Originally Posted by
velosnow
It'd be a curious experiment. How about defense? The sheer amount of R&D & procurement programs boil down to subsidies as well. Quick search estimates well over $100B a year for what amounts to defense subsidies which is more than ag, fossil fuels and renewables combined.
Subsidies are obviously complex and arguably useful in stabilizing the economy along with promoting progress. I'm probably not in the nuke'm all camp but smart reductions might not be the worst thing.
I don't see how infrastructure, defense ... are "subsidies." You get something in return for your money. Subsidies prop-up otherwise unprofitable sectors. In the case of farming/green industries, it's rent-seeking.