When you live in a desert, it's very hard to grow food. You have to import it, or die...

That is true

However, if the U.S. wanted to build relations with the Middle East, and strengthen our economy, we could offer food in exchange for debt relief from those Middle Eastern countries that hold so much of our debt. It would benefit our farmers, and all Middle Easterners, and give common ground for dialogue. It would also undercut the inroads radical extremists are making in the Muslim world...

Trading food for oil would be a great concept, and it would bring us back to REAL trade. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like this country is interested in exporting anymore. That in itself would help strengthen the Dollar.

Real trading means you must give something back to those you trade with. The people who seek power are takers, not givers or traders...

Trading their expensive for us oil for our expensive for them food would be very smart. We all win. Unfortunately its not likely to be possible. The one thing we still export in good number is food.

The government pays a lot of farmers not to grow anything...

Point 1: I agree with you guys, we can grow more food and trade for oil and/or debt relief.

Point 2: This makes sense to everyone, on all sides of the issue.

Point 3: The only exception to Point 2 is politicians.

Point 4: Stop making sense, politicians do nothing for the country that makes sense. If they did, they may lose the personal power over others that most so longingly crave.