Milford chronicle., 1956-09-14
KEY FARM PROBLEM

where human welfare is concerned. The re-
port says that in 1856 world agricultural
production rose by per cent On the face
of it, that sounds fine: Everyone will have 8
per cent more farm products
But here, as always, circumstances alter
the statistical picture. Most of the increase
in farm production occurred in parts of the
word-North America, for one-already
burdened by surpluses. In areas where too
little to eat is the constant experience of hum
dreds of millions, production of food and
fiber increased little or not at all. In some
regions production declined.
The FOA report also notes that In most
countries the farmers position is worsen-
ing, That is, farm income decreased almost
everywhere, while the cost of most things the
farmers need increased. A number of coun-
tries-including the United States, with its
new soil bank program-are making changes
in agricultural policies in an effort to- deal
with accumuating surpluses and declining
farm prices.
Yet even if such changes are effective,
only part of the problem will have been dealt
with. For, as the FOA report says, "the
basic dilemma of most governments is how
to reconcile their dual responsibilities to
maintain the economic position of farmers
and at the same time provide consumers with
adequate food supplies at low prices"
That is the big problem, here as elsewhere
living and still hold prices of their products
within reach of the great mass of consumers
So%S
USING EX-PRESIDENTS
Both of our living former presidents are
still active men. They made speeches at their
party conventions this year. Despite the
great strain of the office they once held they
continue to be men of energy and dedication.
1t has frequently been suggested that
some official use be made of former presi-
dents. One suggestion has been that they be
made honorary members of the Senate, with
the right to sit in that body and make
speeches. but without the right to vote. This
would allow the senator's to take advantage
of the former presidents knowledge of leg
islative processes from the executive point
of view
The office of president of the United
States is one OF the most important any man
can FILL Whether or not one agrees with the
politics of the man who occupies that office,
one cannot help but agree that in term he
learns great many useful things. 1t seems
too bad that men with experience of that sort
are allowed to depart from Washington
Surely some place suitable to their abilities
and status could be found for them.
Congress would do we'll to consider the
matter. A democracy works best when it
takes advantage of the talents of its most
able citizens. Letting the knowledge and
experience of former presidents go to waste
seems foolish.
A PILL-OR A STEAK?
Now and then-particulariy on blistering
and humid days Wnen nothing seems abe
to arouse the taste buds-people idly wonder
why science doesn't come up with a little
pill containing all the dietary requirements
of full meal. One swallow, and we'd have
had breakfast, lunch, or dinner in an instant
In this era of startling scientific develop
ments it is possible that such pill could be
produced. But it's an odds-on-bet that it
would have small sale-and its use would,
be generally restricted to explorers and
others faced with serious logistics problems.
For instance, this marvellous little pill
might contain all the proteins, vitamins and
minerals found in well-broiled steak or
roast oozing with juices. All the dietary
values thus being equal, which would you
choose-the pill or the real piece of meat?
The answers, if some "polster" should
look into this, would probably run about a
million to one in favor of the meat. For
there's more to eating than just satisfying
the requirements imposed on us by nature
There's the fun of it, the satisfaction, the
sensory pleasure-and the happy after-gloW
when the meal is done. They can't put those
things into pills!
MAGIC WORDS
This is the season of back to school, The
phrase itself is repeated endessly. 1t is as
sociated not only with the physical return to
classrooms but with the purchase of school
supplies and clothing, until it becomes little
more than a catch phrase
1t is one full of meaning, however for all
the idle repetition it gets. It's meaning is the
profoundly significant fact that at this time
of year millions of children and young people
pour into the schools to resume their formal
training for life in free society.
This training is, in truth, part of the
very essence of that society. For though our
educational system has many faults and
shortcomings, it constitutes our strongest
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