THINGS I'D LIKE EXPLAINED

In all the hubbub about manufactured goods from China ignoring basic safety considerations (why aren't these things inspected before they get to resellers?), it seems that we need to realize something else.

America has been "the bread basket of the world" for so long, that we tend to ignore that fact. We've all heard how Nebraska alone could feed the world's population. (Although the cities in Nebraska might not like having to move out.)

If that's agreed upon, then here's some questions I'd like answered:

1. Why are we importing beef cattle meat from a country we are told is starving?

2. Why are we importing grains and vegetables from that same country?

3. Why are we importing sea food from China when they consistently violate world wide conservation bans?

Current farm policies are misplaced. Taxpayers spend as much as$20 billion annually to subsidize only a few farmers. Crop subsidies damage the environment by placing pressure on sensitive lands such as wetlands and native grasslands.

The Fairness in Farm and Food Policy Amendment would better reward farmers for conservation practices, increase assistance to hungry Americans, provide consumers with more food and energy choices, and stop sprawl. and foreign importation.

Interest and unrest has been building in the US over sourcing products and ingredients from China after several safety problems reported in the past few months. The Chinese safety scares have included chemical additives in wheat gluten, poisoning in dog food, toothpaste recalls due to the presence of diethylene glycol, a poison found in antifreeze, and a hold on safety of some seafood imports.

Tony Snow, White House spokesman, said: "It's important to note that you have food safety concerns throughout the world and it's important to act on them." He said that the US did not expect a trade war to develop, in spite of China's decision to bar some US meat imports in response to increased US scrutiny of its products.

China wants to bar our imports? OK with me. We can bar their crappy stuff, too. I'm first in line to cast a vote, too. I just wonder if the FDA is a tool of the Administration or can act on its own with Congressional approval?

I guess my real, main, important question is: When do the people get their America back?

And another thing about Chinese ideas on food safety: BEIJING - They're flush with pride in a southwestern Chinese city where a recently-opened porcelain palace features an Egyptian facade, soothing music and more than 1,000 toilets spread out over 32,290 square feet. Officials in Chongqing are preparing to submit an application to Guinness World Records to have the free four-story public bathroom listed as the world's largest, the state-run China Central Television reported Friday. "We are spreading toilet culture. People can listen to gentle music and watch TV," said Lu Xiaoqing, an official with the Yangrenjie, or "Foreigners Street," tourist area where the bathroom is located. "After they use the bathroom they will be very, very happy." Footage aired on CCTV showed people milling about the sprawling facility and washing their hands at trough sinks. For open-aired relief, there is a cluster of stalls without a roof. Some urinals are uniquely shaped, including ones inside open crocodile mouths and several that are topped by the bust of a woman resembling the Virgin Mary. "Other bathrooms are all the same. This one is very special, I've never seen anything like it," one visitor to the tourist area told CCTV. There are also plans to build a supermarket nearby, which will sell toilet-related items, CCTV reported.

Where could there be better fplace or a supermarket than next door to a public potty?

To end this post, this, from a real action hero:

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.--- Theodore Roosevelt