The Legislature approved the proposal by a two-thirds margin, but some critics worry that embedding the language in the Maine Constitution could have unintended consequences.

Quote:Maine voters in November will be the first in the nation to consider embedding in the state constitution an amendment that establishes a fundamental right to grow and consume food for their own nourishment.

The proposal, which will be on the Nov. 2 ballot, is the result of a nearly decadelong effort that represents an evolution of the movement that produced the Maine Food Sovereignty Act. That landmark law authorized cities and towns to adopt local food ordinances, and more than 90 have done so.

Quote:But while the idea of guaranteeing a fundamental right to food may seem benign, or even unassailable, the proposal has met resistance. Critics say the amendment, while well-intentioned, could have unintended consequences for food safety, animal welfare or other areas as judges interpret the amendment in future court cases.

Hickman said he expects an onslaught of misinformation ahead of the vote, likely from opponents backed by multinational agricultural companies and the factory farm industry.

Quote:“Jumping ahead 25 or 50 years into the future, could we see our government creating roadblocks and restrictions to the people’s right to food?” Faulkingham wrote. “Will the government be telling people what they are allowed to eat and where they can grow it?”

Faulkingham, a lobsterman, also voiced concerns about the influence on food policy of multinational food producers or industrial agriculture. And he pushes back against those who say food safety will suffer if the amendment is approved.

What, are they not allowed to grow their own food right now?

See Wickard v. Filburn, perhaps one of the more unfortunate SCt decisions ever.

At first this was about Marines. Need to get some coffee.

(07-23-2021 06:45 AM)Owl 69/70/75 Wrote:  See Wickard v. Filburn, perhaps one of the more unfortunate SCt decisions ever.

I reviewed it….you’re correct…

too many assumptions and variables…

it’s akin to how the hemp industry was eradicated due to DuPont, WRH, etc…look what’s now making a comeback…

it contradicts competitive capitalism vs. overeaching gov’t…


@myShortTakeFromTheField