Jon Bailey is something of a legend at the Center for Rural Affairs when it comes to research. He may have written his best words in this report. It put the spotlight directly on poverty in a neglected part of the country - right here in the nation's bread basket.

This summer, agrochemical, biotechnology, and seed giant Monsanto revealed an interest in acquiring their Switzerland-based competitor Syngenta. Initial merger serenades were sternly rebuffed by Syngenta, and Monsanto’s interest turned into a $46.5 billion hostile takeover.

“Payday loans” are short-term, high interest loans that take a heavy toll on the unsuspecting, and should be avoided. The main problem is the sinister combination of upfront fees and interest rates, which are very high - typically 300% to 400% per year.