Excited Delirium

Stories about Excited Delirium, the Shock Economy and a little fiction here and there.

Monthly Archives: March 2009

US to Make Growing Your Own Food Illegal?

To be honest, I admit that I feel I’m wading into deep waters of ignorance on this one, but I felt compelled to share this link with the audience that follows Excited Delirium.

I’ve seen a few other stories related to the US government’s act to impose limitations on the growth and sale of local or organic foods, but I’m really keen to get feedback from the audience to see what your thoughts are about these rules.  Will farmer’s markets really be wiped out?  Will individuals really be stopped from growing their own tomatoes in their backyard?

Are there other interpretations out there on this issue?  Please post when you have a moment.

And if you don’t feel like posting here, read the comments provided with the link.  There are many who have posted thoughts that might indicate just how pissed Americans are about this legislation.

$3 Billion Reasons to Beware

In addition to the tens of billions waiting in the wings, the Conservative government seems to be obsessed with getting Parliamentary approval on a $3 billion slush fund that’s been set up as an ‘instant’ response to Canada’s dire economic situation.

I’m going to start this blog by making a prediction.

I predict that the Conservative government with Stephen Harper at the helm does not have a future.

Fragmentation is pulling these people apart from a number of angles.

  • They’re finding it impossibly hard to keep abortion off the mainstream discussion list.
  • Green energy and cap-and-trade is a reality from their biggest client – the US – and they can’t adjust to it.
  • Give it a little time and some of the uglier elements with the party will likely rear their heads (I’m reluctant to say ‘white power’, but it’s the first phrase that comes to mind).
  • Finally, too many people are out there now questioning the multiple Sybil-like personality switches of our industrious leader (from schoolyard bully to blue-sweater light-weight to tough-talking anti-Obama-ist)

They’re falling apart and yet they continue to lead like their hold on power will never end.  It leaves me mystified and maybe a little frightened.

An example of this hubris?  The tough talk we’ve had to endure for the last two weeks concerning the $3 billion slush fund that they’ve set for spending on projects with fewer or no environmental reviews to them.  The school yard bully has graduated to high school thug.  It’s our way or  the highway, that, incidentally, we won’t build for you unless you’re a FOCer (Friend of Conservatives).

Why is this such an arrogant thing that Canadians should be concerned about, particularly those Canadians and contractors that might be getting these lush contracts from the federal government?  Because when the Conservatives lose their clutch on power in this country, there’s going to be a shit-storm of remediation and auditing going on by a government that gives a damn about where and how taxpayer dollars are being spent.  And when that level of scrutiny comes knocking on your door, you’d better pray you did everything in your power to keep at least 3 to 4 steps removed from the Conservatives because you’ll lose everything.

You should also take the environmental high road, despite Conservative disdain for all things green.  Consumers are too smart, much better informed and watching these people closely to let things slide.

If you don’t believe me, think about the reputation of the companies that were involved with the Liberals AdScam project.  They all got burned and they all went down with the ship.  Of course, some might be doing so on exotic shores, but I think you can catch my drift.

So, I guess the moral of my blog is this:  If you’re lining up at the Conservative trough, think twice.  Tying yourself to a sinking ship could be very bad for business (especially if you’re a Liberal).