Food and Fuel America.com: June 2008

Monday, June 30, 2008

Honey Bees Blamed for Higher Food Costs

The humble honey bee is the latest reason for higher food costs. At least according to farmers, businessmen and the media.

Food prices could rise even more unless the recent decline in honey bees is stopped.

The decline phenomenon, called Colony Collapse Disorder, was featured in recent Congressional hearings.

North Carolina farmer Robert Edwards told a House Agriculture subcommittee (.doc) last week that he had to reduce his cucumber acreage in half because of the lack of bees available to rent. Edwards grows cucumbers for the commercial pickle industry.

"And as I tell my non-farmer friends, these bees are out there pollinating more than my cucumbers, they are critical for the growth of virtually everything in our food chain; because everything in this chain eats something that has been pollinated, or ate something else that was pollinated by a honey bee."

Congress is looking into the impact of the reduce honey bee population due to its impact on the food supply and food costs.

"If there are no bees, there is no way for our nation's farmers to continue to grow the high quality, nutritious foods our country relies on," said Democratic Rep. Dennis Cardoza of California, chairman of the horticulture and organic agriculture panel.

The House Appropriations Committee approved $780,000 last week for additional research on Colony Collapse Disorder and $10 million for bee research. Final funding will require approval by both the House and Senate.

Source: House Agriculture Committee

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Saturday, June 28, 2008

Cadillac Goes Green with Hybrid SUV

The rich will ride in green style with the new 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid luxury vehicle.

The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the world’s first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV, delivering a 50-percent fuel economy improvement in city driving. It is powered by GM’s innovative, fuel-saving two-mode hybrid system.

General Motors also announced it will offer 18 flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) in model year 2009. This is an increase from the past and marks the company's plan to having half their line at least E85 Flex Fuel capable by 2012.

According to a GM spokeman, the models cover the gamut from the four-cylinder Chevrolet HHR small crossover to the full-size Cadillac Escalade ESV luxury utility.

General Motor vehicles account for about 3 million of the 7 million flex-fuel vehicles on U.S. roadways. The company produced more than 1 million flex-fuel models in North America and Brazil last year.

The 2009 model lineup includes the following flex-fuel capability at no additional charge to the customer:

Chevrolet: Avalanche, Express, HHR, HHR Panel, Impala, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe
GMC: Savana, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL
Cadillac: Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
Hummer: H2, H2 SUT
Buick: Lucerne

Source: General Motors

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1,600th E85 Station Opened

National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition NEVC E85 ethanol

The number of E85 stations reached the milestone of 1,600 with the opening of a station in New York.

According to the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC), the Glenville Mobil Mart in Glenville, New York (map), is the 1,600th E85 fueling facility in the country. The milestone was achieved when the station began selling the alternative fuel recently. At this time last year, only 1,230 stations were providing E85.

E85 ethanol, 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, is a clean-burning renewable fuel used in Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). FFVs can use either E85 or gasoline as fuel. Learn how to tell if you have a Flex Fuel Vehicle HERE.

For a list of alternative fuel stations, including the NEVC E85 directory, click HERE.

Source: National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition

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Friday, June 27, 2008

Oil Tops $140 a Barrel

The price of oil topped $140 a barrel for the first time ever on Thursday with an intraday trading high of $140.4o.

The record price for light, sweet crude for August ended the day at the record settlement price of $139.64 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

But all of this isn't really a surprise. We told you earlier this year about $150 a barrel predictions.

As oil costs continue to climb, businesses and consumers will continue to feel the pain of higher transportation, heating and cooling costs. These costs which play a major role in most prices will be passed along in the form of higher prices for food and almost everything else.

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Thursday, June 26, 2008

The Truth About Rising 4th of July BBQ Food Prices

A new website, Food Price Truth.org, has entered the food debate with a new report on rising food prices.

Just in time for the summer food season, FoodPriceTruth says that rising 4th of July BBQ food costs more because of skyrocketing oil prices, no biofuels.

FoodPriceTruth.org released a typical Fourth of July barbeque menu that reveals why food costs are on the rise and why the average American family is paying more for items like chicken, pork, fruit salad, potato salad, beer and even plastic cutlery. The menu offers easy to understand information about why continuously rising oil prices are the single biggest reason that food costs are going up.

"Everyone loves a Fourth of July barbeque, but no one loves grocery store prices anymore," said Brooke Coleman, Executive Director, New Fuels Alliance and a FoodPriceTruth.org Food Price Expert. "The biggest reason food prices are through the roof is because gas prices are through the roof. After all, the typical item at the grocery store traveled 1500 miles just to get there. Anyone who has been to the gas pump lately knows that shipping something 1500 miles is going to make that item cost more."

Here are some food price facts to think about this Fourth of July:

Chicken

Skyrocketing energy bills are making nearly every facet of farming and selling chickens more expensive, particularly transportation. The average chicken sold in the United States travels 1000 miles just to get to the market, because the vast majority comes from Maryland or Arkansas. Source: Univ. of Wisconsin

Pork

According to USDA, the price of pork chops, ribs and bacon increased by about 2 percent in 2008, but a leading economist at Purdue University attributes 75% of corn cost increases to oil prices. Sources: Purdue University and USDA

Beer

Retail beer costs are virtually the same as 12 months ago, before Congress passed the biofuels bill. Source: BLS

Potato Salad

In the last year, potato prices increased by almost 9%, despite a big 2007 harvest and ample stocks of potatoes in storage; and mayonnaise, like most other products made using vegetable oil, has increased in price as higher incomes overseas mean better diets and more vegetable oil consumption. Neither of these prices are impacted by biofuels.
Source: AFBF Marketbasket Survey, USDA

