By MamaLiberty
I know, I know… it’s only the middle of February and spring is at least six weeks away from reality. But it got to 60 degrees here today, I can see tiny tips of green grass starting to poke out of the brown weeds in the front yard, and the first mule deer fawns should be coming into the horse pasture any day now.
Lots and lots of terrible things going on in the world. I wish I could do something about them, but I can’t think of anything. So I’d rather enjoy the first signs of an early spring here in rural Wyoming…
I spread all my seeds out on the dining room table this morning, putting some packets into a plastic bag so they’d be handy when it is time to plant. I enjoyed thinking about which of my house plants I would put out on the deck, as soon as it is warm enough, yet knowing I might have to endure another snowstorm or two before I can do much besides dream and plan. But that day will come, soon enough – and I’ll be ready.
Here’s hoping that peace and liberty in the world can come quickly too.
Irrational actions and reactions
Libertarian Commentary #16-07B by Nathan A Barton
Irrational actions: Grocery store chains (Krogers, Safeway/Albertsons, etc.) have long been some of the most ardent of supporters of the USDA’s welfare program for families (“food stamps,” now called SNAP. Will this change? CNS News reports that grocery stores must now expand their “healthy food choices” by having a minimum of 168 items per store, which would be required to offer “seven varieties of qualifying foods in four staple food groups for sale on a continuous basis, along with perishable foods in at least three of the four staple food groups.” The staple foods groups are dairy products; breads and cereals; meats, poultry and fish; and fruits and vegetables.
In addition, the proposal calls for retailers to stock at least six units within each variety, leading to a total of at least 168 required food items per store. Stores which do not do this (provided the proposed rule is put in place, which is highly likely) will not be able to participate, giving up vast revenues. But can they? 168 food items is a LOT in a small convenience-store setting; this very well may see many stores in rural and AmerInd communities being dropped, and even in urban areas, for example the micro-stores that you have at Safeway or King Soopers fuel outlets. Or will the stores buckle under and replace items that people want to buy (and pay their OWN money for), with these mandated items? Government money ALWAYS comes with strings, as we see once again. Continue reading →