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| Written by PI Web | |
| Saturday, 10 November 2007 | |
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Columnist was all wrong Earl Hiatt’s Sept. 29 column, “Farm bill: Socialism in action,” labeled the federal farm bill as “welfare state immorality,” indicated Rep. Dennis Cardoza is using the bill to “buy” votes and accused the highly respected Perez family of “lining up at the socialist trough.” These statements were inaccurate and offensive. Cardoza does what is right; he does not “buy votes.” The Perez family works to improve the community and is beyond reproach in its farming practices. For Mr. Hiatt to characterize the Perez family differently is a disservice. Specialty crops, which are most of the crops grown in this area, are well-represented in farm bill discussions because of Cardoza’s tireless leadership. Cardoza has hosted many public hearings, allowing him to hear a wide range of views over the past several months. If Mr. Hiatt opposes the farm bill, he should have stated his feelings at one of these hearings or in writing. Cardoza’s efforts on this bill will benefit everyone. We still live in an agricultural area, and the local economy is strong when agriculture is strong. The farm bill being discussed is different from past bills. It addresses how best to provide nutritious food for those most in need — children, the poor and the elderly. Nutritious food and information on good nutrition will help combat what many have called a U.S. “epidemic” of childhood obesity. Conservation programs included in the bill address water, air quality and the best use of land. Conservation is important across the U.S., particularly on the West Side. The bill also deals with research, particularly for specialty crops. Agricultural research in the U.S. has declined over the past several years. This bill helps reverse that trend, funding research for areas such as food safety, mechanization, plant breeding and organic production. More information can be found at agriculture.house.gov and agriculture.senate.gov. The 2007 Farm Bill is the most important farm bill to be discussed in the history of U.S. Congress. The removal of apricot orchards around Patterson demonstrates the problems facing agriculture today. If U.S. agriculture does not remain vibrant, it will not survive. We must not rely upon an imported food source. The U.S. has the safest, most reasonably-priced food supply in the world, and this nation cannot afford to lose that asset. William C. Ferriera is president of Apricot Producers of California. Have faith EDITOR When the nightly news continues to report hatred, violence and outrageous human behavior, faith is always in the public interest. I’d like to respond to an Oct. 27 column by Scott McKinley, titled “Turning over a new leaf.” The author said he doesn’t believe that God exists and hasn’t for a long time. While I respect his honesty, I also have a desire to ask, “And why not?” I was hoping to read from him, “And then one day a friend invited me to hear the Good News, and I dared to believe!” Instead of waiting, I would like to extend an invitation to the author and my other neighbors here in Patterson who might also be doubting. We have several churches worthy of investigation here in our community. I can’t tell you the countless times, in the middle of a personal crisis, when without my faith, the journey would have been a lot darker. God hasn’t called us to a rigid dogma of rules and regulations. He is calling us to a personal relationship with him as our Lord and savior. This relationship is a promise to us that includes a new freedom and peace and sustenance for our earthly journey. Plus, there’s a bright future with him, forever in the next chapter. We call it faith because we choose to believe in a being greater than ourselves, and we trust in his design for our lives. God invites everyone to his table of grace. He doesn’t mind if we bring our questions and doubts, he just wants us to show up. In the words of Christian author Max Lucado, “Come thirsty!” Marian George, Patterson Estamos listos EDITOR Recuerdando el West Park Crows Landing Inland Port projecto, nosotros no estamos de acuerdo en que se traiga la mano de obra de otras ciudades. Nosotros podemos hacer trabajos como carpinteria, albañileria, limpieza de casas, construir, trabajar de electricistas, etc. Queremos que se nos de la oportunidad, ya que queremos también un mejor futuro para nuestra comunidad y a nuestros hijos. Nosotros estamos listos para estas oportunidades y para ver crecer nuestra ciudad. Benjamin Guerra, Patterson Kudos to the council
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