We may be watching civil liberties and federal programs fall like leaves in Montpelier, but Senator Patrick Leahy (D, Vt.) is moving aggressively to address the need for yet another federal crime . . . the crime mislabeling products as containing maple syrup. That’s right, despite criticism of the over-criminalization of America (here and here and here), we need to add a federal law on maple syrup mobsters.
Let me be clear: this is, and always has been, a pro-maple syrup blog. However, the question is why a special crime is necessary on the federal level. This is a response to the discovery of a single man selling fake Vermont “maple” syrup that did not in fact contain maple syrup. Sounds like simple fraud to me but the crime appears to have been so shocking to Vermonters that we have to distinguish this fraud from other forms of fraud.
In addition, while slashing environmental, education, and science budgets, Congress just approved a $70,000 federal grant to help market Vermont maple syrup.
Of course, it is reassuring that, while we do not prosecute people for torture and alleged war crimes, we will be pursuing anyone who lies about the maple content of their syrup. I wonder if Dick Cheney or Alberto Gonzales have produced any homemade syrup products.
Source: CBS
In Indiana, there should be a law against Spam masquerading as part of the “Indiana Breakfast.” (Hammond Eggs)
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Could I please have some eggs and toast with my Spam?
I prefer eggs, pancakes, and Vermont maple syrup with my Spam.
Just finished my email … quick note before I leave for lunch:
“pete
so, the only way we’ll ever be able to arrest cheney is if someone slaps a real maple syrup label on him”
I thoroughly enjoy your humor for it always has that one little element of truth in it …
Roses are red,
Violets are purple.
Patrick Leahy said,
“Protect maple surple.”
Mama Mole, Papa Mole, and Baby Mole are nestled in their burrow, when Mama Mole says, “I think I smell maple syrup. It might be puddling and getting ready to pour in here.” She and Papa Mole rushed to look out the burrow. Baby Mole crawled up behind them.
Baby Mole said, “I can’t see out. You’re in my way.”
Mama Mole said, It doesn’t matter if you see. Can you smell maple syrup?”
Baby Mole said, “All I can smell is mole asses!”
Maple trees are threatened by global warming and acid rain. No mention of who else signed-on. There are are states with significant maple industries, including Wisconsin and Ohio. This may be a bipartisan effort. Whether Vermont syrup is better is a point that’s debatable. Leahy is, among other things, a Dead head. We shouldn’t expect him to be him to just be his usual upstanding self.
Welcome back Bob! I was wondering where you were. I’m sorry to hear you were ill and glad to hear you’re better. Stay better please.
so, the only way we’ll ever be able to arrest cheney is if someone slaps a real maple syrup label on him
Elaine,
“Blouise,
He’s gotta bring home the “genuine” maple-cured bacon.”
That reminds me of Shelley Duvall’s Faerie Tale Theatre series. I have the set (a present one year from the grandkids). One of my favorites is The Three Little Pigs with Jeff Goldblum playing “Buck” – the big bad wolf. His wife, Nadine, whom you never see but always hear as she nags him, “Buck, did you bring home the bacon? The Coyotes are coming for dinner you know. ” Great entertainment. Billy Crystal plays the youngest and smartest little pig who built his house of bricks.
Gene,
How is everything going….Good to see you around…Is all going ok?
Bob,
Rest up and get well soon.
Bob,Esq.,
Welcome back. I hope you’re feeling well soon.
*****
Blouise,
He’s gotta bring home the “genuine” maple-cured bacon.
😉
*****
Off Topic:
Wall Street Journal circulation scam claims senior Murdoch executive
Andrew Langhoff resigns as European publishing chief after exposure of secret channels of cash to help boost sales figures
Nick Davies
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 12 October 2011
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/oct/12/wall-street-journal-andrew-langhoff?CMP=twt_gu
Excerpt:
One of Rupert Murdoch’s most senior European executives has resigned following Guardian inquiries about a circulation scam at News Corporation’s flagship newspaper, the Wall Street Journal.
The Guardian found evidence that the Journal had been channelling money through European companies in order to secretly buy thousands of copies of its own paper at a knock-down rate, misleading readers and advertisers about the Journal’s true circulation.
The bizarre scheme included a formal, written contract in which the Journal persuaded one company to co-operate by agreeing to publish articles that promoted its activities, a move which led some staff to accuse the paper’s management of violating journalistic ethics and jeopardising its treasured reputation for editorial quality.
Internal emails and documents suggest the scam was promoted by Andrew Langhoff, the European managing director of the Journal’s parent company, Dow Jones and Co, which was bought by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation in July 2007. Langhoff resigned on Tuesday.
The highly controversial activities were organised in London and focused on the Journal’s European edition, which circulates in the EU, Russia, and Africa. Senior executives in New York, including Murdoch’s right-hand man, Les Hinton, were alerted to the problems last year by an internal whistleblower and apparently chose to take no action. The whistleblower was then made redundant.
Bob,
Excellent … you’ll be running with the bobcats in no time at all. 🙂
Thank you all. I’m just taking it one step at a time. Baby steps.
Possibly we could get an indictment of George Bush for lying about the maple syrup content of his ham sandwich.
Finally, the world is saved …