Posted on 03/13/2007 12:31:02 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
Those familiar with the political scene know the unexpected is often expected, and March 2 was an example of that when opponents to the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) and Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) marched to the state Capitol in Austin.
The event included people from all over Texas, either walking or riding one of the many horses, tractors, or flat-bed trailers. The march included a woman with a caged chicken on the head, children enjoying the excitement, and plenty of signs that ranged from “Don’t Tag Texas” to “Think green ... not pavement.”
One person in the parade was NAIS and TTC opponent Linda Patterson of Austin. “It is important that we take part and do our part in saving Texas and the United States. They (supporters of NAIS and TTC) are trying to take away personal freedoms and decision making,” she said.
Several groups were also visible in the traveling rally, including the Farm and Ranch Freedom Organization. Members of the organization handed out flyers citing “… if the NAIS is made mandatory, anyone who owns even one horse, chicken, cow, pig, sheep, goat, or any other livestock or poultry, will have to register their premises with the state government; identify each animal, in most cases with electronic identification; report ‘events’ to a government-accessible database within 24 hours, including every dead or missing animal, private sales and regional shows.”
NAIS is a federal law that is an attempt to register livestock and poultry in the United States. Currently in its early development, many states are registering premises as the initial part of the plan. U.S. Agriculture Secretary has said he wants to keep the system voluntary, many states already have some key authority. In Texas, the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) currently has the authority to make NAIS mandatory at any time. However, members of the Legislature are working on two House Bills - HB 461/637 - that would repeal the TAHC’s ability to make NAIS mandatory.
Once the parade of protesters … minus the animals … made their way to the south steps of the Capitol, a number of people spoke out against both the NAIS, as well as the TTC.
A day before the March 2 march against NAIS and TTC, a hearing was held in Austin to publicize information about the TTC development, and allow for public comment. (See related story.) At the March 2 rally, it was noted that “Texas is not a colony of Mexico,” and that the TTC is a “Texan issue.” Finally, protestors were encouraged to “help take roads, the state and nation back … without a North American Union!”
Combining the two controversial issues in song was Jimmy Vaughn of the former group “Fabulous Thunderbirds.” His song, written for the occasion, is “Don’t Want No Shackles on Me.” The crowd was invited to join in on the chorus after hearing “... big brother trying to tag everything ... shame on big brother ... and opposition to someone tracking and chasing people.”
Trans-Texas Corridor/No NAIS PING!
BTTT
bump.
DON'T MESS WITH TEXANS!
"This should have been addressed five years ago"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssaPqCZ5r8c
Jimmie Vaughan "Down With Big Brother" Reprise
Woo Hoo!
The legendary Jimmie Vaughan sings his song to protest the Super Slabs and Animal ID at the Texas State Capitol during the Don't Tag Teas Rally on March 2, 2007
DON'T TAKE THE MARK!
Thanks for the ping!
Thanks, TSR, for the outstanding job you are doing keeping an eye on the TTC -- and for keeping us up-to date!
"Y'all" are welcome.
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