Want to know if that stuff you're eating was cloned?

That government wouldn't require accuracy in labeling food, particualy the types of food that are of concern to consumers is amazing. But it's amazing only to those who don't understand that food producers are among those who own our government.

Therefore, the only way we have of ensuring that our government nannies are indeed looking out for our interests above those of corporations is to insist on it.

Today's case in point: 89% of consumers say they want to know if the meat and milk they buy comes from cloned animals. According to Consumers Union, "This January, the FDA stated that it sees no problems with the safety of milk and meat from cloned cows -- despite 160,000 comments from consumers that they have concerns about the safety of cloned milk and meat and Congressional legislation asking FDA to hold back and do further study."

So unless there is an organized outcry, you're going to be eating God knows what.

Consumers Union has provided an easy way to get in on the outcry. Go to this web site to communicate your concerns to Congress.

Ohio's low score from Brady is admirable

"Ohio is not doing enough to protect its citizens against gun violence, according to an annual scorecard released Thursday by backers of the Brady gun-control law," wrote the Columbus Dispatch today.

The NRA says this is a good thing. On its web site today it speaks about the scoring by the Brady Campaign:

"Brady says that a state could get a perfect "100" if it would: limit the frequency of gun purchases; prohibit private transfers of firearms; require gun show attendees to sign a ledger to be provided to the police; prohibit the sale of firearms that do not engrave a serial number on fired ammunition and require registration such firearms' purchasers; license and regulate firearm dealers at the state level; prohibit handguns that do not have "smart" gun features; prohibit detachable-magazine semi-automatics and some pump-action rifles and shotguns; allow the arbitrary rejection of Right-to-Carry permit applications; allow local jurisdictions to impose gun control laws more restrictive than the state legislature; and allow the criminal prosecution of people who use firearms in legitimate self-defense."

Jeff Garvas, president of Ohioans for Concealed Carry, said, in the Dispatch report, "I like to look at the Brady scorecard to see how well we're doing," Garvas said. "They're going after the rights of law-abiding people."

A low score from Brady is a high mark for freedom. We are proud.

Zack wins one for vets

In a slightly ambiguous e-mail, our Ohio Congressman Zack Space claimed credit (maybe partial credit?) for the rise in rates for veterans driving to Veterans Administration facilities. Beginning yesterday (Feb. 1) the mileage allowance increased from 11 cents a mile to 28.5 cents. "This increase that will make it a little easier on our heroes to get to a facility to receive the care they need and deserve,” he said.