Shortages at food banks, increasing burdens on average citizens, and jobs moving out of the country are just a few of the problems we face.

Increasing numbers of Americans are feeling disenfranchised concerning their elected representatives and don’t believe the decision- makers are working in the interests of the average citizen. In a November,2005 article Thomas C. Reeves said nearly half of voters are convinced that elected officials are focused on their own agendas and the programs of “special interest” groups. In an October,2007 article by Kenneth T. Walsh we find the distrust is growing.

It has been my feeling for some years that there may be some hope for regaining personal involvement and direct input in the political arena with the increase of internet use among the common folk who are the backbone of this country. Websites like the Sunlight Foundation, and On The Issues are helping us to be more aware of politicians activities and political blogs are affording a voice once again to any of us wishing to be heard.

Let’s use these resources to demand accountability from our elected officials and begin to get involved to return to a government of , by, and for the people. Speak out !

There should be NO hunger in this country.

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Food is about agriculture, about ecology, about man’s relationship with nature, about the climate, about nation-building, cultural struggles, friends and enemies, alliances, wars, religion. It is about memory and tradition and, at times, even about sex.”
Mark Kurlansky, ‘Choice Cuts’ (2002).

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Chef & Child Foundation

Mark and Cindy Eldridge are in attendance to stoke the fire and check the progress of the sap reduction. It’ll be ready later for bottling.

I’ve commandeered one of the chairs, enjoying the sauna-like atmosphere perfumed with the maple essence of the sap. Absorbed, with eyes closed, in the zen of the moment I drift a bit. As Mark tends to the sap Cindy and I are talking about food, recipes, and the price of groceries. We all agree that the boxes get bigger – the contents get smaller – and the prices just keep on going up and up. It’s a squeeze for sure.

It’s getting warmer as the fire builds and the talk turns to politics. The core of the conversation is a consensus that our representatives don’t seem to give two whits about us but maybe, just maybe, there’s change in the wind with that Obama fella. But none of us allow our hopes to get too high – disappointment has a very bitter taste.

Heading back to my cabin now. More from the sugar shack later.