Food prices: Boon for US, starvation for 3rd World

When I first read of the severe drought in Russia and the loss of approximately 20% of their crops, I also read--immediately and more than once--that it would be a boon for America and American farmers. In other words, it would be a boost to and for business. Some of our pocketbooks. What I also knew it would do, however, is be a burden to the poor of the world who depend on food commodities for survival. So what do I see today? An article pointing out just that: UN to Hold Crisis Talks on Food Prices as Riots Hit Mozambique; After violence in Africa and protests in Egypt, Serbia and Pakistan, the UN are to urge action on the rising cost of food The UN has called an urgent meeting on rising global food prices in an attempt to head off a repeat of the 2008 crisis that sparked riots around the world. A demonstrator throws a tire on a burning barricade during riots in Maputo, Mozambique, on Wednesday. Police fired rubber bullets and teargas during protests against rising prices. (Reuters)Seven people, including two children, were killed in Mozambique this week during three days of protests triggered by a rise in the cost of bread. There has also been anger over increasing prices in Egypt, Serbia and Pakistan, where floods destroyed a fifth of the country's crops. So bully for us, right? It's good for our business and money. To heck with the Third World and those poor beggars. Literally. Link to original article: http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2010/09/04-1