The USDA proposed the National Animal Identification System, an animal tracking and premises registering system, as a way for farmers to enter export markets. After 9/11, NAIS was touted as a way to keep us safe from terrorist attacks. After the avian flu, NAIS was the solution to keep us safe from terrorist poultry. And now, watch for NAIS to be served up as the solution to terrorist porkers.

If megaproducers want to join NAIS so they can export their livestock, God love 'em. (The chickens I raise on my five-acre farm travel no further than my kitchen table.) But the USDA is expecting EVERYONE who raises livestock, even if you raise one hen on your backyard patio to supply your morning eggs, to sign up. For small farmers, the implementation fees will be prohibitive to the point that many will have to go out of business. If you enjoy buying free-range chicken at the local farmer's market, NAIS will affect you.

It's hard to talk about NAIS without sounding like Dale Gribble, but the Constitutional violations are real. In Wisconsin, where NAIS is mandatory, an Amish family is charging that microchipping their livestock would violate their religion. In Pennsylvania, a family charged the USDA with illegal search of their farm and seizure of sheep that were perfectly healthy.

With Barack Obama looking to cut waste from the budget, start by losing NAIS as a mandatory-for-all program. Over-regulation can be just as dangerous as under-regulation. Tom Vilsack, the new head of the USDA, is embarking on a listening tour of NAIS. If you live in the listening tour area, wish to send a written comment, or simply want to learn more, please visit libertyark.net.

"Here's what I'd do. The minute a person sneezes into their hand, I'd grab that hand and pump it warmly. Then I'd give that person a bear hug so tight, they'd cough all over the immediate audience. Maybe it's wrong, but that's the kinda touchy-feely guy I am."

Just go away.

She's as qualified as Sarah Palin. Also.

Levi is an unusual but not uncommon Biblical name.

Not to mention the name of legendary Four Tops singer Levi Stubbs.

"armed resurrection"?

Jebus is comming, and he's pissed!

Mr. Mumrock

He should have just said "I'm the Decider".

Mr. Mumrock

trying to call Harry (No Balls) Ried. It's 10:20am EDT, phone's been ringing for 10min. no one has picked it up yet. Your government at work. Or not.

Mr. Mumrock

trying to call Harry (No Balls) Reed. t's 10:20am EDT, phone's been ringing for 10min. no one has picked it up yet. Your government at work. Or not.

Mr. Mumrock

I have cast my last Dem vote!

Harry Reed is as useless as tits on a boar!

Mr. Mumrock

In the 1970s, any high-school newspaper reporter who wrote investigative stories about lunchroom graft considered Woodward, Bernstein, and Jack Anderson as role models. “Journalists” like David Gregory and the CNN guy make me think of the kid who’s been bullied silly for the past 8 years. Now that the bully has moved on, the target is flexing his muscle against someone who he perceives as weaker.

The key word is, perceives.

I can’t wait until Robert Gibbs takes these asshats to school. Sean Hannity can testify to his ability. And Barack is doing just fine, thankyouverymuch.

Hope you’re feeling better, Joan. You’re a valuable ally to have.

I have a 1994 Dodge Dakota with 327,492 miles on it. It still runs like a watch. Show me a Rice Burner that can match that.

Mr. Mumrock

U.S. Senator Jim Bunning (R-KY) was a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers in the 1960s. He had a visit scheduled at a suburban Detroit swap meet to sell his autograph for 35 bucks ... and was one of the people who voted against the bailout!!

Luckily, the business owner cancelled the event. Read about it here.

freep.com/article/20081213/BUSINESS01/81213001

A "for rent" sign in the front yard of a house

ATVs, boats, other toys, and pickups parked in front and marked "for sale"

The word "foreclosure" on a house "for sale" sign, as I recently saw in North Branch, a well-to-do suburb of Minnesota

The signs are there if you care to see them.

I don't think Joe is complaining, he's just acknowledging the fact that at the moment he has a lower profile than Darth Cheney. And that's not a bad thing. It's refreshing to have a Vice President who has a self-deprecating sense of humor (or any sense of humor for that matter.)

I grew up on the blue-collar side of the blue-collar suburb of Wyandotte. Factory workers lived on one side, city managers lived on the other side. I was reviewing a list of Wyandotte foreclosures on the Detroit Free Press Web site and was amazed to see the number of white-collar addresses: Vinewood, Emmons Boulevard, Kings Highway. Streets with spacious brick houses with high curb appeal. Wyandotte, or at least the blue-collar side, has been in decline since the 1980s. I can only imagine how much worse it will get.

Norm was born in Boston.

Al was born and raised in St. Louis Park, a 1st ring suburb on the S.W. side of Minneapolis. Carpet Bagger? I think not.