orders from?
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
33 
13
Well it looks like the sugar union is in the midst of a severe Twilight Zone episode. One that they can’t wake up from. For anyone who ever wanted radical change to come to the region, this sure is it. No subsidies no sugar processing up here. There will be more profit in some other crop. Geeze the bad news just keeps on coming for the locked out union members. Guess ya have to lobby aside ACS if you want to save your jobs from the government men
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
43 
19
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike:
31 
42
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike:
29 
41
Jeff: I thought all your drivel on the ACS boards about the growers doing good so I deserve a percentage of that was just a union talking point. After reviewing your posts here you actually believe because some people are rich, you should be rich too. I am so disappointed. I thought your views were just political theatre. I never believed you actually bought into the redistribute the wealth because we are all equal under our skin claptrap.
The problem is not that Mitt’s investments earn him $57,000 a day. The problem is he paid 13% in taxes & I pay closer to 30%. I am a flat taxer. I don’t care if you earn $10,000 a year or $10 million, our tax burden should be the same.
That is fair & equitable. It also cuts the IRS budget by 75% because there is no need. Win Win
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
45 
15
This is the intersection of history coming together in one, big explosion. Look at Europe. Look at the U.S. Radical change is all around us. For the sugar subsidies it would have helped if everyone, labor, management, growers, had all been on the same page. It would have seemed like one happy family working together to produce processed beet sugar. But the expectations, by some, that they could expect more, [proved to be too much. Same with a failing world economy. Throw in a Persian Gulf war and interrupted oil supplies and see if anyone of us, recognized the world a year from now.
Union members. Seems while you’re claiming Crystal Sugar is “Destroying the Red River Valley” others are looking at cutting them, the company, off at the knees. Namely the politicians in D.C.
Maybe a future ethanol plant will come in to take up the slack. Once sugar processing exists the region.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
27 
9
Too late for ethanol. Their MASSIVE subsidy is gone. The unintended consequences of that particular subsidy program were too great to be sustainable. Cattle producers were cut off at the knees because of the increased price of feed & those increases kept getting passed right down the line. The corn growers love it, but everyone else is getting taxed twice – huge govt expenditure & increased consumer prices.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
29 
7
There is a massive sugar beet refinery in China which produces refined sugar and ethanol. 50/50 of each, they are subsidized by the Chinese government. 500,000 acres of beets in China for this one factory, I don’t know how many acres Crystal has.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
24 
1
One of the favorite topics on the ACS boards is how the sugar program is doomed without labor’s support. Those of us with an opposing view have been saying the entire farm bill, including the sugar program is in dire straights because of a philosophical change in congress: more free market types are being elected. This is just the latest volley across the bow to remind everyone that things are going to be changing – radically – even if the Big O is re-elected. I just hope people are proactive and manage the change rather than simply complain and then react.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
44 
16
Definitely put a dent in my sails thinking the sugar program would be ok…
On another note..
/sarcasm on
Say it ain’t so that a professional politician is spreading misinformation on a subject that he knows little to nothing about.. Say it ain’t so..
/sarcasm off
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
45 
6
I call on Newt to have an “Open Relationship” with the federal sugar subsidy program. I guess calling for smaller government does indeed have its drawbacks.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
39 
9
One of the biggest lies regarding the GOP is “limited government”. They interfere in the personal lives of Americans from our bedrooms to the doctor’s office.
The GOP’s major contribution to the American people seems to be protecting the wealth of the top tier in this country, because that produces low paying jobs to keep us in check.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
48 
31
The Dems have been doing a good job of that too fore the past few years.
Please try not to give the GOP more credit than they deserve.
There are two classes in this nation and politicians are ALL in the one above the rest of us.
GOP and Dems alike will do what it takes to keep it that way too.
Show me a single politician that has less than 6 figure income in DC.
Lets try to find one making less than $300,000.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
42 
12
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike:
23 
40
Youre simply hopeless.
I suppose you could find fault in Abraham Lincoln freeing the slaves from their Democrat owners too.
You wouldnt see middle ground if you tripped over it.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
28 
13
Just ask the blacks which party held todays republican views back then. The racists switched parties because they hated Lincoln for freeing the slaves. You guys have been trying to snow people on this point for years. Look it up. Why do you support the party that didn’t support Lincoln freeing the slaves?
Hot debate. What do you think?
17 
26
I only wish labor unions had been as successful in keeping protective tariffs in place to protect their products. Why should sugar beet farmers have a tariff in place to protect their product when laborers/manufacturers have to compete with foreign labor?
Hot debate. What do you think?
35 
25
ruth: the point is no one should have a terrif. It is a slippery slope. How do you justify protecting one industry & not another? Soon you are protecting everyone & your economy goes nowhere. Look at England in the 1970 or France in the first decade of this century.
If you want the benefits of capitalism – a strong economy – you have to accept that a certain percentage of people will be constantly displaced because their industry changed.
