Rice Rationing at Sam's & Walmart...(political)

[amicus]

Some months ago I posted a thread about increasing food prices on this forum.

It was largely ignored as many of my unpopular views are.

Because of my lifetime interest in news and current events, part of a broadcasting career, I am usually a bit ahead of the curve in awareness of developing issues.

There has been a generation long assault against 'Agri-business' the conglomerate corporate invasion into the production of food related products.

Because of legislative efforts to control business and industry in general, food prices, along with timber, (housing), mining (look at copper prices), and energy (gasoline, diesel and heating oil), have all increased to a point where it is finally being noticed by the media.

I told you so. Been telling you so for years and years.

The United States donates over half of all food to distressed third world countries and has, forever.

Because of the political atmosphere; environmentalistis, ecologists, and assorted left wing do-gooder's in general, the basic cost of staples, food, transportation, housing and energy, have all risen to a point where it has become a world wide problem.

While one political party is particularly responsible, both share the blame for allowing government to interfere with the workings of the market place.

There is no quick and easy answer to this problem and I predict much worse is in store.

As an example, all 103 Nuclear power plants in the United States are due to be decommissioned before the year 2050. All licenses will expire before then, but a twenty year extension by application is possible.

If the left comes into more power in the political make-up of the US, and the anti industry, anti business attitude continues, so that no new nuclear plants, oil wells or refineries are built, then you are witnessing just a beginning to a true global crisis affecting the basic needs of people worldwide.

Congratulations all you pansy-assed, left wing, bleeding heart liberals; in the forty years or so since the 'love generation', the effects of your participation in man's affairs is finally being felt.

Happy?

Amicus...

 

[NoJo]

Happy?

Yes, thanks, nice of you to ask

 

[jeninflorida]

I read that Greenpeace is supportative of nuclear power, due to its clean (except for the end product)

Some months ago I posted a thread about increasing food prices on this forum.

It was largely ignored as many of my unpopular views are.

Because of my lifetime interest in news and current events, part of a broadcasting career, I am usually a bit ahead of the curve in awareness of developing issues.

There has been a generation long assault against 'Agri-business' the conglomerate corporate invasion into the production of food related products.

Because of legislative efforts to control business and industry in general, food prices, along with timber, (housing), mining (look at copper prices), and energy (gasoline, diesel and heating oil), have all increased to a point where it is finally being noticed by the media.

I told you so. Been telling you so for years and years.

The United States donates over half of all food to distressed third world countries and has, forever.

Because of the political atmosphere; environmentalistis, ecologists, and assorted left wing do-gooder's in general, the basic cost of staples, food, transportation, housing and energy, have all risen to a point where it has become a world wide problem.

While one political party is particularly responsible, both share the blame for allowing government to interfere with the workings of the market place.

There is no quick and easy answer to this problem and I predict much worse is in store.

As an example, all 103 Nuclear power plants in the United States are due to be decommissioned before the year 2050. All licenses will expire before then, but a twenty year extension by application is possible.

If the left comes into more power in the political make-up of the US, and the anti industry, anti business attitude continues, so that no new nuclear plants, oil wells or refineries are built, then you are witnessing just a beginning to a true global crisis affecting the basic needs of people worldwide.

Congratulations all you pansy-assed, left wing, bleeding heart liberals; in the forty years or so since the 'love generation', the effects of your participation in man's affairs is finally being felt.

Happy?

Amicus...

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

If the left comes into more power in the political make-up of the US, and the anti industry, anti business attitude continues, so that no new nuclear plants, oil wells or refineries are built, then you are witnessing just a beginning to a true global crisis affecting the basic needs of people worldwide.

Ami, that should have read: "If the left comes into ANY power...." Face facts, the right-wing has governed this country for the last decade or so, controlling all three branches of government for six of those years.

Anti-left diatribe aside, your basic arguement has validity. My favortie whipping boy for the current mess is ethanol. The idea that converting a significant chunk of farmland from food production to growing corn intended for ehanol would not effect the world's food market was always ludicrous.

Rumple Foreskin

 

[amicus]

I read that Greenpeace is supportative of nuclear power, due to its clean (except for the end product)

~~~

The brief blurb I heard sometime back was that a co-founder, now retired, of Greenpeace had changed his mind. I have no idea of the entire organization.

amicus...

 

[amicus]

Ami, that should have read: "If the left comes into ANY power...." Face facts, the right-wing has governed this country for the last decade or so, controlling all three branches of government for six of those years.

Anti-left diatribe aside, your basic arguement has validity. My favortie whipping boy for the current mess is ethanol. The idea that converting a significant chunk of farmland from food production to growing corn intended for ehanol would not effect the world's food market was always ludicrous.

Rumple Foreskin

~~~

Rumple...and the right had control of Congress for a spell also, which I explain in the following manner.

