Hummel- Chapter 8

I found this chapter interesting because it dealt with how leaders appease groups of small people with money to get their votes and hold power. They talked about Ethanol and the corn business that goes with it in Iowa. I lived in Iowa for many years before coming to Minnesota and theme of Ethanol reminded me of it. I remember sitting in the ice area listening to a politician speak to the town, and Ethanol was one of his main topics. Looking back I remember people were always talking about it in my small town. Most supported ethanol, but I never got a clear reason why. Now reading this chapter I see. They are getting money! Thats why they support it. The politicians keep them happy by supporting ethanol and the people vote for them. All this despite the shown negative monetary and environmental costs of ethanol. I find it strange that politicians have to support these strange, and sometimes harmful ventures to get votes. If we could only make it possible to please these groups of voters with useful, environmentally friendly and profitable ventures...