Do it NOW!

From http://www.radiantlifecatalog.com/page.cfm/cid/39/ :

"USDA COMMENT PERIOD ENDS MARCH 16

In January, the USDA proposed a rule to require farms and other properties where animals are raised to be registered in the federal NAIS database for existing federal disease control programs. The rule also sets the stage for future mandatory animal identification. If you haven't already submitted comments on this proposed rule, please be sure to do so before March 16! An easy way to comment online is through the Organic Consumers Association's automated system, at
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26665

SUBMIT COMMENTS TO THE USDA BEFORE MARCH 16The USDA has proposed a rule to require all farms and ranches where animals are raised to be registered in a federal database under the NAIS for existing disease control programs. The draft rule covers programs for cattle, goats, sheep, and swine. It also sets the stage for mandatory NAIS animal identification in the future. It is CRITICAL that the USDA and Congress hear from the hundreds of thousands of people who will be adversely affected by the NAIS program. This includes not only animal owners, but also consumers who care about local and sustainable foods, taxpayers who object to wasteful government programs, and advocates for a safer food system. TAKE ACTION: Submit comments to USDA online or by mail. The comments must be received by USDA by Monday, March 16, 2009. You can submit comments online at the USDA's official site:

http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2007-0096

Please be sure to personalize the letter! It can be as easy as a couple of sentences at the beginning stating who you are (for example, a farmer, consumer, property rights proponent) and why you care about NAIS. "

So, here's what I did.
I wrote my letter:

Dear soandso,
I am writing concerning the USDA proposal of a rule to require farms and other properties where animals are raised to be registered in the federal NAIS database for existing federal disease control programs. As the owner of a small farm with 10 chickens and 1 Jersey cow, I am concerned that this law would infringe on my rights. I am also concerned as a consumer. I prefer to buy locally and from small scale, sustainable farms. I am concerned that this type of law would interfere with my ability to do so. Thank you for your consideration of my perspective in this matter.
Sincerely,
~Jocelyn Rebisz

Please go to the USDA, http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?edeployment_action=changenav&navid=FEEDBACK_FORM
and email the secretary of agriculture.

Write to Gillibrand, kirsten_gillibrand@gillibrand.senate.gov
And to Schumer, http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/webformdeplist.cfm

Okay.

So I made really really easy for you. So do it. Really. If you care about this even a little, do it. For more info: www.FarmAndRanchFreedom.org

XOXO
Joce