It’s on Memorial Day that we take time to honor the heroic men and women who have given their lives in defense of the United States of America. It goes without saying that these selfless soldiers did not enter their service with the goal of seeing their lives ended too soon and their names engraved in stone. They took on their duties out of a sense of responsibility, and not with the aspiration of earning the label of hero. However, in serving their country they certainly earned the title of hero, and it is because of these sacrifices that we come together to pay tribute to the few who did what so many would not and could not.
We must never forget, and we must never cease to be thankful for the heroes our nation has been blessed to have. Some who gave their lives now have their names etched in the walls of memorials, while others live on in the hearts and minds of those who love them. But for the other heroes who have not been remembered in this way, they have their own lasting monument that should forever serve as a reminder of their service. This monument is the country we all are so proud to call home. It is a monument created by the sacrifices of these heroic individuals, and it is a monument that shines as a beacon of freedom and hope not just for us, but for people from all around the world.
On Memorial Day I ask us to remember that. I ask us to give thanks that our nation has been blessed with such heroes. To all those who have served, and to all those who have given their lives in service, we say thank you!
Biden blunders again: President Biden’s latest blunder has hit close to home. Recently my granddaughter ran out of baby formula, which her daughter requires to remain healthy. Unfortunately, there is a nationwide shortage and in Missouri it’s even worse. Missouri is one of six states where more than half of baby formula supplies are sold out. It is so bad that she had to drive all the way to Jefferson City to locate some. It didn’t have to be this way.
Last year the FDA received a report of unsanitary conditions at the Abbott Laboratories infant formula plaint in Sturgis, Michigan. After several months of investigation and reports of infants’ deaths, a massive recall was initiated and the plant was closed.
The consequences of the plant shutdown were foreseeable. The infant formula market is highly concentrated, with only two companies responsible for almost all production. Abbott is the single largest producer, and the plant that shut down accounts for about 20% of all supply. So when the plant shut down, the Biden administration should have immediately begun planning for the shortages to come. Unfortunately, it waited until the crisis was fully in force to begin any type of response.
If regulations had been suspended in a timely manner, for example, the U.S. could have imported enough infant formula to mitigate the impact of the plant closing. Instead, the president has had to use the military to conduct an emergency airlift from overseas.
This time, babies’ lives are in danger. The next time, who knows? It is disheartening that we continue to live under an administration whose incompetence knows no limits.
May God bless and keep you and our great nation.
Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes parts of Butler and Dunklin counties.