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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,343
Top 30 Poster
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 6,343 |
Is there a song in this?
Thousands of farmers marched and drove tractors to the Capital to protest the importing of cheap produce. They are not able to compete with the cheap produce being imported.
The Mexican farmers said the NAFTA agreement has allowed cheap produce to be imported from America and they cannot compete. Many are crossing illegally into America to work because they cannot make enough money at home. Part of the problem is the average American Farmer receives approximately $20,000 in subsidies compared to $1500 for Mexican Farmers. NAFTA does not allow import fees to make it fair.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
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Hi Bill:
Yes, there probably is a song hidden somewhere in this story. This is a very complex and often convoluted subject so... the writer of this song is not going to be me. I just don't have enough facts to enable me to break out my pen and paper, then start writing a true story.
I sympathize with the poor in Mexico but I do not believe it is the obligation of our country (USA) to solve this problem. Instead, the Mexican Governement should address the issues of their people instead of continuing the "Bite System" that has existed there for so very long. They (the Mexican Governement) should also assist us in patroling our common border. Mexican workers (those who enter legally) are very important to our economy and to that of Mexico, as well.
The problem lies with those who dis-respect our laws and sovereignty by crossing our borders illegally. (This same border can also be crossed by Al Queda or other terrorist entities.)
Can you imagine how we would be treated if we decided to cross the Rio Grande into Mexico without proper authorization. I have no desire to rot in a Mexican prison.
As I said, this entire mess is a significant problem and we need to find a way to settle the issue with fairness to both nations and respect for all involved, provided they do not break our laws or cross illegally.
Sorry for the "rant" but this is a serious problem. I hope somebody can write a tune that truly defines this sad situation.
All my best,
Dave Rice
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Joined: Feb 2004
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Dave you may rant on all you want.
However, I was hoping for some recognition of the irony of this situation.
The protest is NOT in our capital. It is Mexican farmers in Mexico.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,554
Top 200 Poster
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Top 200 Poster
Joined: Aug 2006
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Dave you can tell a story without trying to sell an agenda. If I was to write a song about this, I would probably tell about a single individual and what happened to him. When I write like that I try to focus on the human element, not the political messages behind it.
Bill, your insight is a good one. Using the irony in the song could make it more interesting.
Last edited by Jack Swain; 02/01/08 08:24 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
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Posts: 7,831 |
Bill:
I understood your original post. It is an ironic situation. I was aware that the protest was in Mexico City and not Washington. I sympathize with them but wish their government would encourage respect for our borders.
Mexican workers are extremely industrious and dependable. Like many of their counterparts in this country, most of them are law-abiding, deeply moral people. The ones who "invade" our country have a habit of using our medical system without paying. Our costs for insurance are out of control enough without this added burden.
Thanks for bringing this up.
Dave
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,114
Top 40 Poster
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Top 40 Poster
Joined: Apr 2006
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You mean we still have farmers? I thought Cargill and ADM owned all the farms now. Ben
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 51
Serious Contributor
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Serious Contributor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 51 |
It's not the American family farmer that is hurting the Mexican family farmer, it is the American corporate farms that are hurting family farmers in both countries. And I doubt if the corporate farms have any scruples about hiring illegal immigrants for cheap labor. Everything is connected...
Better Than a Sharp Stick in the Eye!
Andrew
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 41
Casual Observer
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Casual Observer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 41 |
As an Organic Farmer,I am very aware of the problems facing agriculture.Its a very complex situation,made worst by goverment intervention.As Andrew noted we are all connected and as such there are things that you all can do to make things better. 1.Grow some of your food yourself.Everyone can grow something,in a pot or in your south facing window sill.You don't need a lot of land. 2. Support organic farms! Pollution caused by standard ag practices alone should be reason enough,but 9 times out 10 it just tastes better.Look into community supported agricultre(CSA) in your area. 3.Buy localy produced food,and support your local Farmers markets.Your food dollar goes directly to support smaller non corporate farms and most of us DO NOT recieve any goverment subsities.Thats just for the corporates. 4. Compost your food wastes and provide your own fertilizer.You spent good money on it so why waste the parts not eaten?
You can always do something about anything,and every little bit helps.
PB
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 906
Top 500 Poster
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Top 500 Poster
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 906 |
I'm with you Papaya Boy. And support your local Farmers' Market when you can. Please see my recent post.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 41
Casual Observer
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Casual Observer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 41 |
Home grown music and local food,what could be better,huh?
PB
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,044 Likes: 16
Top 40 Poster
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Top 40 Poster
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,044 Likes: 16 |
No government support should be given to those large corporate farms. They produce food at the least possible cost and under cut small producers, hoping to put all small producers out of business so they will have no competition, then watch food prices rise. It is better to have a million small farmers make a reasonable living than have a handful of large corporations make money for a few share holders. Food prices might rise a bit but your food would be safer to eat and better tasting.
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 41
Casual Observer
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Casual Observer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 41 |
I could stand on my soap box and rant about the problems in agriculture till I'm blue in the face.I don't like looking like a smurf anymore,so now I encourage folks to take matters into their own hands and be the people that we've all been waiting for.You can make a differance,if you just do 1 thing that I suggested. Our government is the problem not the sollution,you are.
PB
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