Abstract This paper debates the continuation of the AmericanFarmBureau (AFB)and examines the influence of the AFB on the quality of our food. The paper discusses the problems that arose for the AFB, after the passage of the Food Quality Protection Act. The paper also claims that the Regulatory Fairness and Openness Act did not fulfill its purpose of keeping the EPA rulings reasonable.
From the Paper "When the Delaney clause was removed from the books in 1996, the EPA assured the Farm Bureau that it would introduce a sensible approach to measuring and regulating crop protection residues in food supplies using an approach based on scientific data. American farmers were assured that scientific assessment, not perceived risk would be the method used to determine the needed regulations to ensure the safety of our food supply. Unfortunately, the EPA determined by unscientific means that organophosphates and carbamates should no longer be used for crop protection. These chemicals are used to protect many of the fruits and vegetables and have been proven safe by means that are scientific."
Abstract This paper outlines the AmericanFarmBureau's position that the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (FQPA) can be be met without
restricting or canceling the safe use of pesticides. The paper explains that the FQPA, designed and implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), restricts the use of certain pesticides on any food crops raised in the U.S. and that the FarmBureau holds that the FQPA must be also be implemented in a manner that will ensure farmers and ranchers continuous access to safe and affordable crop protection.
From the Paper "The American Farm Bureau supports H. R. 1592, the Regulatory Fairness and Openness Act of 1999. This bill provides for guidance for all EPA limitations or cancellations of pesticides. It requires the EPA to submit a written report identifying areas where assumptions were used when data was insufficient for making tolerance decisions. It also requires the identification of any alternatives to the particular pesticides under review. The EPA must use actual data from scientific research before modifying or revoking tolerances of these pesticides."
Abstract This paper examines the history of federal support for farming and analyzes how effective it has been. The historical and economic background of the current crisis in Americanfarming is also examined. The paper looks at the impact of the Grange movement, the Dust Bowl catastrophe, poor farming and land management methods and federal subsidies to farmers.
From the Paper "We tend to think of the current crisis faced by American farmers in which each year farmers are forced to leave a profession and a calling that their families have often practiced for generations sometimes ..."
Abstract This paper examines the personality of Cesar Chavez and how it influenced his mission in life. It provides a history of the cause and looks at the unfair conditions that were prevalent in Mexican-Americanfarm relations. The paper also discusses his style of leadership and the path of his fight including the obstacles and challenges.
From the Paper "All great leaders have a talent for persuasion and an insatiable drive to invoke change; yet not all great leaders have had to face the adversity and oppression that Cesar Chavez has faced. Certainly most great leaders have encountered their fair share of opposition from critics, however, Chavez? determination to create fair working conditions for Mexican-American farm workers incited his own unique brand of resistance."
Abstract This paper examines the economic hardships facing American agricultural workers and farmers. It explains that recent persistent efforts of the national government to force American producers into a world market with little or no protection from competitive, subsidized production from other countries clearly illustrates one need to bargain for fair prices for American production. It discusses how farmers are entitled to the right to operate profitably and to extract the dollars needed to do so from the marketplace. The paper points out that the water rights are one of the ways that American farmers are helped by the government.
I. Water Rights Defined
A. Impact of Water Rights on Farmers
II. Water Issues and the Agricultural Industry
A. Farming Industry's Potential Regulatory Burden
B. EPA Strategy
C. Farming's "Side" of the Story
1. Potential Hardships Faced
III. Role of Agricultural Industry in Improved Water Quality
A. Benefits of Farming Innovations
B. Advantageous Farm Programs
1. Environmental and Economic Consideration
IV. Summary and Conclusion
V. Bibliography
From the Paper " A water right is a legal right to use surface or ground water, as per the provisions of a particular federal or state Water Use Act . A water right allows a specific amount of water from a specific water source to be diverted, impounded, or withdrawn for a specific use. When a water right is granted, it becomes appurtenant to the land where the water is being used, for as long as the water is used. In some states where water naturally occurs as a common property resource, the landowners do not have automatic rights to either ground or surface water. In these cases, for example, if a farmer has a creek running through his property, he will need a water right to protect his use. Using water without a permit or certificate does not give the user a legal right to use the water."
Abstract This paper looks at the focus, impact and consequences of U.S. farm policies. In particular, it examines the 1996 Farm Bill, policy changes instituted in 1985, and the 2002 Farm Act. The paper concludes with an analysis of the consequences, whether positive or negative, of the Freedom to Farm Act.
From the Paper "The United States has always supported its farmers through a number of different policies. This policy has included programs designed to distribute the nation's land in an equitable fashion, increase productivity, raising the standard of living of American farmers and helping them to market their products (Westcott and Price, 2001). US farm policy since the 1930s focused on price and income supports. Until the introduction of the 1996 Farm Bill, the price support system relied on a series of acreage limits and storage programs (Westcott and Price, 2001)."
This paper reviews Sally Clarke's article, ?New Deal Regulation and the Revolution in AmericanFarm Productivity,? which states that this regulation in the 1930s made possible the acquisition of labor-saving farm machinery.