In a modern economy the only thing certain is you will not retire from the company or industry you started in. The WWII model of get a job at the mill, stay there 30 years & get a gold watch & a pension is a thing of the past. It makes no sense to even consider it. That type of job security is deader than the DoDo bird
Hot debate. What do you think?
22 
18
I noticed that teachers tenure is being phased out too. Seniority is going going gone. fn, you are right about “the days of getting a job at the mill and staying there for 30 years and retiring”. We have to be able to evolve to keep up with technology to have a job. As far as the farm bill, I don’t believe it will happen this year being it is an election year and congress is so polarized. There will be some type of an extension, at the last minute so they don’t stop the school lunch program and food stamps. By the way Jeff, how much does a person get for food stamps being unemployed (locked-out)?
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
31 
11
There’s no need for food stamps. He has ‘imaginary veteran’s benefits.’ Unfortunately, the imaginary mailman is taking forever to deliver his imaginary check. This is delaying the purchase of a decked-out imaginary pick-up truck with the Yosemite Sam mudfalps telling you to “Back Off!” This may explain why someone would believe they are entitled to someone else’s ‘real’ money.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
33 
16
I never realized K-12 had tenure in some places. When you say tenure to me I picture the college professor.
Tenure was invented as a check on censorship. Education by its very nature is politically charged. Most everyone has their version of “right.”
Christians believe the only way to heaven is via Jesus. Muslims believe Mohammed was God’s profit and Jesus was just another profit, although a very big one, on par with other great Old Testament profits. Jews are waiting for the Messiah and Mormons believe in the special revelation as delivered by Joseph Smith in the Book of Mormon.
Tenure was enacted to keep over zealous politicians from dictating what must be taught (whose version of right). This is especially important at the college level where any type of dissent makes headlines and results in calls for summary execution and un-funding entire universities that do not tow the party line.
Tenure has a place to insure academic freedom. I am not sure it has a place to reward incompetence. There has to be a way to get around the ridiculous seniority rules while still rewarding teachers for turning out students who can actually think.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
39 
7
The sugar program is essential for the well being of many in the valley. However, for the majority of Americans the sugar program equates to government welfare and higher sugar prices.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
47 
10
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike:
35 
49
Dost thou hear Jeff correctly?
Did he just agree with the GOP??????
i think I’m… feeling…. wooooozzzzyyyy……..
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
39 
10
“Dost”, cap?
Well, this ain’t England, and you ain’t Shakespeare.
Like or Dislike:
0 
3
Hey Jeff, you never did tell me more about “fighting in wars.” You just responded with “Ever hear of Vietnam buddy?”
I’m only curious because it relates to honesty and ethics, and AlanSmithee is convinced you graduated high school in 1990.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
34 
12
Some may consider that as spreading ‘misinformation’.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
26 
8
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike:
14 
34
Continue deflecting. I accept you not wanting to answer a simple question.
As for a sources, when did you care for or abide by citing credible sources? Allen (who was provided in the post you responded) is as credible as any of the sources you pull from at the labor temple.
I’m glad to see you’re still tossing out your Jefferisms (republicans, faux news, shills, corporate greed, I’m entitled, scabs, etc…)
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
31 
12
Well if Allen is convinced then I guess there’s no more discussion-right? Do you ever read what you write? Who’s Allen picking in the Superbowl???? Of course I can prove Allen wrong but it will cost you-how’s that for crony capitalism??
Hot debate. What do you think?
22 
22
Jefferism #297 – Crony Capitalism
You’re absolutely right it would cost me. I wouldn’t know how to repay you for these priceless nuggets of wisdom and your comedic genius. You make Larry the Cable Guy sound like Oscar Wilde.
Hot debate. What do you think?
21 
11
Come on Jeff, go be a pickup salesman then. Don’t just sit on the sidelines, get in on the action. Pickup salesmen have families to feed too.
Also, are we getting any tax dollars from you if you are not working?
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
34 
12
The growers behavior Jeff? How about the employee/union behavior?
What about the Union leaders compensation? All they are is the middle man collecting a paycheck while others go without. They are the biggest farse in this whole debacle! Talk about “greed” Jeff. They sit back and tell the employees they are getting the shaft and they should be picketing and spreading untruthful propaganda. They get the paycheck.
Why wont you address how many voters actually voted for the 2 contracts? It wasnt 1300. It wasnt 400. What was it Jeff?
Why is Crystal cracking down on drug testing, seniority, late and sick time? Read between the lines. Has there been some abuse the company wants to crack down on?
Maybe this seniority thing is such an issue because Froemke is on “leave” from his EGF job to be president of the AFLCIO (collecting 500000) off of the “workers” and wants is “spot” back at ACS when his term is done.
There are many more questions posed to you on the many threads but you wont answer them.
Man UP Jeff! What are the answers? Or will you continue to repeat yourself and not be any part of the solution.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
40 
13
BTW Jeff~ I just bought a brand spanking new LOADED pickup and I’m not even a FARMER!!!
Go figure!!
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
39 
14
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike:
15 
31
The union is costing the tax payers plenty. The sugar subsidy costs nothing but your welfare check costs plenty.
