An Open Letter to the USDA regarding NAIS
NAIS is the National Animal Identification System and is another level of regulation and invasion into the lives of ranchers across America. It is "Volunteer" in 47 of the 50 states, mandatory in the other 3. This 'volunteer' program means that you don't have to register your animal(s).... that is, unless you plan to sell it. Does that sound like a voluntary system to you? Below is the letter that I wrote on behalf of Oregon 4H leaders to the USDA regarding the promotion of NAIS to 4H members.
**************************************************************************************
Mr Maloney,
I am Jaynee Germond, candidate for US Congress, Oregon District 4. In my investigation about NAIS, I have found exactly two (2) benefits to this program. 1) The use of NAIS promises to reduce competition for large Agribusinesses by forcing their small rancher counterparts out of business. 2) The government benefits from the taxes, a.k.a. fees, collected from chipping. An off shoot of this could be considered a 3rd benefit; the job security for USDA and other governmental employees and contractors involved with administration of this program.
NAIS has not proved out to be beneficial in controlling disease or for identifying disease in animals. Our current health inspection system has given us the best quality control program in the world. NAIS does nothing more than offer a false sense of security. In the midwest, where bovine TB and CWD is rampant, herds contract the diseases from wild game which will not be discovered until the stockyard health inspection which is currently being done.
NAIS is also a gross violation of Constitutional rights of Privacy and Property. The people retain the rights of their property without interference. There is no NATIONAL herd, only private herds, yet I have seen the term on the 'official' NAIS website. I have read the so-called Facts and Myths sheet, but maintain that so many of these 'voluntary' programs become mandatory in very short time. While 'voluntary', these programs become mandatory if you want to sell the animal. This is a violation of property rights.
I watched the NAIS powerpoint and am not convinced of benefits. Whether State or Federal, this governmental regulation is unconstitutional. Furthermore, many citizens have a religious objection to chipping.
I feel that to burden small family ranchers is immoral and to burden 4H members with this is unconscionable.
Any comments are welcomed.
Jaynee Germond
- Jaynee Germond For Congress's blog
- Login or register to post comments
- 156 reads
Of all the personal liberties and freedoms that are core to humankind, the ability to raise food free from interference is paramount. The NAIS is yet another horrible transgression against our liberty and an expansion of the Federalist State just like the Real ID act. Call it Real ID for your beef...
As a person who works for an unamed Fed agency, (God willing not for long!) I have been exposed daily to the obsence levels of waste present in this system. Alexander Hamiltion said in The Federalist Papers that regulation of agricultural issues should be left up to the States, and he was a Federalist! The USDA central mission should be refocused to cordinate amongst the States to ensure a national system of food safety is upheld during interstate commerce.
Oh FYI CWD has never been shown to transfer from infected herds to free ranging cattle.
Yo
Our time is NOW.