“Useless laws weaken the necessary laws.” – Charles-Louis de Secondat, baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu (1689 – 1755)

“…Today in Missouri, as well as Oklahoma, Indiana, and two other states, corporate agriculture is trying to put their guarantee to farm in state constitutions…” – former Missouri Lieutenant Governor Joe Maxwell.

Yesterday at the Missouri Ethics Commission, for the folks opposed to the “Right to Farm” constitutional amendment on the August ballot.

C141005 07/24/2014 MISSOURI’S FOOD FOR AMERICA Humane Society Legislative Fund 2100 L Street Suite 310 Washington DC 20037 7/22/2014 $375,000.00

[emphasis added]

They’re obviously all in.

It’s a simple question. Is it really necessary to place a “right to farm” in the Missouri Constitution?:

As if family farms are under some sort of existential threat from public sentiment or government overreach?

If your answer to that simple question is “No”, then former state Senator Wes Shoemyer, former Lieutenant Governor Joe Maxwell, and the Humane Society of America have it right. And you’re also probably wondering how another Missouri politician who is probably running for Governor in 2016 arrived at “Yes”. That’ll probably generate another simple question for you.

Previously:

Campaign Finance: $110,000.00 for something they really care about (January 3, 2014)

Campaign Finance: Food fight! (May 28, 2014)

Campaign Finance: Because, across Missouri, family farms are being supplanted by… (June 24, 2014)

Campaign Finance: as if yard signs were actually a cash crop for actual farmers… (June 28, 2014)

Utilizing the First Amendment to challenge our oppressive corporate overlords… (July 2, 2014)

Joe Maxwell – “No” on Amendment No. 1 (July 8, 2014)

Campaign Finance: egg money (July 9, 2014)