Hemp offers opportunities to farmers

THUMBS UP:

Its was about time that U.S. Agriculture officials finalized a rule that will allow farmers to legally grow hemp. A national hemp-growing program that Congress authorized in the 2018 farm bill WILL be launched by the rule. At a time when farmers are struggling the rule will set a framework for domestic hemp production that could lead to some economic opportunities. Hemp can be utilized for numerous industrial and horticultural purposes including fabric, paper, construction materials, animal bedding, biofuel and other products. This kind of agriculture may not be for everybody, but may offer a different opportunity for those looking for a new specialty crop.

Peterson waiting for facts to come out

THUMBS SIDEWAYS:

Minnesota Rep. Colin Peterson joined New Jersey Rep. Jeff Van Drew as the only Democrats to vote no on the on ground rules for an impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump on Thursday. Peterson has continued to show no support for the impeachment process, saying the vote has been misrepresented as a vote on impeachment itself, which he says he won’t make a decision on “until all the facts have been presented.” That’s a fair stance to take.

Set clear standards on campaign ads

THUMBS DOWN:

Twitter announced this week it will ban campaign ads to avoid the increasing controversy of deception and lying prevalent in our current political landscape. Meanwhile, Facebook says it will continue to run campaign ads event though they might not be truthful. Facebook wants to wash its hands of any responsibility for how its megaphone can be abused, saying it’s the public’s job to identify facts from deceptive fiction. However, that sometimes becomes more and more difficult for the average person. If Facebook refuses to follow Twitter in banning ads, it should set clear standards for political ads that protect against deliberate deception. And also come up with transparent and nonpartisan way to enforce them. Newspapers, radio and TV networks have been doing that for years.

‘Nice to trylots of different things’

THUMBS UP:

After more than 10 years after the first event, Taste of Marshall is still going strong, Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce Director Brad Gruhot declared after Monday’s display of gourmet offerings at the Southwest Minnesota State University drew another large crowd. Gruhot reported that 19 vendors showed up, which tied last year’s record showing. What makes Taste of Marshall so popular? For starters, for $15 attendees get a variety of food samples from the area’s restaurants, food service and catering companies. One attendee told the Independent “it’s kind of nice to try lots of different things.”