THE ECONOMIC PAMPHLETEER: U.S. Farm Policy Alternatives for 2020

First paragraph: The year 2020 seemed destined to be a year dominated by presidential politics. The Republican candidate for president was never in doubt, but the Democrats began with a crowded field of contenders. Climate change seemed des­tined to be the dominant political issue. However, the political landscape changed abruptly when the coronavirus pandemic exploded into public con­sciousness. A delayed response led to an economic shutdown, seemingly weakening the Republican case for reelection. The Democrats quickly settled on a moderate presidential candidate to head their ticket. The police killing of another unarmed African American then triggered massive street demonstrations. Rather than bring the nation together, these latest crises have further deepened an increasingly critical political divide. . . .