Many of the 'entitlement' programs were started as far back as Wilson and Roosevelt. The social programs of John F. Kennedy and the 'Great Society' of Johnson are embedded in government and beyond control or revision.

Attempts by several Republicans to minimize government, deregulate industry and control unions such as the Flight controllers have been resisted and opposed.

I have very little faith in the right as their principles have eroded over time and they offer little of substance to correct the drift towards larger government.

My fight is pretty much over as an active participant and I begin to realize that this nation will most likely have to suffer a great deal and hope that those who respect and understand the spirit of the Constitution are somehow renewed in their efforts to preserve individual human rights.

Dunno...good luck to all...

amicus...

 

[jeninflorida]

My Costco put limits on rice....

Sames - put out a notice; to date we don't have any rations on gas or flour!

Some months ago I posted a thread about increasing food prices on this forum.

It was largely ignored as many of my unpopular views are.

Because of my lifetime interest in news and current events, part of a broadcasting career, I am usually a bit ahead of the curve in awareness of developing issues.

There has been a generation long assault against 'Agri-business' the conglomerate corporate invasion into the production of food related products.

Because of legislative efforts to control business and industry in general, food prices, along with timber, (housing), mining (look at copper prices), and energy (gasoline, diesel and heating oil), have all increased to a point where it is finally being noticed by the media.

I told you so. Been telling you so for years and years.

The United States donates over half of all food to distressed third world countries and has, forever.

Because of the political atmosphere; environmentalistis, ecologists, and assorted left wing do-gooder's in general, the basic cost of staples, food, transportation, housing and energy, have all risen to a point where it has become a world wide problem.

While one political party is particularly responsible, both share the blame for allowing government to interfere with the workings of the market place.

There is no quick and easy answer to this problem and I predict much worse is in store.

As an example, all 103 Nuclear power plants in the United States are due to be decommissioned before the year 2050. All licenses will expire before then, but a twenty year extension by application is possible.

If the left comes into more power in the political make-up of the US, and the anti industry, anti business attitude continues, so that no new nuclear plants, oil wells or refineries are built, then you are witnessing just a beginning to a true global crisis affecting the basic needs of people worldwide.

Congratulations all you pansy-assed, left wing, bleeding heart liberals; in the forty years or so since the 'love generation', the effects of your participation in man's affairs is finally being felt.

Happy?

Amicus...

 

[amicus]

Rice is not a major staple in American diets, but restaurants who serve ethnic foods will be affected and many other nations who depend upon rice as a main source of protein will suffer.

amicus...

 

[jeninflorida]

is there really a shortage, or is this media hype?

Rice is not a major staple in American diets, but restaurants who serve ethnic foods will be affected and many other nations who depend upon rice as a main source of protein will suffer.

amicus...

 

[amicus]

