‘Tis the season for change

Evidence of collusion among egg industry heavyweights provides the Biden White House with a chance to stand with regular Americans struggling to put food on the table this holiday season.

Dec 01, 2023

We have entered perhaps my favorite time of year: the holiday season. It’s a time marked by family gatherings, gratitude, shared meals, and generosity. But this year, a pressing issue looms over our festivities and our tables. Recent revelations about price fixing in the egg industry, as highlighted in a lawsuit settled in an Illinois court, expose a deep, systemic problem within our food industry: corporate corruption and its impact on everyday Americans.

This year, as we celebrate the holidays, the Biden White House faces a crucial opportunity to address the monopolistic practices and price gouging that have significantly contributed to the inflation hurting our communities. The lawsuit against major egg producers for allegedly conspiring to fix prices is not just an isolated case; it is symptomatic of a broader issue of corporate corruption and greed undermining the values of fairness and equity in our society.

In Chicago, where the cost of living continues to rise, families are feeling the pinch. Eggs, a staple in many households, have seen prices soar, creating an additional burden for those already struggling to make ends meet. This price fixing is not just a violation of economic principles; it is a moral failing. It reflects a disregard for the well-being of consumers, and particularly impacts people who have lower incomes.

The Biden administration, which has rhetorically championed the cause of the middle class and vowed to tackle economic inequality, now faces a critical test. Will it stand up to corporate giants and enforce regulations that protect consumers? This holiday season presents a unique moment to reaffirm the administration's commitment to these ideals.

Our precious Christian faith, which the President shares, compels us to justice, stewardship, and care for our neighbors. The exploitation seen in the food industry, particularly in essential goods like eggs, is more than an economic issue; it is a moral one. It calls for us to advocate for policies and practices that uphold the dignity and well-being of every individual.

Beyond the moral implications, there is a strong economic argument for tackling corporate corruption in the food industry. Monopolistic practices and price fixing distort the market, hinder competition, and ultimately lead to higher prices for consumers. In an economy still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, ensuring fair pricing and competition is crucial for stability and growth.

As we enter this season of giving and reflection, we must also make it a season of action. As you are getting those last Christmas cards out, I encourage you to send a note to the White House calling on President Biden’s administration to:

Investigate and address corporate corruption: Rigorous enforcement of antitrust laws and investigation into monopolistic practices in the food industry.

Support small and local producers: Encourage policies that support local and small-scale farmers and producers, diversifying the market and reducing dependency on large corporations.

Increase transparency: Implement policies that demand greater transparency in pricing and production processes in the food industry.

Our role as citizens is to advocate for these changes. Churches and community organizations can be powerful voices in this struggle. We can organize forums, write to our representatives, and educate our communities about the importance of fair pricing and ethical practices in the food industry.

The government plays a critical role in regulating the food industry to ensure fairness and protect consumers. This includes enforcing antitrust laws to prevent monopolistic practices, ensuring that food prices are not artificially inflated, and that the quality and safety of food products are not compromised in the pursuit of profit. Additionally, government policies can support the development of local and organic farming, which not only provides consumers with more choices but also promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.

We will gather with our families and friends this holiday season. Many of our churches will remember those who are less fortunate and express the love of Jesus through our generosity. But let’s also use this time to raise our voices against injustice. The lawsuit against the egg producers is a wake-up call, and it is time for the Biden White House to respond decisively. This holiday season, our list of good deeds should include advocacy for a fair, just, and equitable food industry.

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