David Cassuto
I used to live in Missouri (in Rolla — a place locals call “The Middle of Everywhere“). I have many fond memories of my time there including my first visit to Stonehenge, drinking grape juice made from local grapes (the wine is pretty good, too), and doing a radio show on gulf coast rhythm and blues for the local NPR affiliate . So it pains me even more than it might to report about the steady capture of the legislature by agribusiness.
This post details some of the bills currently before the legislature that are designed to simultaneously disenfranchise the electorate and deliver the state over to Big Ag. For example, the state constitution specifically gives citizens the right to propose and enact laws. Some legislators would like to repeal that right — solely with respect to initiatives relating to agriculture. According to proposed legislation (5 bills all containing the same language), citizen initiatives relating to agriculture would be prohibited; only those laws “based upon the most current industry standards and enacted by the general assembly” would be valid. Other things the bills would do: prohibit taking pictures of agricultural facilities (terrorism, doncha know), and legalize horse slaughter for food.
All in all, the legislature of the Show-Me state is showing the world its collective bum. One can only hope that the good people of Missouri catch on to the fact that their rights are being trampled and throw the bum(s) out.
Filed under: animal advocacy, animal law, animal welfare, factory farms, Uncategorized | Tagged: animal law, animal suffering, animal welfare, CAFOS, citizen initiatives, factory farms, farmed animals, horse slaughter, horsemeat, horses, industrial farming, Missouri, Missouri Legislature, Missouri wines, Rolla, Stonehenge |
Animal Blawg 
Yep, the only thing the Missouri legislature is “showing” anyone, including their constituants, is their talent for political manipulation and corruption. It’s not just what they’re doing (which is bad enough), but the underhanded way they’re doing it.
I’m for boycotting “all things Missouri”, as well as any other state that has passed a horse slaughter bill (my particular issue), starting with tourism. Maybe the pols from those states will take notice if folks don’t “show them the money!”
This is a tricky deal with sneaking in horse slaughter…
It’s like as if those making “law” are above it.
BTW – Missouri regarding CAFOs – Here’s a short audio you may be interested in:
I can’t find the provisions about the photography in the five bills linked to from the longer article. Could you point me towards the right version if you have chance? I only ask because I’ve been trying to keep tabs on the number of states introducing those measures, and I know Missouri has tried at least once or twice in previous years but the bills never made it through both the House and Senate so far.
Right here is the perfect web site for anyone who wants to find out about this topic.
You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you
(not that I personally will need to…HaHa).
You definitely put a fresh spin on a subject that has been discussed for years.
Wonderful stuff, just great!