Bioterror Food Bill Altered

Fresno Bee ^ | December 12, 2001 | Michael Doyle, Bee Washington Bureau

[snopercod]

WASHINGTON -- Lawmakers fighting bioterrorism came within a whisker of requiring family farms to register with the Food and Drug Administration.

Those sweeping registration requirements were shaved Tuesday after facing opposition from the likes of Mariposa Republican George Radanovich.

The prospect remains, though, for California agribusiness to shoulder new burdens under the flag of antiterrorism.

[snopercod]

While everyone is busy waving American flags, Washington is herding us down the Road to Serfdom

From Robert "Fightin' Bob" LaFollette defends free speech:

I think all men recognize that in time of war the citizen must surrender some rights for the common good which he is entitled to enjoy in time of peace. But sir, the right to control their own Government according to constitutional forms is not one of the rights that the citizens of this country are called upon to surrender in time of war.

Rather in time of war the citizen must be more alert to the preservation of his right to control his Government. He must be most watchful of the encroachment of the military upon the civil power. He must beware of those precedents in support of arbitrary action by administration officials which, excused on the plea of necessity in war time, become the fixed rule when the necessity has passed and normal conditions have been restored.

[snopercod]

Dodged a bullet this time.

[farmfriend]

Grange Calls for "Agroterrorism" Czar, Adopts 2002 Ag Policies

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (November 14, 2001) - The National Grange, meeting for its 135th annual convention, has voted to ask Tom Ridge, new head of the Office of Homeland Security, to create a high level position with appropriate resources, to prevent "agroterrorism" in the United States. The Grange defines "agroterrorism" as "the undermining and destruction of a food source through contamination of livestock or the genetic sabotage of grains."

Agroterrorism is major concern among state directors of agriculture, and farmers are well aware of the devastation that can be wrought on the farm. The continued existence of Foot and Mouth Disease in other parts of the world and the ease with which it can be carried and introduced into an agricultural area is of particular concern. Foot and Mouth Disease is not harmful to humans but extremely harmful to cattle, sheep and swine. It can be easily transported by humans on clothing. According to the Grange, "The devastation of this form of terrorism is limitless and can be crippling to agriculture, our health and food supply and the national economy."

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Yes, of course the poor farmers are too stupid to care for their crops and livestock properly, and need a far-away bureaucracy to tell them what to do. </sarcasm>

Will the next federal ad-campaign be:

Grow a Tomato [without a permit] - Go to Jail!