And these checks are forming the policy of the State. Some can argue that checks for fundraising are a way of democratic expression of the views of the senders, such as voting at the polls. It is a particular expression of democratic rights. The only problem is that the number of ballots and the number of checks are not equivalent. It is true that a check for fundraising may have an immediate effect in forming policy...Critics of this system call it a legalized bribe. In many cases such activity has adverse effects. The most obvious example is the creation and the conducting of the citrus canker program. Since it is directly affecting only a small group of people, the case does not interest most of the population of the country. Although everybody`s purse is affected by squandering taxpayers` money for an erroneous and unjust program. Citrus canker is a insignificant disease of the orange, grapefruit and lemon trees, causing only blemishes on the skin of the fruit, harmless for consumption. Such fruit is utilized by 90% of Florida`s citrus industry, who are processing citrus for juice. About 10% of the groves are marketing fresh fruit. This 10% has the power to influence the Legislature and to control Florida Department of Agriculture. The most effective way to reach such influence is the "check in the mail" for fundraising contributions. It would be unimaginable that honest senators and the majority of the Florida House of Representatives would vote for unconstitutional laws, knowing fully that it is untrue that canker is a "devastating" disease and is affecting the economy. Unconstitutional, since inconsistent with the Consideration by not endangering the health, wealth or public morals. Not affecting the economy as a whole, since 90% of the industry is not affected. They still voted for this unjust public money squandering law. Some of the legislators are citrus growers. Their predisposition is understandable. The others must have been influenced by fundraising contributions. It is hard to imagine how can the citrus industry raise so much money? These funds must be drawn away from the necessary spending in groves for proper plant management, including the prevention of canker and other more serious diseases. No wonder that so many groves are selling their land for construction. Peter Harsany, D.Sc.
(Doctor in agricultural economics) | 
