HOGS, HOGS, HOGS ON THE RADIONormally 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
