The following is a letter from Tennessee Republican, Lamar Alexander to a constituent. I justifies his vote for the S-510, Food Safety Act.
(Top ten lies about Senate Bill 510)
However, one thing comes to mind:
"Those willing to trade their freedom for security, deserve neither and will lose both." - Benjamin Franklin
"If you compromise between food and poison, death is the only result." - Ayn Rand
"I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachment by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpation." - James Madison
Thanks very much for getting in touch with me and letting me know what's on your mind regarding food safety.
On November 30, 2010, I voted in favor of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (also known as the Food Safety bill), which passed the Senate with the support of 73 senators. Americans need to be confident that contaminated food will be found and destroyed - and that the food left on supermarket shelves is safe to eat. This bill would improve our food safety system in a careful way that protects Americans' right to keep backyard gardens and grow food for their own meals or to sell at farmers' markets, bake sales, roadside stands, public events, fundraisers, and the like.
I have heard from many Tennesseans who had concerns about the impact of this legislation, which is why the bill didn't earn my vote until I was assured that important issues had been addressed in the final version that passed the Senate. My website also includes a "Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Safety Bill" section athttp://bit.ly/ev8GLs that you may find helpful.
I'm grateful you took the time to let me know where you stand, and I'll be sure to keep your comments in mind food safety issues are discussed and debated in Washington and in Tennessee.
Sincerely, Lamar