is there really a shortage, or is this media hype?

~~~

More like a coming shortage, Jen...with India and China building a middle class, the demand for food has risen and prices go up with the demand.

This devastates third world countries as they cannot afford the increased prices and charitable agencies are hard pressed to compete.

Market speculation is part of the current blip in price increases as capital moves to areas if higher return on investment. Handprints or Black Shanglan could explain it better I imagine.

Of course, adding to this is the insane government subsidies for ethanol diverting US food crops to fuel production. The US was a major food exporter and that caused a hickup in world market dynamics. Plus an increase in the price of cereal grains and animal feed in the US,

ami...

 

[cloudy]

From the New York Sun (don't know how reliable their news is, but here ya go):

Food Rationing Confronts Breadbasket of the World
By JOSH GERSTEIN
April 21, 2008

Many parts of America, long considered the breadbasket of the world, are now confronting a once unthinkable phenomenon: food rationing. Major retailers in New York, in areas of New England, and on the West Coast are limiting purchases of flour, rice, and cooking oil as demand outstrips supply. There are also anecdotal reports that some consumers are hoarding grain stocks.

At a Costco Warehouse in Mountain View, Calif., yesterday, shoppers grew frustrated and occasionally uttered expletives as they searched in vain for the large sacks of rice they usually buy.

"Where's the rice?" an engineer from Palo Alto, Calif., Yajun Liu, said. "You should be able to buy something like rice. This is ridiculous."

The bustling store in the heart of Silicon Valley usually sells four or five varieties of rice to a clientele largely of Asian immigrants, but only about half a pallet of Indian-grown Basmati rice was left in stock. A 20-pound bag was selling for $15.99.

"You can't eat this every day. It's too heavy," a health care executive from Palo Alto, Sharad Patel, grumbled as his son loaded two sacks of the Basmati into a shopping cart. "We only need one bag but I'm getting two in case a neighbor or a friend needs it," the elder man said.

The Patels seemed headed for disappointment, as most Costco members were being allowed to buy only one bag. Moments earlier, a clerk dropped two sacks back on the stack after taking them from another customer who tried to exceed the one-bag cap.

"Due to the limited availability of rice, we are limiting rice purchases based on your prior purchasing history," a sign above the dwindling supply said.

Shoppers said the limits had been in place for a few days, and that rice supplies had been spotty for a few weeks. A store manager referred questions to officials at Costco headquarters near Seattle, who did not return calls or e-mail messages yesterday.

An employee at the Costco store in Queens said there were no restrictions on rice buying, but limits were being imposed on purchases of oil and flour. Internet postings attributed some of the shortage at the retail level to bakery owners who flocked to warehouse stores when the price of flour from commercial suppliers doubled.

The curbs and shortages are being tracked with concern by survivalists who view the phenomenon as a harbinger of more serious trouble to come.

"It's sporadic. It's not every store, but it's becoming more commonplace," the editor of SurvivalBlog.com, James Rawles, said. "The number of reports I've been getting from readers who have seen signs posted with limits has increased almost exponentially, I'd say in the last three to five weeks."

Spiking food prices have led to riots in recent weeks in Haiti, Indonesia, and several African nations. India recently banned export of all but the highest quality rice, and Vietnam blocked the signing of a new contract for foreign rice sales.

"I'm surprised the Bush administration hasn't slapped export controls on wheat," Mr. Rawles said. "The Asian countries are here buying every kind of wheat." Mr. Rawles said it is hard to know how much of the shortages are due to lagging supply and how much is caused by consumers hedging against future price hikes or a total lack of product.

"There have been so many stories about worldwide shortages that it encourages people to stock up. What most people don't realize is that supply chains have changed, so inventories are very short," Mr. Rawles, a former Army intelligence officer, said. "Even if people increased their purchasing by 20%, all the store shelves would be wiped out."

At the moment, large chain retailers seem more prone to shortages and limits than do smaller chains and mom-and-pop stores, perhaps because store managers at the larger companies have less discretion to increase prices locally. Mr. Rawles said the spot shortages seemed to be most frequent in the Northeast and all the way along the West Coast. He said he had heard reports of buying limits at Sam's Club warehouses, which are owned by Wal-Mart Stores, but a spokesman for the company, Kory Lundberg, said he was not aware of any shortages or limits.

An anonymous high-tech professional writing on an investment Web site, Seeking Alpha, said he recently bought 10 50-pound bags of rice at Costco. "I am concerned that when the news of rice shortage spreads, there will be panic buying and the shelves will be empty in no time. I do not intend to cause a panic, and I am not speculating on rice to make profit. I am just hoarding some for my own consumption," he wrote.

For now, rice is available at Asian markets in California, though consumers have fewer choices when buying the largest bags. "At our neighborhood store, it's very expensive, more than $30" for a 25-pound bag, a housewife from Mountain View, Theresa Esquerra, said. "I'm not going to pay $30. Maybe we'll just eat bread."

 

[amicus]

Welcome back Cloudy, good to read you again.

There are those far more expert than I in the import/export vagaries of the market, on rising demand world wide and the 'breadbasket' shifting to ethanol production that apparently has influenced the global market place.

I made mention some time ago of rising prices, beef, milk, eggs, processed cereals and such, that latest I saw on the news was that prices have rising 15 to 20 percent in less than a year, my experience is that is it more than that.

Interesting times we live in, eh?

amicus...

 

[DesertPirate]

The worst part is, if the Govt. would get out of the way and turn the farmers in this country loose, we could feed the world! U. S. farmers are that productive. Let the Govt. and U. N. figure out how to pay them and leave the rest to those that know how to do it!

 

[The_Fool]

The worst part is, if the Govt. would get out of the way and turn the farmers in this country loose, we could feed the world! U. S. farmers are that productive. Let the Govt. and U. N. figure out how to pay them and leave the rest to those that know how to do it!

One of the things talking heads stated that part of the problem was the softness of the dollar. The grain is being produced, but that it is immediately leaving the country.

The other thing that I read or saw was that 20% of all corn production was going to ethanol.

 

[amicus]

DP, can't begin to tell you how nice it feels to have another rational mind in play here...thank you...

ami...

 

[DesertPirate]

DP, can't begin to tell you how nice it feels to have another rational mind in play here...thank you...

ami...

Wait till you see the price of bread in the fall. Wheat is having a rough year. Dry land farmers out West (rain only, no irrigation) are plowing under dead wheat. My Uncle just turned 800 acres. I'm amazed it germinated since they haven't had rain since August, in Eastern NM.
Yes I have driven a combine during harvest

 

[amicus]

So have I, harvesting barley, nasty dusty job...

amicus...

 

[JagFarlane]

The worst part is, if the Govt. would get out of the way and turn the farmers in this country loose, we could feed the world! U. S. farmers are that productive. Let the Govt. and U. N. figure out how to pay them and leave the rest to those that know how to do it!

This would more than likely work out quite well. As would, instead of using corn for ethanol...using what Brazil reommended, which was orange peels. As it turns out...you can make ethanol from most carbon based items, Brazil uses sugar cane due to its abundance there

 

[S-Des]

