Bittman's World

     According to Mark Bittman, our president has a problem with saying no. He writes in the New York Times that the farm bill should be vetoed upon presentation to Obama. The last two years have apparently agonized supporters and protesters alike. The bill in question alters the food stamp budget, but claims to cut subsidies to wealthy farmers. In reality, the bill benefits farming millionaires and disfavors the poor citizens of America that qualify for financial outreach programs. Later in this article, Bittman writes about the Keystone XL pipeline and its effects on the well being of the environment.
     This editorial caught my attention because it deals with policies that negatively affect the smaller man and pay off big corporations and large farming industries. Both topics tackled in this article are intended to appeal to an environmentalist audience. I support our planet and our people, so I agree with Bittman's statements regarding the farm bill and the implementation of the Keystone pipeline. Bittman has written for the NY Times for the past 13 years, with expertise in food columns, and now writes about the politics behind the delicacies we take for granted. He addresses issues that could influence food production and pollution levels in our nation. Bittman states, "...subsidies to wealthy farmers should actually be eliminated or at the very least capped..." and talks about finding  "...support for would-be new farmers and small farmers..." The farm bill does no such thing, and actually reduces funding that goes toward sustainable agriculture and other aspects of the environment ("...smart land and water usage..."). The Keystone pipeline, according to Stockholm Environmental Institute, "...could lead... to an increase in global GHG emissions four times as big as prior analysis have concluded and potentially counteract some of the flagship emission reduction policies of the U.S. government." Both the physical and financial health of our nation should compel political leaders to reconsider some of their decisions before it is too late.
     I believe that Mark Bittman expresses his opinions well in his article, titled "Just Say No." However, his information is somewhat hard to follow and covers two different topics without thoroughly connecting the them. He was effective in presenting his opinions, but provided little room for interpretation of his logic. However, I find him to be one who stands firmly by his anti-big-wig ideas and concern for the environment, which will appeal to many readers, especially those that concern themselves with controversial national policies.