12/28/05 End the debate

End the Debate I just read an editorial entitled "The Unwinnable Debate." I may have a way to possibly end the debate. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be back in one minute with my idea. Steve Cornett, beef editor for Farm Journal magazine, wrote an editorial about the mandatory COOL debate. COOL or Country of Origin Labeling, has been on the agricultural burner, so-to-speak, since it was enacted by Congress in 2002. It was to be implemented on September 30, 2004, but in one soap opera episode after another it has been delayed until September 30, 2008. Mr. Cornett says when COOL is delayed the "pro-trade" group feels they win the debate and the "protectionists" are even more determined to get the act implemented. This is where I disagree with Mr. Cornett, not about who wins or loses, but how he groups the opposing sides. The tone of his writing uses "protectionist" in a demeaning sense while "pro-trade" signifies an enlightened rational approach to the debate. I believe many protectionists are not anti-trade, they just see COOL as a tool to use in competitive markets. Maybe Mr. Cornett's pro-traders are actually worried about market change and in reality are the protectionists in disguise. Now to my ideathere has been enough debateenact COOL. It seems to me more and more consumers want to know where their food products come from. This is the only way to end the debate. In your own thoughts, Mr. Cornett, the market will deliver the answer. I'm Jeff Keane. Farm Journal December 2005