I think it's just awesome that Michelle Obama has decided to implement a garden at the White House. Further, as it is the ultimate manifestation of a philosophy of local consumption, I think that everyone who has enough space and some sun should grow food. It's good for your carbon footprint and good for your tummy. But also, I think that the more people touch dirt the better. It is, after all, the stuff of which we are made, from whence we have come, and to which we shall return. We need to acquaint ourselves more intimately with it. It is a known fact that people who loose contact with the soil slowly go crazy and exhibit bizarre behaviors such as purchasing antibacterial soaps and becoming preoccupied with Brangolina. They also may begin to flatulate explosively.
Well of course, the Obama garden will be sans chemicals. Predictably, this fact has the panties of mega agribusiness all in a wad. The Mid America Croplife Association (MACA), which is basically a PR group for chemical producers like Dow, Monsanto, and DuPont, has circulated an open letter to the Obamas encouraging them to use "Crop Protection Products", otherwise known as pesticides, in their garden. In a preface circulated with the letter, the representative from MACA says, "While a garden is a great idea, the thought of it being organic made Janet Braun, CropLife Ambassador Coordinator and I shudder."
What sleazebags! There might be an argument to be made that, at least presently, chemicals need to play a legitimate role in food production, but their use is unsustainable. And to suggest that any home gardener should refrain from using non-chemical methods is ridiculous and deplorable.
Corporations strip individuals of morality, by design.
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