We should be very afraid.

It's easy to think, reading about the situation in Michigan and the war against Eat More Kale, that we don't live in the United States.  That, at some point when we weren't looking, our democracy was stolen and replaced by authoritarian rule.  This is nothing new.  It wasn't that long ago when the Feds were slaughtering sheep on a family farm in their role as "saviors".  It is insidious and it is not stopping.  It reminds me of one of my favorite song lyrics:  "we fell asleep at the sentry post, now we're toe-to-toe with what we fear the most."  It's very easy to get so busy just trying to get through the day that you don't pay attention to what is happening in your government.  And they are betting on just that fact.  Who has the money to pay the lobbyists to insinuate themselves next to our legislators?  A small farmer?  A homesteading family?  NOT!  It is my opinion that we are no longer a Democracy - we, the 99%, if you will - have almost no control over our lands, laws, food, health, you name it.  It's all being controlled by the 1%.

While our heads are down as we labor over our plows, they are playing fast and loose with what little freedom we have left.  And we let it happen.  It is really NOT enough to put our hands in our pockets and turn away because we don't think we have power and cannot change the course of things.  Let me tell you, we HAVE to.  Otherwise, all this great work we are doing, the good food we are growing and eating and sharing with others will not be allowed.  Who is to say which state will be the next "Michigan"?  Minnesota?  Idaho?  Oregon?  New York?  As someone living in New York - which likes to regulate every single thing it can - I keep a very uneasy eye on our legislature.  They are a sordid bunch who have a hand in everyone's pocket.  And I don't agree that it's 'Politics as Usual".  I didn't vote for some Cretan to be given free reign in the New York legislature.  I voted for someone who should represent me.  Me.  Not Monsanto.  Not the Agrimegabusinesses.  So I write letters and send email to my local representatives and to my national ones.  With access to the Internet, it is easy to find a site that will let you keep track of your legislators.  Most state legislatures have a web site that lets you track bills - spend a little time and find out what they're up to.  If they're up to no good, let them have it.  It's your right - use it while you still can.