America goes chicken...........

Raising chickens seems to have become a fad. We thought we were the only ones, but recent articles and news broadcasts reveal that more chicken coops are being built now than at any other time since the end of WWII. I believe there is a psychological fear going about that additional and affordable food may well be needed to sustain our population during predicted future crises. This belief is also encouraged by the growing number of domestic vegetable gardens being planted. Ours is growing nicely.

These fears should not be underestimated. While I doubt we are in trouble, I do not doubt for a moment that growing numbers of Americans believe we are in trouble.

There has been a huge rush on the purchase of guns and ammunition over the past few years. Profits of doom abound on radio and TV telling tales about imminent economic, agricultural and natural disasters that will result in urban chaos across America. Populations of private and voluntary militia groups are expanding. Self defense training, including the use of handguns, is becoming increasingly popular. Scenarios of urban gangs of minority groups, bikers, and yobs ranging the countryside in search of fuel and food are beginning to take hold in peoples minds.

The public is being warned by bazaar fear merchants that O and his minions are ruining America due to excessive spending, increased entitlements, expanding government and entry into wars which we cannot afford. Our banks will crash, our currency will become almost valueless, we will not be able to afford to import oil and our house will come tumbling down as a result.

This fringe movement is expanding and people are becoming worried over America's future. Little is being done in Washington to allay these fears. Hence the victory gardens, chicken coops, and self-preservation plans. To be sure, our leaders are out of touch with the public. O has just announced his intention to run for re-election and is looking for a campaign war chest of a billion dollars while people like myself get $35 an acre to move and operate heavy agricultural equipment which, at the end of the day, nets them just a few dollars after expenses.

Our national debt is in the trillions and our minimum wage is around seven or eight dollars an hour. These disparities play heavily on people's minds and they wonder how our economic and political leaders can be so wealthy while the population at large cannot seem to make ends meet. Troubling times, indeed.

We are beginning to look like England in many ways.