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Is the government really trying to stop us?

Posted at 4:19 PM on March 5, 2008 by Sareen Dunleavy Keenan (6 Comments)

This article at the New York Times seems to indicate that they are. I am reading more on this issue, but thought that Jack brought up some interesting ideas and perspectives.

If you have a few minutes, read. I have been preparing to comment, but know that whenever I delay a post, it eventually becomes irrelevant. So while I am learning more on the issue, why don't you tell me what you know. I am intrigued.

Comments (6)

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Sareen - the NYT story you link to in your post is really important to the local food movement. Have you read Michael Pollan's book The Omnivore's Dilemma? If not, run to your nearest library or independent bookseller and get a copy. It s/b required reading for anyone who eats (and will put the NYT op-ed in context). If you chose to read it, please share your thoughts.
Donna (Kalamazoo)

Posted by Donna McClurkan | March 6, 2008 3:50 AM

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Hi Sareen,

I just posted this article to my facebook group, locavore's unite, the other day. It's really disturbing. Thanks for drawing attention to it.

Tim

Posted by Tim Baird | March 6, 2008 9:41 AM

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Sareen,

As Donna said, the "Omnivore's Dilemma" really points out the corn-based issues with this country and how it relates to our eating. It is a long book, which being pregnant and having a toddler, I am guessing you don't have time to read. I have been listening to it on iPod-download it from your library. My husband and I are going to a discussion on the book tonight in fact.

I do want to point out, that though the government might have originally done this on purpose, it is more complicated. Having lived in a farming community for most of my life, I would say, that the problem is government (and we are the government-we can make this issue change), it is big business, but the farmers are just as hooked on this welfare system. I saw it every year growing up, when the seed checks came in, guess who got a new truck, guess who was going to Hawaii. Farmers not part of the system, didn't get these rewards, and have to work a lot harder, but have independence. Something the crop farmers falsely claim to have.

It is also our faults-we want cheap food. We have made food a commodity, when it is much more than that. Once the American people are willing or have to use more than 11% of our paycheck-it use to be 22% in the 1950's, to buy good tasting, nutritious, safe food, then the system will change.

I am guessing that talking with our money will move things in a different direction, before talking to our representatives will.

Posted by Gina Keenan | March 6, 2008 11:52 AM

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Thanks for posting this important article, Sareen. What a stinko situation! Also, thanks for giving me a good laugh with your previous post about your little canteloupe-lover :-)

Posted by Autumn Long | March 6, 2008 12:08 PM

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It is funny, I do run into trouble prioritizing and finding time to read. I have the copy of "Omnivore's Dilemma" on the bedside table. I have such good intentions to read it, but as this post shows, sometimes I don't even have time to formulate thoughts about something, let alone read a book!

I am whizzing through a non-related book though, "Gang Leader for a Day." Check it out, a rouge sociologist that makes it deep into a gang. Ok, I have only read 60 pages in 3 weeks, but it seems like I am just reading a TON!

Ipod, here I come. There is nothing left to cut out of my life to make time! Subtracting the TV gave us most of our time back, but I just don't know where else to get the time. Maybe in 18 years! -sdk

Posted by Saren | March 7, 2008 3:18 PM

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In retrospect the only time I had "off" when my children were little is when I was nursing.

Sympathies, Vera

Posted by Vera Schabicki | March 9, 2008 11:14 PM