Free Republic

:snip: California is the nation's largest producer of many fruits, vegetables and nuts. But with the traditional rainy season more than half over, farmers are making hard decisions about what crops to plant and how many acres to leave fallow. At least 500,000 prime acres, representing an area the size of Los Angeles and San Diego combined, are expected to go unplanted this spring because of insufficient water. :snip: While California's drought may be good for growers elsewhere, the state's farmers are feeling increasing stress. Last week, the federal government announced that it will not allocate any water to the...

Excerpt from middle of article Among the many measures the Democrats want to push through Congress, is the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (S-510), which will essentially bring the agriculture industry under the control of the federal government. From day one of this administration, the goal has been to "transform the United States of America" into a socialist-like system in which formerly-free people must get government's permission to exercise their liberty or pursue their happiness. Another measure that makes Democrats drool is the Clean Water Restoration Act (S-787). This bill would give to the federal government jurisdiction over every drop...

On the list of insane public policy moves we have come to expect from the current administration, Cap and Tax, Obamacare and Union Card Check, a fourth has garnered relatively little attention, although the implications for all Americans may be among the most far-reaching. The recurring theme is centralized control. On Monday, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California will host a rare Congressional “Field Hearing“. A Congressional delegation will venture out of the beltway and actually devote time to a problem in our country. Better yet, they will be listening to real citizens. Sort of. At issue is what...