Mainers to decide on 1st ‘right to food’ amendment in US

[springvalley123]

The US Constitution allows that “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” are unalienable rights. I believe that covers obtaining food, shelter, and clothing for oneself, within the requirements of the local community. If local government bodies put restrictions on gardens or animals used for food, the place to change it is at that lowest government level, not in such a far reaching and imprecise amendment to a state constitution.

A very good point, I was also concerned about that. You'd have to be careful drafting the amendment, and make sure of how the state constitution's preamble is worded, to make sure that you're recognizing rights, not granting them. I've seen (in general), various US congress bills in the process of being drafted on other issues, for purposes of clarifying/reclaiming rights that have been taken away (seemingly) by administrative procedures, though I don't think anyone knows how all that'll play out.

 

[springvalley123]

I even read about a concern that it could lead to the release of invasive species. That, I’m scratching my head over a little bit!

I think that just proves how desperate the food police are. Another good reason to have this in the state constitution, is that it would override/invalidate a state law or local law.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Doesn't it seem ridiculous that there's a need to enshrine a right to consume the food of your own choosing? That, despite assertions to the contrary, our industrialized food system is neither particularly safe nor free of the influence of big business (which is about profit over anything else)?

I'm in favor of food sovereignty movements and laws explicitly preserving the consumer's right to choose the source. There are too many rules in place that may make sense to apply to large factory farms but don't scale down for small farms - but are still enforced. Also, look critically at the organizations opposed to the most recent food sovereignty efforts in Maine, like the Maine Farm Bureau ("business-friendly" ).

Good for Mainers for continuing to establish and reinforce food sovereignty (food freedom!) in their state. May other states follow suit...and sooner, rather than later.

 

[416bigbore]

Doesn't it seem ridiculous that there's a need to enshrine a right to consume the food of your own choosing? That, despite assertions to the contrary, our industrialized food system is neither particularly safe nor free of the influence of big business (which is about profit over anything else)?

I'm in favor of food sovereignty movements and laws explicitly preserving the consumer's right to choose the source. There are too many rules in place that may make sense to apply to large factory farms but don't scale down for small farms - but are still enforced. Also, look critically at the organizations opposed to the most recent food sovereignty efforts in Maine, like the Maine Farm Bureau ("business-friendly" ).

Good for Mainers for continuing to establish and reinforce food sovereignty (food freedom!) in their state. May other states follow suit...and sooner, rather than later.

Not to offend the OP, given the topic that is involving our government, this could lead to posts by members that could conflict the BYC rules.

 

[BlueBaby]

Not to offend the OP, given the topic that is involving our government, this could lead to posts by members that could conflict the BYC rules.

If they feel that it need's to be taken down, then so be it. I posted it because it involved food.

 

[416bigbore]

@BlueBaby I started to comment on the last post by @FoodFreedomNow and realized it would ignite an ugly response from other members and violate BYC rules. Nothing against you and or your OP because it's a very real and valid concern.

 

[Smileybans]

Write to your senator. Whether you agree or disagree. Writing to them will bring their attention to this and let them know how you feel about it. I actually had my senator write me back on an issue I emailed him about. I was surprised.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

The fiends of my stepmother are not in my social circle, and me, being the supreme introvert that I am, have zero urge to reach out to them. I did do a little research and found that the Maine Veterinary Association and a few other organizations have concerns that the bill could weaken existing animal cruelty laws among other things. I even read about a concern that it could lead to the release of invasive species. That, I’m scratching my head over a little bit!

As is often the case with new laws and regulations, the devil is in the details...sometimes, there are unintended consequences because the language leaves room for creative interpretation previously unanticipated by the original drafters. These ambiguities usually get sorted out in the courts or via additional legislative process.

If you're curious about some of the arguments made against the amendment, check out this article. It states that "the Maine Potato Board, the Maine Dairy Industry Association, the Maine Veterinary Medical Association, the Maine Municipal Association and the Maine Federation of Humane Societies all opposed the measure."

A brief legal analysis of the new amendment to Maine's constitution is available here.