I’m going to rant a bit because I do feel as though what’s in the news today (or not as the case may be) has a lot to do with preparedness.
First: I hope that the planned rebellion that is to happen in airports over the Thanksgiving holidays happens. Having just been through this nightmare myself, I only wish I had an opportunity to participate.
Next: Today, the Food Safety bill is coming up for a vote. The bill is supposed to protect us from unsafe food. They will do this by hyper-regulating all food and suppliers. The Tester amendment will exempt small producers. If the amendment is not included, look out for regulations that may cripple small farms, orchards, apiaries and people selling a couple dozen eggs a day.
I find it beyond crazy that the news is leading with the story of a royal wedding rather than the assault on our food supply. We can live without royalty and the bread and circus of a ceremony in country in the midst of a financial crisis but we can’t live without a functioning food system.
From a preparedness standpoint, it the Testa amendments is not included in the food safety legislation, I will be looking to make some major investments in my land. I’m usually pretty conservative and try not to bite off more than I can comfortably chew but I will consider this a call, not to arms, but to shovels. I will consider every calorie I produce to be a patriotic act. Keep one thought in mind. If they feed you, they own you.
I have a food security kind of day going on today. We are picking up pork from the butcher for a friend who can’t get there today. Bruce is picking up turkeys for the food pantry and in between, I’m defrosting the big freezer and organizing my jar storage area in the basement. It’s amazing just how cluttered that space can get. I will keep you posted on the vote and if you hearing anything please post it here.
November 17, 2010 at 8:50 am
That is a horrible bill, with or without any ammendments! I can only hope that this doesn’t pass, but I’m not holding my breath.
I guess, the only real food safety and security is doing the most you can for yourself!
I snagged some “cider apples” from a local orchard and will be making more goodies to can with them. I’m glad to see more and more public figures talk about preparing by keeping a stock of food and starting a garden.
November 17, 2010 at 9:56 am
I’ve written every official I know about S.510, and have been doing so for the past… year? Has it been that long? I had so much dread from the beginning because, my goodness, who is against food safety? But the real threat against food safety are the methods used by conglomerates to produce ultracheap, centralized food. Well, there’s another food threat, and that is: what happens if we put all the local farms out of business and something happens to disrupt our centralized food delivery? We have farms working hard to feed increasing amounts of their communities, and we will need them. Those farms are not feeding cow brains to cows or overcrowding chickens that never see the light of day or pouring infected fertlizer over their lettuce. Oh, I shouldn’t even get started, I’ve written so many of these letters…
November 17, 2010 at 3:56 pm
Ever since seeing you at the MEN fair, you, your blog and your book have been an inspiration and my “go to” source for preparing my family for self-sufficiency, and I just want to say thank you!
November 17, 2010 at 5:17 pm
Thank you!
November 18, 2010 at 10:12 am
The bill passed and now is the time to talk about modifications, so in the next election politicians of both parties who need votes will help restructure this legislation. Responsding to a real need for consumer protection in the area of food safety, congress appeared to act with a sledge hammer instead of a feather duster. A good organization coupled with allies in other areas such as environmental groups,consumer rights organizations etc. would help the cause. Also a central webb site established where an exchange of information and detailed tracking of key legislators should be published. This kind of practical action might achieve better results. As a former public interest lobbyist, I know that this is the kind of intense public action that generates attention. It isn’t going to be easy, but it can be accomplished.
November 18, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Kathy, the Food Safety Bill has local flavor for me. North Carolina’s Senator Kay Kagan is trying to keep the bill from destroying our small farmers’ livelihoods. You can read the article here:
http://www2.journalnow.com/news/2010/nov/18/local-option-hagan-amendment-to-food-safety-bill-a-ar-547135/
The farm owner featured in the article, Cheryl Ferguson, is a passionate farmer whose fresh raspberries and fragrant garlic are incomparable. She deserves a chance to keep growing her business.
In other news, my mother just phoned to say that Glenn Beck plans on his daily broadcast to advise all Americans to sell their unwanted junk and stockpile food with the proceeds. After a year of ignoring my admonitions to get with it, NOW she’s willing to take prepping seriously. Sigh.
BTW, the expression “if they feed you, they own you” is particularly chilling. Donna