In the late 18th century, France experienced a great famine and many of its citizens suffered from hunger due to a lack of bread.
When told about the hardships of the poor, Queen Marie Antoinette is rumored to reply, “Let them eat cake.”
As revealed in her response, the queen understood little about the plight of the poor and cared even less.
In similar fashion, radical environmental and animal rights organizations across the country are forcing an agenda only they can afford.
With little understanding of economics or animal husbandry, these groups are pushing for legislation that ultimately limits the ability of farmers to produce food.
For example, California voters approved Proposition 2 in 2008 that prohibited any confinement of farm animals that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs.
After it took affect in January 2015, the price of eggs in California skyrocketed. The increase in egg prices was 35 times higher than the overall inflation rate, according to a study by Cornell University.
Ballot initiatives like Proposition 2 – backed by the Humane Society of the United States, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the Sierra Club and others – are being passed across the country. And what happens as a result? The price of food soars.
When the price of food increases, who suffers? Certainly not Wayne Pacelle or any of the folks at HSUS. Low-income Americans suffer. When we tie the hands of farmers and ranchers, we limit the production of food and prices increase.
Here’s the bottom line: Oklahoma is one of the top five hungriest states in the United States.
More than 650,000 Oklahomans lack reliable access to a nutritious food supply. One out of every four Oklahoma children struggles with hunger.
Sixty-seven percent of Oklahoma public school students receive free or reduced-price lunch. One in six senior citizens struggle with hunger; 19 percent of those hungry seniors are responsible for grandchildren.
Low-income families already spend 28 percent of their income on food compared to average American’s 10 percent, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. Why should we take any more food off the table?
A “yes” vote on State Question 777, or the Right to Farm, guarantees our family farmers and ranchers can continue doing what they do best: producing a safe, healthy and affordable food supply. It doesn’t allow them to abuse animals or pollute water. It ensures producers can continue putting food on the tables of the hungry.
Vote YES on State Question 777 so hungry Oklahoma families never have to hear “Let them eat cage-free eggs.”