~~~

More like a coming shortage, Jen...with India and China building a middle class, the demand for food has risen and prices go up with the demand.

This devastates third world countries as they cannot afford the increased prices and charitable agencies are hard pressed to compete.

It doesn't help that many third world countries are devastated by violence and oppressive rule at the moment. There is a lot of potential for growth and self-sufficiency, but there is no will to combat the problems (by us, or any other major nation). If we finally put the stake into this Ethanol vampire, we could increase our production, but there is a limit on what we could do.

 

[JagFarlane]

It doesn't help that many third world countries are devastated by violence and oppressive rule at the moment. There is a lot of potential for growth and self-sufficiency, but there is no will to combat the problems (by us, or any other major nation). If we finally put the stake into this Ethanol vampire, we could increase our production, but there is a limit on what we could do.

Truthfully part of the problem, as I understand it [and feel free to correct me if I'm dead wrong] was that back in the 90;s, I believe, that farmers were turning out much more than they could sell, which caused prices to drop dramatically, thus severly hurting farmers finances. The government stepped in and agreed to pay the farmers for lands not farmed so that they'd still make money off of some of thier land, and yet cut supply as to increase price to make it worthwhile for them

 

[R. Richard]

Truthfully part of the problem, as I understand it [and feel free to correct me if I'm dead wrong] was that back in the 90;s, I believe, that farmers were turning out much more than they could sell, which caused prices to drop dramatically, thus severly hurting farmers finances. The government stepped in and agreed to pay the farmers for lands not farmed so that they'd still make money off of some of thier land, and yet cut supply as to increase price to make it worthwhile for them

The situation you mention is yet another example of government incompetence.

The government agreed to pay farmers to put some of their land into Soilbank. The Soilbank land would be left fallow and would cut back on the total amount of cash crop produced. The government assumed that the farmers would just fence off the required percentage of their fields and the amount of cash crop produced would fall by that percentage. What the typical farmer did was get the state argricultural agent out and had him/her/it figure out where the least productive acreage the farmer had was located. That acreage then went into Soilbank. The farmer then used some of the Soilbank money to more intensively farm the remaining acreage. The result was the same or more cash crop with the Soilbank land getting more fertile. The US farmer could now feed the world. However, some idiot politicians decided that food could be better converted to ethanol.

Most of the Literotica people have a sort of kneejerk acceptance of the rule of law. I submit that some problems are best soved by the lynch mob method. Eliminate the politicians and their families and things will improve. JMNTHO.

 

[Recidiva]

I can still buy about a kajillion pounds of rice for $0.02. Prices may vary of course.

It's not a crisis though.

I'm making szechuan honey chicken stir fry this evening with steamed rice.

The chicken's still more expensive than the rice. Hell, so's the honey.

 

[Recidiva]

The situation you mention is yet another example of government incompetence.

The government agreed to pay farmers to put some of their land into Soilbank. The Soilbank land would be left fallow and would cut back on the total amount of cash crop produced. The government assumed that the farmers would just fence off the required percentage of their fields and the amount of cash crop produced would fall by that percentage. What the typical farmer did was get the state argricultural agent out and had him/her/it figure out where the least productive acreage the farmer had was located. That acreage then went into Soilbank. The farmer then used some of the Soilbank money to more intensively farm the remaining acreage. The result was the same or more cash crop with the Soilbank land getting more fertile. The US farmer could now feed the world. However, some idiot politicians decided that food could be better converted to ethanol.

Most of the Literotica people have a sort of kneejerk acceptance of the rule of law. I submit that some problems are best soved by the lynch mob method. Eliminate the politicians and their families and things will improve. JMNTHO.

People that approve of lynching generally disapprove of it being applied to themselves.

Unfair.

 

[R. Richard]

People that approve of lynching generally disapprove of it being applied to themselves.

Unfair.

First, I am not a politician.

Second, I have had lynching and worse attempted to be applied to me and, as a matter of fact, I disapproved quite strongly. The people who attempted the violence were so impressed by my efforts that they never atempted anything like that again.