Congress Created Dust Bowl

1 February 2018

Driving along Interstate 5 in the desert north of Bakersfield, California, I've noticed a number of weird signs. One of the most prevalent just says "Congress Created Dust Bowl." Another states that "Food Grows Where Water Flows." A third asks, "Is Growing Food a Waste of Water?"

These signs make me ask, is there some kind of IQ test you have to fail before you decide to grow crops in the desert?

My American Heritage Dictionary of the American Language begins its definition of "desert" with "1. A barren or desolate area, especially: a. A dry, often sandy region of little rainfall, extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation." So...

"Congress Created Dust Bowl." I presume that some  so-called farmers are unaware that the desert was there long before Congress came into existence. Certainly it was there before these "farmers" decided to plant crops in such an unsuitable place. How can anyone be so ignorant? I presume that these "farmers" are upset because Congress did not appropriate a ton of your money to make water available to them.

"Food Grows Where Water Flows." Well, Duh! So why are these "farmers" planting crops in the desert? It's a desert, after all, because water doesn't flow here! As I asked above, "Is there some kind of IQ test...?"

"Is Growing Food a Waste of Water?" Of course not--assuming that you have water. I grew up in northeastern Ohio where farming was a prevalent occupation. No one was concerned that growing wheat, oats, or corn wasted water. But then, someone decided that we needed to plant crops in the desert. And that Congress should spend your money to make that possible. So, the answer to that question is "Yes." It is also a waste of your money.

If you want to grow food without wasting water, grow it where water flows naturally. Don't try growing food in a natural "dust bowl" and expect Congress to take our money to bail you out.

How long do you suppose it will be before boaters begin to see signs complaining that Congress hasn't given them the money they need to plant their tomatoes at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean?