I suspect that a lot of that was Wilsonian propaganda. The Wilson administration was adept at lying, trying to create anti-German xenophobia, and otherwise stimulate the public into accepting its war agenda.
Frank Roosevelt’s administration was even more egregious in trying to raise public sentiments with contributions to “the war effort”, like fats and greases (that were quietly discarded), scrap metal drives (whose metal was so heterogeneous that it would have consumed twice as much energy to reprocess than from ore), and consumer goods that were in abundance, but considered “too frivolous” by government bureaucrats.
Even today, be very dubious about civic projects who have as a stated purpose “to raise public awareness”. Socialists long ago learned that scarcity and the need for rationing are essential to their program of control, which is thwarted by abundance. So they are more than willing to pretend that there is shortage, or even create artificial shortages, as means to their ends.
I observed this at work in a “home water conservation” scheme many years ago. I pointed out that residential use of water in my State was less than 2% of consumption, the rest being used by agriculture and industry, especially mining. And that the mining industry had just decided to recycle its water, instantly increasing available clean water in the state by one third.
I was told by the “home water conservation” advocates that actual water savings meant very little, compared to the importance of “raising public awareness” about the “issue” of the need to conserve water. In other words, they were lying scoundrels, trying to create the illusion of shortage to get control over the public.
They were successful in this effort at the national level, eventually getting a legal mandate to require low water use toilets (that do not work well) and shower heads. Today they have considerably broadened their efforts by successfully outlawing incandescent light bulbs, requiring small automobiles, and thousands of other nuisances, all with the idea of increasing government control over the daily life of citizens.
Again, in their minds, the means are unimportant, only their ends. This is why we now have “Cap & Trade & Tax”, for example, even though it will accomplish nothing. It is very serious, and they mean to have their way, no matter who they hurt.
Likewise, and more on topic, the government wants to regulate home gardening as well. Since they are now demanding government agents inspect homes for “energy efficiency”, and demanding compliance to their standards prior to sale or transfer, it is hardly surprising that they want control over backyard gardens as well.
Very well said.
I can so I can remain somewhat independent of the stores in an emergency and it is fun.
It is not a public service.
Most of our shortages today are caused by government. I am talking worldwide.
Where people are free, there is sufficient for all. Where there is slavery (coming soon to a theatre near you)there is scarcity.
I think you ought to start a new topic on that and support it as you did your response to me. Well stated.
>>>I observed this at work in a “home water conservation” scheme many years ago.<<<
Hey, but it was FUN to shower with a friend of your choice. ;^)