Originally Posted by
dougmc
My point is, how does one quantify government subsidies? Comparing to government taxes seems the best way -- if the government makes much more than they give in subsidies from something, you can't really claim it's HUGELY (in caps no less) subsidized.
Ultimately, I think DX-MAN is just making stuff up there.
I've said nothing about whether tax breaks are needed or not -- I'm just saying I disagree with his assertion.
Yes, "HUGELY" is a relative term. My point is that a mature profit producing industry should not need any subsidies, and in fact should be paying its own way.
I understand subsidies to industries that the government wants to encourage growth in... new startups in communications, or space travel, or alternative energy; but where an industry has matured and is producing "record" profits... why in the world do they need a handout. Such a mature industry should be helping others. (which ultimately they do, through the government)