Our farming economy is in the ditch. Prices are less than production costs in many instances. Our farmers cannot continue unless things change in a big way, and soon. Success will be found through increased exports and shifting to more profitable crops. Though I don t view governmental farm price supports as the answer, some government assistance is needed.
Price supports simply prolong the problem and discourage the search for a real solution.
In my view, the Governor could help resuscitate our agricultural economy by placing maximum emphasis on increasing exports and financial assistance to our farmers in transitioning to profitable crops. In addition to the problem of substandard public education, Governor Musgrove also inherits a crisis in the health care arena. Mississippi, along with the rest of the country, is going through a fundamental shift in the delivery of health care. As much as I enjoy great health care services, there is a limit to the amount that can be paid, and I think we have just about reached that limit. As long as someone else is picking up the tab, we will continue to refuse to take responsibility for our own health.