Emotions

There is something about animals that raises emotions in us all. Be it a goldfish swimming around in a bowl or a cow out in a large pasture, there is a connection. Unfortunately, that connection isn't what it used to be. The American public is only two maybe three generations off the farm. Food now comes from a grocery store not a farm or ranch. How did we become so disjointed and urbanized?

I believe mechanization of agriculture started the downhill slide. There was less workers needed on the farm to accomplish the same tasks. Factories in cities offered a haven for workers who were replaced by tractors, combines, and mechanical pickers.

People no longer harvested their own meat. It was bought at the grocery store or from the corner butcher. No emotions needed there. They didn't have to make sure this animal was fed, watered, or consider it's health to ensure a wholesome, nutritious, product was on the table.

What really bothers me about the whole situation is the same people who do not provide the basic comforts of life for animals or make their living from the land want to tell farmers and ranchers how to do their job. I do not go to the Ford plant and tell engineers how to make the next vehicle just because I drive a Ford pickup. I am not qualified nor do I have the experience to make such an assumption.

So why do we have ballot measures dictating how to raise animals?