Farm practices must be regulated

Let's imagine this scenario. The John Deere foundry in Waterloo, in the process of churning out its magnificent tractors, releases its residue from the process into the city's creeks and the Cedar River. Children become effected with illnesses, elderly start reporting their distresses, but the DNR is hogtied by the fact that our legislature will not pass a law deeming this practice unhealthy.

I am sure the on-ramps to Interstate 380 and Interstate 80 would be backed up with outraged citizens heading to Des Moines to enlighten those who have been sent there to protect us.

Sure, John Deere is sacred to us and a large employer, but they cannot be allowed to poison us in the pursuit of profits. Because John Deere is a responsible corporate entity in Iowa, they would not operate in this fashion.

However, there is a larger business operating in our state that operates almost without regulation in a manner that affects our health and environment in ways that makes the above case look innocent. This business hides behind its political arm, named the Farm Bureau. The Farm Bureau tells us that regulating farm practices that have been used for over a century would detract from the sustainability of farm life. Besides, farmers are stewards of their lands and voluntarily work to stop any practice detrimental to the environment they share with city folk.

If you think that plan has been working, then I have a shrimp boat I'll sell you in the Gulf.

Kevin Link

Solon