L E T T E R S

July 10, 2007
A few truths behind National Animal Identification and Premises I.D.
 
The federal government does not have a first responder (with in 48 hours) vaccine plan in place.

The feds circuitous route to point of vaccine need is so long and cumbersome - a livestock owner will be left with the larger problem of mortality.

U.S.D.A. should work with states without brand laws,  individualizing a program best suited for that state.
States with brand laws should be honored, accepted, and left alone. U.S.D.A. should not waste taxpayer dollars in attempts to layer yet another form of identification on top of brands.

Since state vets have a good history of communicating with one another, a persons livestock information should be kept by his or her state vet.  There's absolutely, positively, no need for a federal data base.

While I understand the disappointment U.S. Ag Secretary Johanns and packers must harbor in not being able to force NAIS on cow-calf producers, it's wicked for them to back door this by forcing Premises I.D. on our children. 

Just yesterday I found out the packers stockers sent a letter to video auctioneers - demanding they not bid on cattle.  Where the hell do they get the authority to dictate how a calf sale should be conducted?

How many truths must we give our elected officials to prove how the packer monopoly and N.C.B.A. controls the U.S.D.A.?

How many truths must we give our elected officials to prove the difference between a cow-calf producer and a packer?

How many truths must we give our elected officials to prove how some actions by packers are self serving and a means for un-just enrichment?

How many truths must we give our elected officials to prove how non-enforcement of Country of Origin Labeling  (COOL) perpetuates lies and risks to consumers?

Tom Shane (jeweler) is suing a competitor over using his slogan "now you have a friend in the diamond(ruby, emerald etc.) business,"  seeking a restraining order (cease and desist), and an unspecified amount in financial damages.

Does America's cow-calf producers have the right to stop any entity that uses American raised beef to promote foreign beef? 
What financial, physical and mental damage do you suppose these un-fair actions have brought our cow-calf producers?

Who cares?
 
Roni Bell Sylvester