corn

Corn. We all like it. So do our cows and pigs and chickens and everyone from Iowa and Nebraska in general. But, we are at risk of losing our corn as we meet the dual challenge of ethanol and genetic manipulation. Taking food from the mouths of babies and the poor to fuel unnecessarily offensive gas guzzling vehicles and seed companies that patent genetic strains that are designed to respond to chemical treatments of herbicides and pesticides that they make and peddle along with the seed. Use the seed without attribution and risk copyright and patent violations. Both can and have lead to civil damage awards in US courts. One was prosecuted on the criminal side of the judicial ball.
When I was in college, I had a friend who lived in a mobile home on the edge of a field of sweet corn. We used to "borrow" an ear or two when we grilled. It was the best corn I've ever had. Now I pump it into my vehicle and drive to the store. Something got all fucked up along the way ...
When you vote next fall, keep corn in your headlights. As the farmers make up for years of distress due to increased demand and the new trucks line main-street in Moeville, IA, and tractors till from fence-line to ditch and drought ravages range cattle production and food costs shoot through the roof - be ready. Dig a bunker and stock it with canned goods. Clean and oil your guns and buy more ammo. Keep a close eye on your neighbors and the patterns of migrating birds. Stop going to church.
Focus on the corn crop. It's our only hope. Well, excepting potatoes, that is ...