topic : agricultural subsidy of U.S. government
The lecturer argues that government's agricultural subsidies are not necessary. This contradicts the reading passage's argument that subsidies offered several benefits.
First, the lecturer explains that subsidies did not stablize the food supply. It did not help the food price lower and have nothing to do with supply. And crops not used as food such as corn as biofuel also were given subsidies. So it did not beneficial. This casts doubt on the reading passage's assertion that subsidies provided steady and enough food supply.
Next, the lecturer says that price of some crops rather increased. The U.S. Government gave subsidies only to crops such as corn, wheat and so on. Thus, vegetables could not receive subsidies so price of these become higher. This counters the reading passage's claim that food price decresed by government's supports.
Finally, the lecturer maintains that it was not helpful to local economy. At that time, agriculture was mechanized so farmer did not need extra work force. Therefore, they purchased equipment instead of hiring more people. This refutes the reading passage's explanation that rural economy were fueled by subsidies.