[thaumasiotes]

> For example renewable energy is constantly said to be cost competitive with fossil fuels, yet the industry is always demanding (begging) for subsidies and carve outs.

> If renewables were so cost effective, why are they always scheming for tax credits and subsidies?

I don't quite follow; subsidies don't get worse if you're already profitable. They get better!

[MichaelZuo]

I think the parent meant it this way:

In any country there are thousands of special interest groups looking to do the same. How are the folks advocating for renewables succeeding over and above so many other groups where tax credits, subsidies, etc., are a matter of life and death, when renewables are already so cost effective, and thus don’t need it as much?

[thaumasiotes]

You don't get subsidies based on whether you need them. You get subsidies based on whether subsidizers like you. That's what a subsidy is.

[MichaelZuo]

How do they get the susidizers to like them over and above other groups willing to offer life and limb?

[thaumasiotes]

That question is nonsense; you're asking for subsidies. You have nothing to offer; you're taking, not giving.

If the other groups had something to offer, they wouldn't need subsidies either.

How badly you need something just doesn't have anything to do with whether someone will give it to you.

[MichaelZuo]

Do you really think lobbying groups or special interest groups, or groups in general, have ‘nothing’ to offer to politicians?