Dr. Maltz was
the founder of “Psycho-Cybernetics.” He
was an American plastic surgeon that developed a system of ideas through which,
he claimed, one could improve one’s self image and, in turn, lead a more
successful and fulfilling life. He was
one of the pioneers of the now current “self-help” movement. In fact, his 1960 book “Psycho-Cybernetics”
is listed as one of the top 50 self help books of all time.
Whether a self evaluation can lead
to a better life may or may not be true.
But we as part of the agricultural sector of this country face a current
“crisis” that could lead to very bad governmental policy. At this writing, the Gulf Oil spill is over
two months old. Actions are being taken
by BP and the Federal Government to stop the spill and to deal with the
devastating environmental aftermath. But
historically, such a “crisis” as this lead to an environmental movement and
related legislation and regulation which has wonderful goals but in practice,
has resulted in another economic crisis: the cost of compliance may outweigh
the benefit resulting in very difficult choice for our economic sector.
Some of you will remember that in
September 1968 Union Oil Company of California which later became Unocal and is
now part of Chevron constructed a drilling platform off the California coast
near Santa Barbara. In January 1969 one
of the wells suffered a blow out. After
10 days the well was plugged. The oil
slick that resulted covered 800 square miles of the coast negatively impacting
the fishing industry. Pictures of the
slick were on all of our television screens.
Late in 1969 Congress passed the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA). In early 1971 President Nixon
created the Environmental Protection Agency.
Two years later in 1973 the
Endangered Species Act was passed and signed into law. This Act is often vilified for its negative
effect on Agriculture. Some of the
vilification is certainly deserved. It
does seen that an inordinate amount of pressure is being exerted on California
Agriculture to implement these acts.
However, no one can argue that the goals of this legislation is probably
good. But its implementation is not
equitable.
I remember the Santa Barbara oil
spill and the sensational coverage of the effect of the spill in the media. The
spill and some temporally related environmental “crises” definitely gave
impetus to the environmental legislation.
There was a definite national consciousness raising related to the
protection and appreciation of the environment.
Once again, a sensational
environmental catastrophe will likely result in a reaction. However, we have the benefit of history to be
the filter through which these issues can be evaluated. One can hope that this “crisis” will be
properly rectified and necessary compensation paid. But, we must not lose sight
of how some implementation of good ideas can have catastrophic consequences for
other sectors of our economy. Production
agriculture cannot be blamed for the Gulf Oil spill; production agriculture
should not have to “pay” for the spill by suffering regulations or enforcement
that will make it impossible to do business.
I can only hope those with influence
on future policy will take heed of the history of environmental regulation and
“advance” instead of “staying where we are.”
Many programs and opportunities are
on the Ag Lenders horizon. ALI is in
June and this summer look for announcements and a presentation on High Speed
Rail and the Water Bond. Many other
opportunities will be coming up. Your
board is active, excited and dedicated.
Contact me or one of them if you would like to see a program on a
particular topic.
Thank you for all of your support.