ProgressOhio

This is such a poorly done video, it doesn't help me decide on this issue.

Issue 2 is characteristic of the propaganda machine that is running in Ohio and our country. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Why do they want to change Ohio's Constitution with an Amendment? My answer: The very rich corporate types want to take away control of agriculture from the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture and our General Assembly so that this new Board, created by Issue 2, can dictate agri-business policies.

2. Why did the very rich corporate types spend $4 million on plastering our state with their "YES on 2" signs? My answer: They have an agenda that includes running the small farmer out-of-business and Issue 2 is their strategy to help do it.

3. Why doesn't Issue 2 talk about (1) any term for the members of the Board? Once placed on the Board, are they there for life? (2) what happens if a Board member commits a crime? There is nothing about how a Board member might be removed for committing a crime, taking a bribe, etc. (3) are Board members paid with taxpayer money?

4. 13 members? That means that 7 represent a majority and if the giant corporate farm interests load the Board with 7 members, they have a majority and can dictate policy decisions.

5. Why would Ohio citizens want to usurp the job of the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture---people paid with our tax dollars---and install a "Board" that does not answer to anyone?

6. Won't this Board, if created, become a dictatorial entity? They won't be accountable to the Ohio General Assembly---our elected officials---or any other elected entity!

7. Finally, what is good for the Ultra-Rich in our country is most often NOT GOOD for the average citizen / small farmer. Look what Wal-Mart has done to small businesses in every town and city where they have built a store! They have destroyed the small business environment to a large extent. What will Issue 2 do, if passed, to the small farmer in Ohio? DOES ANYONE REALLY THINK THE GREEDY CORPORATE AGRI-BUSINESS INTERESTS SPENT $4 MILLION ON THE SIGNS AND TV COMMERCIALS TO HELP THE SMALL FARMER?

Bottom line: Repeated lying has become the standard operating procedure in much of our country. You don't see any "Vote NO on 2" signs / commercials because the average guy doesn't have millions to fund that. BEWARE of anyone who spends millions to influence voters without telling the whole story about what the YES vote will do. BEWARE of anyone who wants to AMEND Ohio's Constitution. They have an agenda that must be looked at with a microscope to see what they are really pushing. For this same reason VOTE NO on Issue 3. We don't need a Constitutional Amendment to create gambling in Ohio. The General Assembly---our elected officials---should do it through laws that can be changed/modified or removed in the future if they are not working for the good of all Ohioans.

I have been buying Snowville's milk for over a year now, and love it. I believe in the right to choose what I consumer. What worries me about Issue 2 is that standards will be set by a majority of "board members" who don't see anything wrong with raising animals for milk or meat in ways that are harmful for the animals, the ground, the farmer, and the citizens. I took the time to visit Snowville's plant in November 2008, and saw what I expected - cows roaming in the fields, some making their way in to be milked, and no stress, illness or abuse. I can drink my milk and make my butter with a peaceful mind.

To Anonymous who commented on this video: I suppose it isn't easy for someone to make a video and off the top of their head make it sound just right. I think the important point is that we have to also put our hearts where are minds are, we have to make sure that constitution for everyone is not partitioned for some to set standards that only benefit a few (like the agribusinesses). I've met Warren, and he really believes in making sure that you and I have good food and the ability to choose good food.

Today I pick up the half a hog that I ordered from my local organic farm. I know the hog was raised without any antibiotics because it was raised in a clean open environment. I know that the hog was allowed to walk around and root in the woods, and didn't live in squalor or pain before it was sacrificed to become food.

I think this is one more point I'd like to make, and that is that voting no on Issue 2 is not about activists from PETA and from other states trying to trample the ability of factory farms to raise animals, although the proponents are using this tactic. What is is about is the freedom of Ohioans to maintain the ability to buy what fits with their own beliefs.

When we eat, we don't just "consume", but we also have the opportunity to build community and justice for all of the components of our food system - the animals, plants, Earth, water, air, and us.

I'm not a farmer, but a good friend of mine is. He has been part of the local Farm Bureau for more than 20 years. He came to my Kiwanis Club meeting recently to promote passing Issue 2 in order to help the small farmer in Ohio, to promote better choices. I know this man. I trust him. I'm voting for Issue 2