The Case for Free Range Human Beings
THIS morning, I wrote to the manager of a network of local farmers markets in my area after he informed customers in a long, long letter that the markets would not be reopening for normal business until a vaccine for the coronavirus is available. It was unclear whether he intends to require proof of vaccination for future customers, but I would not be surprised if we reach that point, so deep, so thorough is the mass ignorance of what we are facing. In any event, he justified his decision by saying that “herd immunity” had not yet been achieved.
I offer this letter in the hopes that it will inspire you to speak out as much as possible against the totalitarian shutdowns of commercial activity. Unless you are at risk and have poor health, please act with your wallet and as much as possible boycott those businesses imposing draconian controls, even if you have to drive out of your way or spend a little more. You have some power as a consumer. Use it. Even if it does not change the world, use it. Ethical shopping is a civic duty.
I have not included a copy of his letter here. It read distinctly like a political manifesto and I could not help but think as I was reading it that it was influenced by powerful business people and politicians, not small farmers.
Dear Mr. P__,
Thank you for sharing your update on the farmers markets. I sincerely request that you share this response from one consumer with your vendors.
We enjoyed very much our experiences shopping at ____. We visited the market almost every week for about two years and spent an average of $100 at each visit. We often recommended the market to friends.
It was nice while it lasted. We will never shop there again because of your decision regarding the virus. We will miss the incredible goat cheese, the mushrooms, the raw milk, the arugula, the delicious meat, the outstanding fish, the doughnuts and many other outstanding products. We will miss the smiling, down-to-earth faces of the vendors.
You have revealed your political agenda and regardless of what you do in the future, we will offer no support to these businesses, except to travel possibly to their farms and purchase from them there. We already have a network of other small vendors in the area and we will continue to use them in the future. (more…)



