Tom - thought you should know, Pollan is sending people here via one of his email blasts.  Hell, you probably know.  Never mind.

While McCain could surprise some of his supporters on the environment, there is a sharp contrast between McCain/Palin and Obama that is quite significant for sustainable agriculture. Change in agriculture will have to occur at an economically sustainable pace or many of the family farms that have been caught in the commodity subsidy trap would disappear and be replaced by much larger limited liability organizations.  Certainly the Conservation Stewardship program will be important in starting a shift to sustainability, but payment limits would be a beginning at reform also.  Obama, in a central Iowa rally early in the campaign, responded well to my question concerning how to prevent ethanol production from depleting our natural resources.  He was knowledgeable about the issue and not afraid to show leadership in an Iowa farming community.  He said something to the effect that ethanol production needed to include and shift to cellulose.  If biomass ethanol does have a viable future it will be ethanol made from a diverse perennial crop, rather from corn or worse yet from cornstalks.  So while McCain does not like ethanol subsidies would he lead on sustainable agricultural systems?  Having rules that control pollution including non-point source water pollution is absolutely necessary for sustainability to ever occur; I do not hear that from McCain or Palin.  Federal programs to help beginning farmers who have fresh ideas will be important.  The Vice-President candidates are also important to look at.  Palin's public statements since her nomination reveal little about her intent for agricultural policy or natural resources protection.  Biden has a strong public record.

Jerry Peckumn
Jefferson, Iowa

Well, if anyone has any doubts about McCain, they should read the Rolling Stones article titled "Make Believe Maverick".  I don't think that guy has any of America's best interests at heart.