It's not the only product
taxpayers shouldn't subsidize

Editor, The Times:

In ["Big tobacco finally loses," editorial, June 12], you argued that "there is no good reason for taxpayers to continue to subsidize [tobacco production]." I agree. Taxpayers should not be forced to pay for the production of a product that has led to people living unhealthy lifestyles. However, tobacco is hardly the only problem.

For example, the government has spent nearly $40 billion during the past decade subsidizing corn production. As a result, it is much cheaper to make food with high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). While no type of sugar is healthy, there is a strong correlation between the rise in use of HFCS and the rise of obesity in the United States.

Also, many studies suggest that HFCS is unhealthier than pure sugar and can alter natural metabolic processes. The government should consider these types of unintended health consequences before handing out subsidies.

-- Jeffrey McCoy, Seattle