Abstract This paper explains how the New Deal eliminated earlier concerns and conflicts between safety and productivity. The author states that this article recognizes the roles of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Farm Credit Administration (FCA) in the farmers? investment strategy and that the economic impact of government regulation interfered with market forces in ways that did not always benefit the economy of the country. The paper concludes, in terms of history, that the article shows that the past needs to be taken into account for both its successes and its failures, if things are to move forward in a significant way.
From the Paper "Clarke makes several points to advance her argument. Firstly, she points out that high sales figures for tractors starting in World War I may be misleading, as they do not focus on the farmers who might potentially have bought tractors and did not. When calculating the relative number of farmers potentially benefiting from purchasing tractors, Clarke finds that fewer farmers in the Corn Belt than expected owned tractors in 1929. This advances the argument that economic factors led to reluctance to invest in new technology during this time. The author further reinforces the point by citing the farmers? tendency to protect assets due to the instability of commodity markets."
Abstract This paper explains that Jean De Crevecoeur's "What is an American" presents an important historical precedent in defining the American Dream. The author points out that early America offered a wide variety of different farming lands, which gave hope to Europeans that were destitute in their native countries. The paper relates the importance of Crevecoeur's investigative historical approach helps define the experiences of these Europeans in how America had become, in his time, a safe haven for farming and a more opportunistic way of life.
From the Paper "This historical perspective relates am important theme of the way that Americans are defined in "What is an America" by Michel-Guillaume Jean De Crevecoeur. By using European cultural integration within the theme of being "American", Crevecoeur essentially reveals how opportunity has made America a nation of many cultures and ethnicities. In being a new nation that could welcome the destitute of Europe to begin new lives, early America becomes the 'dream' of wealth and prosperity for those that have the courage and industriousness to be pioneers. This historical perspective is worth reading due to the information gathering techniques used by Crevecoeur in relation to the American Dream."
Abstract In this article, the writer studies the farm policies in America during the Eisenhower and Kennedy years. The writer places primary focus on the specific moves of President Kennedy in this field. The writer discusses President Kennedy's actions, including raising farmer income, improving supply management and using farm surpluses to augment other programs.
From the Paper "...... American agricultural production grew dramatically while the number of farm workers declined by nearly one-third. What some historians have described as nearly miraculous agricultural productivity was achieved. This was accomplished as a consequence of greater crop specialization, intensive use of fertilizers and increased mechanization of farm work itself. The decline of the family farm and the growth of what came to be called agri-business changed the environment in which agricultural production in the United States took place. Larger farmers benefited ... "
Tags: John F. Kennedy, farm policy, Benson, farm surpluses, Eisenhower
Abstract This paper takes a look at the practice of factory farming in the United States. While the paper concedes that these new age farms have found innovative ways to produce meat and food for the increasing demand, the methods involved, crowded conditions, and problems caused to the environment are less than beneficial. The author describes how the factory farms have deteriorated the environment by polluting waterways and producing greenhouse gases as well as the unnatural and overcrowded conditions that livestock now live in. The paper also mentions the additional health problems that humans will encounter as we eat the products from these farms and fill our bodies with unnatural bi-products. In closing, the author urges the public to stop destroying the environment by overconsumption and to support free range farmers.
From the Paper "The United States livestock industry is certainly not the shining example of how animals should be treated, but it is certainly a vital part of agriculture in this country. There has been a major shift in the way livestock is produced and grown in the last several decades. Small family farms have been replaced by large corporately owned factory farms. These new age farms have caused major problems for our environment, our health, and our animals. Huge factory farms have become the predominant method of raising livestock, and the crowded conditions in these facilities have caused water and air pollution, caused health problems, and caused harm to overall public health. There is no doubt that these farms have found innovative ways to produce meat and food for our increasing demand, but these ways are simply not healthy for humans, animals, and the earth."
Abstract This paper discusses the issues of should the Nantucket Sound wind farm be allowed to proceed and do the apparent benefits outweigh the risks that opponents have outlined? In a word: yes. According to the paper, the Nantucket Sound wind farm proposal should move forward in its development. It represents a renewable source of clean electricity that has minimal impact upon the region--both environmentally and economically. The coming years will see ever-increasing costs for nonrenewable sources of electricity such as coal and natural gas. The Nantucket Sound region has the ability to produce much of its own electricity, cheaply and efficiently. The region should take advantage of that resource.
Abstract This paper analyzes the various themes in George Orwell's novel "Animal Farm." The paper explores the contrasts between the setting of a farm, the characters being animals, and the serious political messages of the book. The paper's author concludes that Orwell used these contrasts in order for the reader to constantly question the themes of the novel.
