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Miranda Childe's avatar

This issue is so important. Thank you for publishing such a comprehensive article and highlighting ways we can be proactive.

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Perry J. Greenbaum 🇨🇦 🦜's avatar

We humans are now so out of touch with Nature that we think it is normal and acceptable to enact laws that are contrary to the natural world. There are consequences to human hubris and we have only seen the beginning of it. Smart humans operate within the known laws of Nature.

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SquizzRadical's avatar

I'm sure agriculture was in tune with nature when we started, all those years ago from being hunter-gatherers...even up to the Industrial Revolution it was probably quite in tune. Now industry has taken over, it's almost like we have forgotten those roots.

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Perry J. Greenbaum 🇨🇦 🦜's avatar

Very much so; and the farther we go into our digital cocoon, the further away we will be from Nature.

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Sharon Hom's avatar

More humane laws are just damage control for the massive systemic physical, psychological and emotional torture inflicted on billions and billions of sentient animals. Look at the devastating pain on their faces in the factory farms.

The most fundamental choice we can each make - for the animals, for the environment and for our own health, is to shift to a plant-based diet. For that, we don’t have to wait for legislation. There are wonderful resources to help that shift, produced by groups like Physicians for Responsible Medicine, PETA, Farm Sanctuary, etc.

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Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you, Sharon! It's true that transitioning to a plant-based diet can have significant benefits for animals, the environment, and personal health. Many people are finding fulfillment and making a positive impact through such choices. The organizations you mentioned offer excellent resources for anyone interested in exploring this lifestyle. While legislative changes can help improve conditions in the interim, individual choices also play a powerful role in driving change. Your commitment and advocacy are inspiring!

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Damon Mitchell's avatar

Thank you for sharing this. I no longer find enough value in the standard sources for news so I wouldn’t have known about this.

Do we have a sense of how popular this is amongst lawmakers?

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Ed Boks's avatar

Damon, as of the latest update, the EATS Act faces significant opposition among lawmakers. A total of 211 members of Congress have expressed their disapproval of the Act. This includes 181 U.S. Representatives and delegates—comprising 163 Democrats, 5 Republicans, and two Democratic delegates—who signed a letter opposing the EATS Act due to concerns over states' rights, fair competition, and national sovereignty. Additionally, 30 Senators, including one Republican and two Independents, have also signed an opposition letter. The Act is currently co-signed by 34 Representatives and 13 Senators, all Republicans. Despite some support from industry groups and certain lawmakers, the strong opposition suggests that the EATS Act's popularity among lawmakers is limited and contentious. But I wouldn't take anything for granted until it is finally voted on...

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Damon Mitchell's avatar

This is useful context.

I agree, it’s wise to be vigilant. For this human, it also means being vigilant about probabilities. Otherwise, the anxious parts of the brain take the helm.

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Carmen's avatar

Hinson claims to be protecting Iowa farmers, but is protecting big Ag. Factory farms have succeeded in squeezing out small independent farmers in Iowa which Hinson represents. But Hinson speaks out of both sides of her mouth. She is beholden to Republican pass and super pass. Iowa's waterways have been drastically altered by Big Ag practices, and more than 80% of rivers and streams are compromised by run off from fields as well as from animal waste produced on CAFOs. She is a disgraceful liar.

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Carmen's avatar

Correcting pass to pac.

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Ed Boks's avatar

Carmen, thank you for sharing these important issues. The relationship between ag policies and environmental impacts is significant, especially when it comes to the influence of big ag operations on small farmers and local ecosystems. While Hinson claims to be advocating for Iowa's agricultural economy, it's important for voters to consider how this ACT affects all stakeholders, including independent farmers and the environment. Examining the impacts of this legislation helps ensure the voices of all affected parties are heard and considered.

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Dee Rambeau's avatar

Will do right away. I had no idea about EATS or even about California’s proposition. Thank you Ed.

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Ed Boks's avatar

Thank you for taking action, Dee!

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