Read this! You kids will not be able to work on your farm anymore!!

[Capvin]

This topic has been discussed here before. I think it would be a good idea to actually read the restrictions and to whom they may be applicable prior to making "Oh My God" comments. For one thing it has no applicability to family farms. Beyond that most of the restrictions are really just common sense unless you are in favor of killing or injuring children. I am sure that people who employed children in sweat shops in the 1800's said "screw you" to the government also.

 

[AllenWMiller]

I think I bring a different perspective I think as I grew up in a time when sweat shops were just ending. And I agree that we should read the proposed regulations before we jump to conclusion.

However, the law as it proposed still imposes restrictions on parental rights. Since the child labor laws of the 20'-40's no child under 14 could operate machinery regardless. This law would raise that to 16.

I worked on my family farms and hatcheries since I was old enough to walk and had operated equipment since I was old enough to run. So I am glad family operations continue to be exempted as this would destroy the family farm or what is left of it.

But I still think this decision should be left to the family. In today's economy parents simply cannot afford the "extras' they used to so if a 14 year old wanted say something "new" and could have worked for it but for this regulation; then I think the law goes too far.

I would have to see the statistics of how many teenagers under 16 are getting seriously hurt working on a farm before I made a final decision on whether or not the regulation is necessary.

The government seems bent on regulating the people and deregulating corporations and banks.

 

[RHRanch]

This law might actually protect the children of migrant workers who often work on farms (with their parents permission). The age these children start working is kindergarten on up. These kids miss out on school, are exposed to chemicals and pesticides and use equipment they shouldn't. But we get cheap veggies from their labor, so maybe its an okay system?

 

[Mykee]

Thanks everyone who actually read the restrictions before firing off. But, although the law may have some benefits, I think it is a little silly in places. I mean, seriously, "Agricultural and non-agricultural"? What else is left? I also think the government should not rule parent's children. After all, most parents should be smart enough to make wise decisions for their children

 

[dainerra]

I tried to post this last night, but my phone ate it.

The problem with all the knee-jerk reactions, no matter how well-meaning, is that it dilutes any real objection to the proposal. These rumors start and people react to them and the things they are reacting to don't even exist. It's akin to hearing on the news about illegal aliens and flooding your representative with rants about Martians.

Yes, these chainmail type petitions get responses. But those responses brand the entire opposition as fruitcakes who didn't bother to read the proposal. Legitimate concerns and questions get buried in the avalanche and never read or, even worse, dismissed as another lunatic. Please, before you sign a petition or send a letter, go read the original proposal NOT someone's interpretation of it.

 

[Clay Mudd]

I tried to post this last night, but my phone ate it.

The problem with all the knee-jerk reactions, no matter how well-meaning, is that it dilutes any real objection to the proposal. These rumors start and people react to them and the things they are reacting to don't even exist. It's akin to hearing on the news about illegal aliens and flooding your representative with rants about Martians.

Yes, these chainmail type petitions get responses. But those responses brand the entire opposition as fruitcakes who didn't bother to read the proposal. Legitimate concerns and questions get buried in the avalanche and never read or, even worse, dismissed as another lunatic. Please, before you sign a petition or send a letter, go read the original proposal NOT someone's interpretation of it.

This x 1000! I've often wondered what the Congressional staffers who open those letters think. Maybe they keep statistics: "last month, 62% of letter writers were gullible loons."

 

[dainerra]

I think they read the first two lines and groan "Idiot" before round-filing the letter.

ETA: before anyone gets offended, I'm not calling people stupid. I do know, though, that when you read thousands of letters that have no basis in reality, you tend to get a little jaded.

 

[littlecreekfarm]

Well that stinks

 

[cubalaya]

Screw them.

yep, and all their regulations and new laws. we are a free people and will remain free.

 

[Clay Mudd]

I think they read the first two lines and groan "Idiot" before round-filing the letter.

Based on responses I've gotten form Congresspeople in the past, I think they never read more than two lines -- just enough to get the drift of what the letter is about so they know which form letter to send as a "response".