From the Paper "The novel Animal Farm by George Orwell is considered as one having important and serious themes. Orwell is writing about the nature of power, the corruption of power, the nature of society, as well as a basic theme about good and evil. The importance of these themes suggests that the novel is one that Orwell wanted people to take seriously. The importance of these themes also suggests that the novel is one for an adult audience. These aspects of the novel create questions about why Orwell wrote it the way he did. Why did he base the novel on an animal farm, where the animals reject the humans and take over the farm? Why does Orwell have pigs as the main characters? These aspects of the novel do not seem to match the important themes of the novel. Yet, it must be assumed that Orwell had a purpose in selecting the setting, the characters, and the style of the novel. These issues will now be explored in detail, with the purpose being to understand what Orwell was trying to achieve with the novel."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that American Indians historically, have been the pioneers of environmental protection, even though the true authentic image of Native American environmental ethic has been distorted in the wake of romantic environmentalism. The writer looks at how the American Indians have transformed the North American landscape, but mentions that it was always out of rational response to abundance or scarcity. Further, the writer examines the history of the American Indians as it relates to the environment. In this paper, the writer concludes that individually successful Americans need to consider the fact that their acceptability for the Native Americans is necessary for a secured America of tomorrow.
From the Paper "Environment at large has been subject to small-scale destruction throughout history and people have always considered it as infinitely durable and usable, the largest part of environmental problems has its origin in the economy developing over four centuries of American existence. This period was characetrized by the growth of industries which resulted in emissions that had a negative bearing on the environment. These developments apply pressure on the earth's resources, the processes of production, use, and disposition of things Post Columbian Americans required for their reproduction and expansion. The indirect effects on the environment were taken for granted as environment was considered elastic. However harking back to the early twentieth century, the efforts of Aldo Leopold towards the conservation of environment Wisconsin River were immense, to this date he is regarded as a great environmentalist, amidst mounting industrialization and technology leaving by-products of pollution and exhaustion of natural resources. Doling out with conservative backlash from the white Americans, American Indians have stood by with grace to work for the preservation and purgation of environment."
Abstract This paper presents a critique and commentary of the painting, "American Gothic", by Grant Wood. Created in 1930, "American Gothic" captured the public imagination and shifted the attention of American painting from the cosmopolitan to the rural. The writer includes a number of journalistic and artistic impressions of the painting and shows what a great impact this painting had on America and the art world.
From the Paper "Wood himself, in a letter to Mrs. Sudduth, described his vision of American Gothic as small town, self-righteous folks, with a significant relationship to the false Gothic house and its ecclesiastical window: "Incidentally, I did not intend this painting as a satire. I endeavored to paint these people as they existed for me in the life I knew. It seems to me that they are basically solid and good people. But I don"t feel that one gets at this fact better by denying their faults and fanaticism."
Abstract This paper describes the war that existed in the Philippines after the Spain's defeat at the hands of the United States during the Spanish-American War. As a direct result of the war, the Philippines were given to the United States and the Filipino people who originally believed that they were fighting a war for freedom and independence against the Spanish begin to turn against American troops who they view as simply another occupying force. The first part of the paper gives a background to the Filipino insurgency and its main leader, General Emilio Aguinaldo. Aguinaldo's tactics of fighting a guerrilla war against American troops is examined, as well as the effectiveness of these attacks on shocking the American public back home. Feeling betrayed by America who promised the Filipino people freedom after the Spanish were defeated, Aguinaldo embarked on a series of deadly attacks on American soldiers in the Philippines. As a result, American troops responded with equal brutality in their reprisals with very little organized military command holding them back. Diaries are heavily cited in this section of the paper, giving primary sources that tell of how desperate the American soldiers were at the time and how they needed to racially dehumanize the enemy in order to commit such vicious acts of reprisal. The second part of the paper deals with how the American press responded to the war. Numerous newspaper articles and other criticisms of the war are given as examples, some written by the early 20th century's most prominent figures such as Mark Twain. The general point of this section is to show how deeply divided the American public was over the war in the Philippines and how many felt that it would lead to American involvement in other world affairs. A direct parallel is also drawn to the Iraq War in modernity. Finally, the paper ends with a detailed account of how individual soldiers from both sides viewed the conflict. The Filipinos clearly viewed the insurgency as a necessary action in order to preserve their promised independence, while many American soldiers were disgusted and frustrated with why they were in the country to begin with, and often responded violently towards the natives since they began to view them as subhuman. The psychology of warfare is briefly discussed, as soldiers often dehumanize the enemy as a means of justification of their own violent behavior. The end of the insurgency is also discussed, with American troops brutally putting down the rebellion and establishing a tight control over the entire area for decades.
From the Paper "On April 11th, 1898, the President of the United States William McKinley went to Congress and asked the elected body to declare war on Spain for their role in oppression overseas and to accommodate public opinion that was strongly anti-Spanish due to the sinking of the United States battleship Maine only a few months earlier that was blamed on Spanish agents. Congress eventually sanctioned the war, and the Spanish-American war commenced with several battles over Spanish colonies such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. The war itself was over fairly quickly, as hostilities were ended only a few months after war was officially declared. The involvement in the former Spanish colonies clearly demonstrated that America had shifted to a strong imperialistic attitude when it came to the Western Hemisphere and indeed the world in general, and would be forced to endure all of the benefits and tribulations that came from being an imperialistic power."
Tags: aguinaldo, american, emilio, filipino, history, philippines, spanish, war, wars
