One part Imperial Rome.
One part Sodom and Gomorrah.
One part Moscow.
Mix.

"… Already long ago, from when we sold our vote to no man, the People have abdicated our duties; for the People who once upon a time handed out military command, high civil office, legions — everything, now restrains itself and anxiously hopes for just two things: bread and circuses"---(Juvenal, Satire 10.77–81)

"uvenal here makes reference to the Roman practice of providing free wheat to some poor Romans as well as costly circus games and other forms of entertainment as a means of gaining political power through populism. The Annona (grain dole) was begun under the instigation of the popularis politician Gaius Sempronius Gracchus in 123 BC; it remained an object of political contention until it was taken under the control of the Roman emperor."

"In context, the Latin phrase panis et circenses (bread and circuses) is given as the only remaining cares of a Roman populace which has given up its birthright of political involvement."

Sourced, wikipedia

It seems the populist movement now means giving up liberties, responsibilities, and subject themselves to huge taxation as long as the government takes care of all needs.

In a few years most will look back and say, "Who did this?" As stated in "V fo Vendetta", If you want to know who is truly responsible, you need only to look in your mirror."

While it is not the end of the world, it is the beginning of the end of the great experiment our founders created known as the United States.

Be well,

Sponge

Well? Yuh.

Dan, or any one else with a little more information than I, could you all tell me the REAL scoop on HR 875.

This "food safety" measure is supposed to create a new bureaucracy for inspecting all food producers.

Some on the more neo-Con websites are saying this will put great restrictions on the small farmer, such as no roadside produce stands etc.

I have tried to understand it, reading the congressional (broken) record. However, it seems too broad in scope and too much legalese for my accountant brain.

One section, 203 I believe puts severe restrictions about inspections for all food producers. Some say we have nothing to worry about, this refers to canners, etc. However, he way I read it, the resolution appears to affect anyone who produces food. This would kill the small farmer and the local Amish.

All I can say is that we do NOT need another bureaucracy. We need to do better with the existing laws and the FDA.

However, our government cannot even inspect a large peanut factory properly, why should I expect them to do better with thousands of small farms.

Be well,

Sponge