Bb said,

“Amazed… The best reason I can think of for growing a few veggies is that’s one form of productivity the government worshipers haven’t figured out how to tax.”

Don’t give Charlie Dooley any ideas. Or the mayor of Florissant.

They will propose that anyone planting a garden first obtain a permit from the local government that would cost a minimum of $35 per year and more for those planting more than a minimal area.

Then they will probably tell us how we can and cannot fertilize it like the County tells us what we can and can’t do with our trash. (The justification they gave for taking away our ability to contract for own trash hauling is that “not enough people recycle.”)

Several people have talked about taxing food grown in your backyard, but no one has pointed out that the feds already have the power to regulate your growing of food for private use.

Under the case of Wickard v. Filburn (1942), the Supreme Court ruled that your growing of food disrupts the natural trade between states (by decreasing your need, you affect trade). Since Congress has the power to regulate interstate trade, they have the power to regulate your growing of plants for private use.

Of particular note to Slugger, this case is used as the grounds under which the Feds can keep you from “growing your own” (not talking tomatoes).

I used to. Don’t anymore. There are too many animals here that want the food. They even got in my greenhouse I bought to keep them out. Development has ruined so much of their habitat, I don’t have the heart to fight them and tempt them with food. Actually, once you figure your time and cost of growing supplies, it isn’t that much cheaper than buying it at the grocery store. Great hobby though. Raised beds are a good idea since much of the soil in suburban and urban areas has been contaminated at some time or other. My concern is that as more folks grow, they will put more chemicals out to fight the pests and such. You need much less than you think of the poisons. Hopefully, more folks will go to the non-toxic since this stuff will leach to where your kids play every day. Stay safe and grow your butts off. They really won’t let me grow what I want to grow to be a healer though!

John H I just saw your snipy comments. As a guy living off a woman who makes so much money, I wouldn’t think you’d be throwing the stones of laziness. I’ve always fended for myself and others and could probably outwork you any day. Without tall tales! We love ya John, but you really are off base if you think “liberals” only want the gov’ment to do their work. HFH is my longtime pet project, as well as Millard Fuller’s new center he has opened. Not exactly a “let the gov’ment do it” organization. I suggest you could spend your retired time working with your native american brothers. I am always quite depressed when I visit an area with a large population of native americans taking gov’ment subsidies, drinking, and wasting their lives waiting for a gambling den to come in. There are areas where you could spend your talents to help your peoples since you have the luxury of a sugar momma and a wealthy retirement due to your superior brain and life long efforts. Go do it dude…they need you! Hillary, Obama and I can wait until you return to guide this country into the next century.

Slugger is now winning one I guess since this silly log on took part of my email address and made it a permanent part of the log on. Webmaster,come let me slap your head! Quit cookie-ing my PC to death. Not needed, or wanted.

Thanks Anonaman! I’ve been studying the cannabis laws for quite some time. That would be an interesting blog topic…how the states can issue a card for medical cannabis, then the feds can turn around and bust somebody for having it. That shows it’s largely a capricious method of control, rather than a logical prevention of an evil. I would be very surprised if there wasn’t any on the 16000 acres Pappa B owns. I can have five before stricter laws kick in, but I don’t have a disease bad enough to need it. Thank the lord!
I used to think of it as recreation, but after studying with horticulturists and MDs who are open enough to heal naturally, I can hardly be around it as a non-medical thing. It just becomes too spiritual as a healing substance. Surprising to me, but I hear that happens a lot. Sorry for going a bit off topic, but it IS gardening at its best.

This year will be the first time trying my hands at it. Was just shopping today for the supplies and equipment needed to start gardening. This will certainly be an experience. Any suggestions on getting the squirrles away? We have so many. Hey, maybe I should trap them and eat them. They may turn out to be a blessing.

Winninggone: Of all the people on Earth, that I would ask for advice, you are at the bottom of the list. Don’t give me any about what I should or should not do.

Do you have even 1 letter of appreciation for any community group you have helped. I have dozens. I even have a scroll made by the students of the Jennings, Oklahoma, school district. The scroll was signed by the Governor, Commissioner of Education, Politicians, etc. at the state level.
By every teacher, parent, administrator, school board member, and student in the Jenning’s district. (thousands of signatures)

I have NEVER been to the State of Oklahoma! I was invited to Oklahoma, by the Governor, as a guest of the state, “to honor me”. I said “No”. Spend that money on education, that will honor me.

Don’t believe me, Just call the Superintendent of schools in Jennings, Oklahoma.

Winninggone, you think too small!!!!

Want more? It’s your turn to brag about what you have done. Go for it.

Have you ever grown a tomato plant, and given one tomato to a poor family? Tell me about it.

We started our first vegatable garden this year, and 4 baby bunnies made short work of it. All we had left was vegatable “stumps” a week later…dang rabbits