Beck, Mock

Hate-filled rant

To the Editor:

In response to Peter Barry’s “Taking issue with cattle column,” April 4:

Columnist P.J. O’Rourke has said, “At the core of liberalism is the spoiled child. Miserable, as all spoiled children are, unsatisfied, demanding, ill disciplined, despotic and useless. Liberalism is the philosophy of sniveling brats.”

Peter Barry’s hate-filled rant against Oregon’s cattle ranchers proves the point. It is so typical that he stated not one indisputable fact and yet to point out his many errors would only incite more spoiled children to come out of the woodwork.

Here’s a fact that will fit in with Mr. Barry’s: Environmental models suggest that tofu, even though made from soy beans grown in unirrigated fields that have been tilled by solar tractors, hand weeded and harvested by tofu-eating vegetarians would create enough methane to run two hydro turbines a year if only it could be harnessed.

We’ve been at ranching for six generations on the same ranch. Seems sort of silly to think that is not the very essence of sustainability.

Bob and Sharon Beck

Alicel

Problems easily solved

To the Editor:

I moved to La Grande last summer because I wanted to start a practice in a rural area. I was expecting to have the same ability to produce my own food here, as I did in Portland. After my move, I was shocked to discover that raising chickens is illegal here.

I can understand landowners not wanting chickens kept at rental properties. This is easily solved. Simply state in the pet section of the rental contract that chickens are prohibited. Most of the “problems” people mention around this issue are easily solved with a little common sense and personal responsibility.

Local food production of eggs and meat will improve community health. Besides lowering pollution caused by shipping, the food supply of the animal can be controlled, which can alter its nutritional value. Low-income people will be able to obtain high-quality protein for very little investment.

Our country is facing a shortage of people in agricultural careers. There are more people in prisons than farmers.

La Grande should promote agribusiness by allowing chickens and rabbits within the city. Introducing youth to small animal production is a great way to promote agricultural awareness.

Please join me in supporting the ability to raise chickens and rabbits within city limits.

Tristin Mock, N.D.

La Grande