HOGS, HOGS, HOGS ON THE RADIO
Normally an IOWA-based radio program about hogs mentions the words
commodity, pork bellies, or futures at least once. The one this
morning on 1270 AM-WKBF did not. The program “Conversation With Cathy
And Karl” is broadcast on our local Air America affiliate. It was
sent out over the airwaves from 9-9:30 AM this sunny but cool October
morning. Those listening in the Quad-Cities area and for those up
to 70 miles away, this is local, progressive, discussion radio at its
best. We here in eastern IOWA and those in western Illinois can
pickup the signal.
This particular program heard Cathy Bolcom and Karl Rhomberg interview
me about HOG CONFINEMENTS IN IOWA AND THE MASTER MATRIX. I talked
about the problems stemming from too many pigs being raised in too
small an area. HYDROGEN SULFIDE AND AMMONIA as well as
ANTIBIOTICS and ASTHMA IN CHILDREN were all part of the program.
NERVOUS SYSTEM AND/OR BRAIN DAMAGE OR DEATH can result with even short
exposure to strong doses of hydrogen sulfide or ammonia. Many of
you who visit this web site have read the articles I've previously
written about this issue so are already aware of these things. By
hopefully stressing the HEALTH perspective as well as the SOCIAL,
CULTURAL, and ECONOMIC aspects of what hog confinements represent we'll
bring this topic back to continued public discussion.
Before the IOWA and Illinois legislatures convene again, I hope to have an open forum on this matter.
To see what has happened in counties west of Eastern IOWA is crucial in
understanding the life of a confined hog. No longer is this just
about a person trying to make a living at what they love to do; this
first and foremost must be considered a HEALTH ISSUE. THE DAMAGE
TO OUR HEALTH, ESPECIALLY TO CHILDREN'S HEALTH, CAN BE AVOIDED if
confinements do not increase.
It is also about the AGRICULTURE /INDUSTRIAL /CORPORATE
COMPLEX. Do we want our state to become a place where our health,
air, and water are decimated to feed those in other states and around
the world? This is my main question. After hearing Scott
County Board of Supervisor Chairman Larry Minard's final remarks on
July 28th, it appears there is lack of concern for the majority of
those living in our county. He said we live in a global economy
and for economic reasons the Thomas Dittmer hog lot expansion was
approved. All 5 supervisors voted in favor: 2 Democrats, 3
Republicans.
On the radio program today, Karl called this a “sham” referring to the
fact that no matter how the local board of supervisors votes, the final
say for permit approval or denial rests with the IDNR (IOWA Department
of Natural Resources). But at least since the board has opted the
past 3 years to be part of the permit process, public input is received
for 30 days after the construction permit request is received by the
IDNR.
Those near Reynolds, Illinois, who I mentioned last week, are
apprehensive about their chances to stop the confinement near their
town of 550 (I had too many people listed previously, sorry). On
Thursday, September 29th, many of the 12 who are suing the farmer Jim
O'Leary appeared in the Rock Island County courthouse. It was the
first hearing regarding a request for a TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER
that would put a halt to the construction of the confinement
buildings. But since there are no pigs on the site yet, the judge
deemed there was no emergency situation.
On Monday, November 7th, the group and their lawyer will be back in
court this time asking for a temporary INJUNCTION. More to come
later.
BLACK ELK, GREAT OGLALA SIOUX LEADER WOULD SAY WE DISHONOR THE EARTH.
SAINT FRANCIS WOULD TELL US WE NEED TO BE MORE KIND TO ANIMALS.
JOHN DENVER WOULD BE APPALLED.
GEORGE HARRISON WOULD SEE THE INJUSTICE.
BELLA ABZUG WOULD TAKE THEM TO COURT.
In your busy week, don't forget to CPR…CONSERVE/PARTICIPATE/RECYCLE
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