Rep. Jackson-Lee calls for a World Forum on the Food Crisis

22 May 2008

May 9, 2008 (LPAC)--On the heels of Lyndon LaRouche's May 7th webcast, the U.S. Congress took a step forward in dealing with the dramatic food crisis that is currently gripping the world. As Larouche stated: "If you don't have food tonight, to put on the table in the morning, that's kind of personal. And it becomes universal." In that vain, Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX) introduced a resolution into the Congress (H. Con. Res. 344) stating the following:

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That--

 

(1) it is the sense of Congress that--

 

 

(A) in emergency situations, children have different needs than those of adults, and nutritional deficiencies disproportionately affect children; and
(B) in the context of the current global food crisis, the nutritional needs of children must be a humanitarian priority; and

 

 

(2) Congress--

 

 

(A) recognizes that we are facing a global food crisis caused by, among other things, rising fuel prices, increased diversion of land to biofuel production, drought, and increases in population;
(B) recognizes that lack of adequate nutrition is particularly damaging to children, as it stunts their growth, leaves them more vulnerable to numerous diseases, and hunger affects children's ability to learn; and
(C) calls for a world forum to be held, on the issue of rising food prices and international response, and for the United States to play an active role in alleviating the crisis.

 

 

Despite the acknowledgement of the crisis, and the need for long and short-term solutions, the underlying cause of all the misery, namely the genocidal policy of British free trade, was scarcely discussed. Fortunately, LaRouche organizers were there and able to raise the issue. Without addressing the disintegration of the financial system, there is no solution to the food crisis. Unless we go back to Franklin Roosevelt style policies we cannot stop the hyperinflation of prices, nor can we increase food production and supply. The call by Helga Zepp-LaRouche to double food production in the world, a longterm approach to the problem, as well as the leaflet "British Agent Al Gore Wants to Take Your Food Away", was circulated throughout the crowd, which in turn was delighted to receive the material.

Although this is only a step, perhaps it may be the first on a path leading in the right direction.