I read with humor and sadness about the recent “Chicken Wars” in Rome and Floyd County.

Times have changed since Rome Seed and Feed sold dyed chicks during Easter. Though public sentiment did away with the coloring, chick days have been a spring family tradition for decades. Children were taught how to care for their animals and knew the rewards of such efforts.

Animal husbandry is elementary to civilization; knowing where food comes from and how it gets to your plate is rooted in our genes. Are the “Chicken Wars” the tip of the control iceberg or are they result of leaching freedom to the lowest common denominator?

Our representatives surely know that taking away even one liberty is contrary to Southern mindset. Yes, societies need rules, but they must be meaningful, relevant, rational and beneficial. 

Realizing there is little we can do on the national level, I encourage citizens to become educated and involved with local governments. Well-constructed, passionate, and logical arguments must be conveyed to our representatives.

I will start by challenging our commissioners to visit a local chick days event and tell the happy smiling citizens they are breaking the law.