American money should be spent on American fuel

BURRTON, Kan. -- It recently became public that there has been an orchestrated public relations smear campaign by Grocery Manufacturing Association, working in tandem with a highly paid "K Street" lobbying firm, to discredit ethanol as a viable alternative renewable fuel. The smear campaign attempted to blame it for high food prices and causing people to go hungry. To put the issue in context, we first must remember that our renewable fuels programs have been initiated to help reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil.

I also have serious questions as to whether this smear campaign also was a diversionary tactic to misdirect the attention onto farmers and renewable fuels and away from the fact that many food processors are making and reporting record profits. Several members of GMA have reported increased profits of more than 50 percent in the past quarter when compared to previous quarters and/or the same quarter a year ago. Some of those reported increases in corporate profits exceed 80 percent at a time America's working families are struggling with rapid and debilitating inflationary surges in energy, food and related living expenses.

It is nothing new for one business group to spread misinformation about another to increase their profits. It also is nothing new for one group to try to influence congressional legislation or governmental regulations to profit from that influence. What is different in this case is the possible consequences of these most recent acts by some state leaders, members of congress and business members of the GMA.

For every dollar spent on this smear campaign of misinformation, our nation slips further from domestically produced renewable fuels and back to our overreliance on imported oil. This dastardly campaign not only lines the pockets of the food processing executives, it actually sends more money to countries that do not share America's values. Some of that money goes to the countries from which the Sept. 11 terrorists came. Some of that money goes to countries from which support is provided for insurgents and terrorists fighting and killing American solders in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Referring to our dependence and continued purchase of oil from countries hostile to America, R. James Woolsey, former National Security Advisor, has stated "we are funding our enemy."

Article III Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution lists three treasonous acts, of which one is providing aid and comfort to the enemy. I think providing money is "aid and comfort." I think Benedict Arnold caused fewer American solders to die than will those attacking renewable, domestic fuels. I would welcome an explanation from any of the presidential candidates or any credible news media personality why this is not a treasonous act. The real patriots I know prefer to advance and promote Midwestern ethanol and biodiesel, not Middle Eastern oil.

Larry Matlack

Editor's Note: Matlack is president of the American Agriculture Movement

Not on my land

LIBERAL,Kan. -- In light of the recent court decision to stop Critical Feed Use on Conservation Reserve Program acres and the National and Kansas Wildlife federations' direct involvement in the issue, I have decided to no longer allow permission for recreational use of my CRP land for wildlife federation members. Area livestock producers are in vital need of livestock feed to provide to their herds, and as a result of your actions, you have denied them that ability. As a result, some may have to eliminate a portion of, or perhaps eliminate their entire herd as severe drought has resulted in nearly a hundred percent loss in native pasture in my area. You have caused great damage to many producers.

So, this fall when hunting season arrives, I will be asking those wanting to hunt if they are a member of the National or Kansas Wildlife federations; if so, that opportunity afforded to them in the past will be stopped as your court order stopped my emergency feed use. In addition, I will inform my neighbors and anyone else I may come in contact with, of my intentions in hopes they may join me in my efforts. I am very disappointed in the actions of the National and Kansas Wildlife federations. Since when is recreation more important than food production?

Jim Rice

Editor's Note: Rice farms in Liberal, Kan.