Hot debate. What do you think?
33 
21
by the way Jeff, Growers (farmers) ARE the working class.
Have you ever farmed Jeff?
I havent, but i know several people that have.
They spend a good 20 years broke as broke can be until things start getting paid off and only then can they start buying the bright new shiny trucks.
And working from sunup to sundown kinda stinks too.
Get a grip
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
31 
16
Winters in Mexico and a lake cabin on LOW-yea farming is a tough life-on my hard working tax dollars too
Hot debate. What do you think?
19 
27
Jeff is entitled to that farmer’s winters in Mexico and a cabin on LOW. Because he wants it.
Hot debate. What do you think?
29 
15
white noise….really really white noise….
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
28 
4
are you illiterate jeff? the sugar program does not COST TAX PAYERS ANYTHING!
Hot debate. What do you think?
23 
21
Forgive me if i seem skeptical when a politician tells me a Government run program is running at “ZERO” cost to the American taxpayer.
If the program has a single person managing it, their pay has to come from somewhere.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
44 
12
Stop making sense and be a good sheep!
Hot debate. What do you think?
25 
16
Baaaa
Like or Dislike:
19 
9
What does the health insurance executive know about health care. Why should any of my health care dollars go to his or her extravagant salary? Layer after layer of these leeches are getting my healthcare dollars. When does it stop?
Hot debate. What do you think?
20 
19
Jeff, what do you know about running a company like ACS? Why should they bend over for the Union when they are trying to operate a business in a crappy economy? Why should the farmers let you leech your way on their success? When does it stop for ACS and the Farmers? Well it stopped on AUGUST 1st!
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
29 
14
Republican = take from middle give to rich.
Democrat = take from middle give to poor.
Me = middle. The two are indistinguishable from where I sit
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
38 
14
I just wish I could get the same health insurance plan as a sugar beet — mostly funded by taxpayer money.
Why is it that almost all of the politicians who support taxpayer funding of crop insurance are also against taxpayer funding of human health insurance?
I’d sure like to hear all of ND’s delegation give an answer to that question.
Hot debate. What do you think?
31 
18
In the grand scheme of things crop insurance is cheap; completely anathema to free market capitalism but cheap. Providing healthcare is dicier. That requires difficult choices (something no politician is good at) & saying no to lobbiests with unlimited budgets. Remember healthcare consumes twice as much money as defense. The healthcare lobby makes the “military industrial complex” look like a high school glee club.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
24 
9
How about the VA???
Hot debate. What do you think?
22 
16
underfunded & inadequate for the task at hand. If you are going to make a promise you should keep it. The government made that promise & has been breaking it ever since.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
36 
5
Because I’ve never seen a sugar beet need open heart surgery for bad life choices.
Sorry.. I had to..
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
28 
4
Wow, this is the first thing I can agree with either Romney or Gingrinch on!
I’m just hoping there might be a lot more, considering I used to vote Republican. But, I suppose this will be one of those bipartisan agreements.
Like or Dislike:
19 
10
It’s been on life support for most of it’s existence….sorry…I also had to.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
24 
4
I have often wondered how many people on these boards post under different names? Jeff & AlwaysCorrect are a case in point. Both say things purely for effect; neither try to advance the discussion, simply draw attention yo themselves, & both purport to speak for groups they are not affiliated with: Jeff the union & Always the Indians.
Hmmmmmmm
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
29 
8
One of my sons was questioned at work about his lineage. Luckily the guy liked my editorial. I had to warn him that for every person who agrees with me that Al Carlson needs recalled or the ACS union types were fools, there is someone who violently disagrees
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
26 
4
I can’t use my real name. I’m not allowed to embarrass my family in public any more.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
31 
0
I really don’t care, but there’s been one nut who actually called me on the phone and chickened out.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
25 
3
That is creepy. I’m sorry. No internet stalkers
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
28 
3
As if Mars or Hersheys are going to lower their prices if they get their sugar cheaper. Or any food company at that. So we know who Newt and Mitt are really schilling for.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
27 
1
I think Mars and Hersheys both use cornsyrup instead of sugar. Something about the lower cost and it doesn’t Crystalize when it cools.
Like or Dislike:
7 
15
You have never seen a heat damaged candy bar then, they turn white with crystals. Heat causes cystals not cooling.
Like or Dislike:
15 
5
Actually Hershey’s does buy sugar from ACSC. There is an easy way of proving this. http://acsccontracttalks.com/
October 24th–No truth to Hershey’s rumor–where they refute the rumors going around about the quality issues with their product.
I also believe Mars buys sugar from ACSC as well.
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
25 
2
When is someone going to explain how the sugar subsidy costs the taxpayer nothing? I’m waiting for an answer.
Like or Dislike:
7 
8
http://www.fff.org/freedom/0498d.asp
Like or Dislike:
8 
3
TJ, Thank you for that web address; very informative; I hope everyone reads it. I’m sick of congressman being bought off. Lies, lies, lies.
Like or Dislike:
10 
3