Matthew Yglesias proclaims "McCain, Dowd Substitute Mockery for Understanding," because they supposdly attacked a pork program without taking time to understand the issue.
$1 million for Mormon cricket control in Utah. “Is that the species of cricket or a game played by the brits?” McCain tweeted. …
Yglesias even found a news item dated February 23rd to support his claim. But did he read all of the February 23rd article? Apparently not. Since it states funds were already available on Feb 23, his link does nothing to justify the earmarking of additional money now. Perhaps the Left just sees "Mormon" and thinks Kill! Kill! Kill! ever since that Prop 8 fiasco?
But Knight said the program ran more efficiently in 2008 than ever before.
Last year, 6,855 pounds of ground bait was applied statewide, and 6,122 pounds of that was in Elko County. There were no aerial applications.
Though cricket numbers are "on a downhill slide," Knight said funds are available to combat the insect if the infestation reaches levels seen from 2004 to 2006.
Maybe a locally important issue, but certainly not a matter of national urgency or critical economic importance. What data exist regarding the cost of damage the crickets have done vs. the cost of containing them?
Posted by: Mark Turner | Thursday, March 05, 2009 at 04:31 AM
What might be interesting would be to find out whether by "crickets" they mean "locusts".
The two critters are very similar, and when they (locusts) are allowed to swarm, they can wreak horrendous damage on our agricultural industry.
Posted by: seekeronos | Thursday, March 05, 2009 at 08:26 AM
I arrived at Whiteman AFB Missouri in the summer of 1956 during a locust infestation. Walking on the concrete ramp there was no way to dodge the little buggers. Matter of fact, if you dodged one it would fly/jump(?) up and hit you in the head!
Since locusts only hatch every 17 years I was lucky to leave after 6 years to Hawaii.
Posted by: Bosslowrider | Thursday, March 05, 2009 at 10:09 AM