To some degree the Weiner fiasco appears to be fading from the consciousness of the media. Although I believe that he is a perverted slug whose politics are dangerous, the fascination with his peccadilloes distracted attention from the ineptitude displayed by the President and the ethanol and patent/copyright matters in the Congress. His decadent behavior merely reflects the decaying nature of many career politicians. Although they may be paragons of rectitude in their private behaviors, their policies and dismissal of their Constitutional limitations are driving our nation to destruction. Read your oath, take your oath, and honor your oath, politicians. In addition, I suspect now that the little weasel has resigned and “done the honorable thing,” he’ll be back to complete his mission to destroy our country.
Our agricultural situation in Northwest Ohio is grim. Many acres of corn have been diverted to soybeans because of late weather-induced planting. Much of the corn that has been planted is small and at great risk when the heavy heat of deep summer arrives. The end result in this region could be many fewer acres and much lower yields. When President Bush signed legislation to dedicate 40% of the annual crop to ethanol production, he, in essence, placed volatile inflationary pressure on feed grains (for meat production) and corn sugars. Some feed product can be harvested from the residue of ethanol extraction, but less than one would expect if the entire crop were dedicated to more traditional usage. Too many people in our country take the agricultural sector for granted. I would each of you to set aside a little plot for growing food. It will taste better and will be less expensive.
Some counties in Ohio are receiving some grants for growing and harvesting miscanthus as a bio-fuel crop. Under the right soil and weather conditions it is a superb alternative to corn. Miscanthus is a perennial that reappears every year and may be productive for up to 20 years under the right conditions. The plant could produce up to 15 tons per acre, and after harvesting, the yield would be pelletized for burning. I’ve studied miscanthus as a potential biomass source and believe that it has merit…perhaps more than any known temperate zone plant. But grants? The USDA has chosen counties in Northeast Ohio for distribution of grant money to explore the efficacy of miscanthus production. Why grants? If it works, they’ll do it without taxpayer money and government meddling. Check out the history of canola production.
Grants are nothing more than transfers of wealth. Take from taxpayers and give to others. Distort the market by subsidizing unproven ideas and technologies. Someone should apply for a grant to study how often grant recipients apply for extensions or renewals of the funds…and how frequently the renewals are granted. New job description from the 20th Century…Grant Writer.
Whew…the hockey and basketball seasons have finally ended. LeBron James jokes were vying with Anthony Weiner jokes on the water-cooler circuit. Good thing they’re over. The baseball all-star game is right around the corner, and if the NFL situation is rectified, camp will begin shortly.
It’s fair, festival and family reunion season. Good food (sometimes greasy), good fun and great friends highlight the all-too-short summer. Last year I attended 46 fairs plus three days at the Ohio State Fair. Also, there were numerous festivals and street fairs on my itinerary. Won’t be as many this year…elephant-ear overdose. I must admit that I do like them. When I was in my former phase as a broadcaster, my favorite events to cover were fairs and elections.
Our radio program is coming along reasonably well (Tuesday and Wednesday, 6:00-7:00pm. On 1370 WSPD, Toledo. www.wspd.com ) It is rather uneven at times as I’m still adjusting to being at my peak for such a limited schedule. As much as I enjoy the medium, two hours per week is plenty. Too much work around the homestead, on the keyboard and advising clients to allow me to jump back on the radio horse.
To all you Dads and Granddads….Happy Fathers Day!!!! The greatest honor of my earthly life is to be called…”Dad”….followed closely by…”Grandpa (or Papa).” I pray that I am worthy. Back with Monday’s column.
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