Free Republic

As a former rice farmer in northern California, I can testify to the stupidity and insanity of environmentalists who favor obscure fish over humans. Water to farmers is now below growing levels and will cause devastation to the 2022 rice industry, taking down farmers as well as all related industries. The fact that the world is facing a major food shortage means nothing to these environmental zealots. ⁃ TN EditorColusa County in Northern California is the top producer of rice in the Sacramento Valley. Colusa County historically produces more than 150,000 acres of rice in a normal year. But in...

North Korea's announcement that it had successfully tested a nuclear device has renewed concerns that other countries in the region will follow suit. These are not idle concerns. Given Japan's existing nuclear power program, and its advanced technical and industrial base, it could likely develop nuclear weapons in a matter of months. But it is far from certain that Japan will go that route, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was quick to dampen speculation about an ensuing arms race. "Possession of nuclear arms is not an option at all for our country," Mr. Abe said after the North Korean test....

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two Republican senators pushed legislation on Friday to seek sanctions on North Korea for breaking international nuclear arms agreements and to put a formal end to U.S. aid intended to deter Pyongyang from developing nuclear weapons. "North Korea must feel some pressure to begin to dismantle its nuclear programs," said Sen. Jon Kyl, who said he would introduce the bill on Monday with Sen. John McCain, also from Arizona. They want the Bush administration to take a harder line against Pyongyang, while other Republicans and most Democrats are urging diplomacy to quell the nuclear standoff. Earlier on...