Hello everybody out there in farm country. This radio commentary is brought to you by the National Corn Growers Association, CropLife America, and Renewable Fuels Association. They are all friends, supporters, and allies of a healthy farm economy and prosperous rural America. Thank you.
And now for today’s commentary –
Who would have predicted the devastation that hurricane Ian would have done to Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The tv pictures focused on homes, buildings, and boats destroyed. Let’s not forget about the orchards of fruit, small businesses, and livestock. Our prayers go out to all of those that have suffered.
There were some positive things that happened last week. Congress passed a Continuing Resolution, so we won’t have to close down the government for now. You are probably as happy as I am to be able to gas up your car for less than $100. Gas prices have come down, but don’t get too excited. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries plans to cut production. President Biden should release more of our federal land for oil and gas production. That would help to reduce inflation.
Congress has gone home until after the mid term elections, but the Supreme Court is going to work. One case they will hear is of major concern to our ag industry. That is the Clean Water Act. Farmers and ranchers don’t want the federal government telling us what we can do about a ditch on our private land or low land that needs to be tiled. Environmentalists are never satisfied unless they can dictate everything. Hope the Court can protect us.
The bill that passed avoiding a government shut down also includes $12.3 billion in aid for Ukraine. So, let’s talk about the Russian war in Ukraine. The United States and our allies have stepped up to back Ukraine with money and weapons. Ukrainians are dedicated to getting all of their land back after Russia’s early conquest of eastern and southern states. Ukraine is gaining ground every day. Putin has called up 300,000 more troops because he keeps losing ground. He keeps threatening to use nuclear weapons. We don’t know what he will do, but nukes could multiply into global nuclear death. At some point we need a negotiated end to their war. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that nuclear weapons could bring “catastrophic consequences.” He is right.
Until next week, this is John Block reporting from Washington, D.C. If you would like to review my radio shows going back more than 20 years, just go on-line to www.johnblockreports.com.
