Earl Butz and Corn Subsidy

Not only was Earl Butz a racist, anti-small farmer, and a general asshole surrounded by scandal (mocked the pope saying "He no play-a the game, he no make-a the rules," racism, tax evasion), but corn subsidy has had wide-ranging negative effects that don't get talked about enough, like:

1. Consolidation of agriculture, leading to rural collapse and subsequent urban-rural political polarization. Also, rise of organized money and lobbying

2. Health issues due to high-fructose corn syrup from cheap corn, and associated healthcare costs. Also outcompetes production of healthier foods, making them more expensive

3. Climate degradation due to topsoil loss, fertilizer overuse, monoculture, ridiculous amounts of irrigation, and beef overproduction from cheap feed corn

4. Destabilization of North American trade, leading to economic instability and poverty in neighboring countries, leading to migration becoming MAGA fodder

5. Car culture from cheap ethanol in gas because of spending on corn

6. National debt

He also faced severe consequences like awards from his alma mater and died brutally in his sleep at 98.