Fruit Salad

Apples (up 14% this year), bananas (up 26% this year), and orange juice from concentrate (up 32% since 2006) are all more expensive recently. Harvesting fresh fruit requires a great deal of hand labor, which has grown more scarce in recent years, and the cost of freight has shot up with the price of fuel. Source: American Farm Bureau Economists

Plastic Cutlery

Not even the most hardened ethanol opponent can blame ethanol for the rising prices of plastic knives, forks, and spoons. Polystyrene -- the type of plastic in your fork -- is produced from crude oil, and the price of crude oil increased by 97.6% in the past year! Source: Energy Information Administration

Blaming biofuels for rising food prices is deceptive. While ethanol has impacted corn prices, the United States Department of Agriculture and the White House Council of Economic Advisors have stated that increased corn demand is only responsible for "3 percent of the more than 40 percent increase we have seen in world food prices this year."

People also forget that biofuels actually help keep food prices down. In fact, according to a report done by Merrill Lynch, biofuels have reduced gasoline and diesel prices by 16-25%. This is because ethanol is blended into gasoline and is cheaper than gasoline. Eliminating biofuels would just push up the price of gas, and thereby make food cost more.

Source: FoodPriceTruth.org

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Google Learns How to Break Free from OPEC

In his book "Energy Victory: Winning the War on Terror by Breaking Free of Oil," world-renowned engineer and best-selling author Dr. Robert Zubrin lays out a bold plan for breaking the economic stranglehold that the OPEC oil cartel has on our country and the world.

Earlier this year, Google invited Dr. Robert Zubrin to its main campus to speak to employees regarding energy issues.

Zubrin presents persuasive evidence that our decades-long relationship with OPEC has resulted in the looting of our economy, the corruption of our political system, and now the funding and protection of terrorist regimes and movements that are committed to our destruction.

If you can't see the video, click HERE.

Source: Google

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Ethanol: Good For America

The Iowa Corn Growers, long supporters of renewable energy, have a new video out on the benefits of ethanol.

If you can't see the video, click HERE. You can also see more videos from Iowa Corn HERE.

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Major Food Company Leaders Won't Defend Ethanol Attacks

Senator Charles Grassley told reporters yesterday said that he had no choice in canceling a meeting between members of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and himself after only one CEO agreed to attend and defend the actions of the trade association.

We've previously reported about the ethanol smear campaign organized by the major food companies earlier this month, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

Grassley said the lack of interest by the GMA members was because they may be afraid to stand up for the policies of the Association or may not believe in the dirty tactics being used by the Association.

“I was hoping to have a good discussion about why each of these companies has decided to blame ethanol for raising their food prices. Instead, it appears that all they want to do is give a thumbs up to their trade association’s hiring of expensive PR firms to do their dirty work instead of entering into a real dialogue,” Grassley said. “I appreciate Mr. Policinski of Land O’Lakes’ willingness to sit down and talk, unfortunately it doesn’t appear that his counterparts at the rest of these companies were willing to defend what their trade association was doing.”

Grassley requested the meeting with 15 CEOs of companies that are prominent members of the Grocery Manufacturers Association. The Association’s President and CEO Cal Dooley had requested his own meeting with Grassley in a letter on June 6th.

Grassley invited the CEOs of Campbell’s Soup Company, Del Monte Foods Company, Lakeside Foods, Sara Lee Corporation, Dean Foods Company, Hormel Foods Corporation, Proctor & Gamble Company, Kellogg Company, Land O’Lakes, ConAgra Foods, General Mills, Kraft Foods, Ralston Foods, Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland.

Grassley has been the leading congressional voice for ethanol. He was the first to voice opposition to the smear campaign mounted by the Grocery Manufacturers Association.

“I’m sympathetic to people who are hurting, but to put the blame on ethanol and stop a biofuel just as it’s making traction in the market is not going to help the situation. In fact, if you take away ethanol, you're going to drive up the cost of energy and food even more,” Grassley said. “We’ve got events around the world having a much greater impact on the price of food and gas. We need to stop scape-goating ethanol and be intellectually honest about the real causes behind the increased food prices.”

Grassley has also sent letters to Iowa members of the Grocery Manufacturers Association as well as the Iowa Retail Federation and the Iowa Restaurant Association. Grassley has also urged Iowans who work for GMA companies to voice their opinions.

Source: Senator Charles Grassley

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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Hawaiians Suffer from Oil Spiked Food Costs

Living in Paradise comes at a price. And for Hawaiians, they pay for it every time they shop for food.

CNN recently ran a report that looked at the higher food costs in Hawaii: Over $7.00 for Orange Juice, $8 for a jar of peanut butter, $5.50 for a loaf of white bread and $6.50 for a gallon of milk.

And what's causing these higher food prices? Higher energy costs.

"Recently however, prices have started shooting up even higher. With the explosion in fuel prices, shipping companies have been tacking on fuel surcharges, and they're going up almost every week.

Tim Kennedy runs a Los Angeles-based warehouse that ships produce to Hawaii. "We're seeing these increases from all over. From the trucks that bring this product into here, to the airlines, to the ships that take these containers to Hawaii."

We've said it here before. Higher fuel costs are impacting food costs. Whether it's Hawaii, rural Montana, or in downtown New York City, higher fuel costs are the major cause for food price inflation.

Read the full story about Hawaii's food inflation fueled by higher fuel costs HERE and watch the video HERE.

Source: CNN

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IRS Ups Mileage Rate...Again!

Internal Revenue Service IRS gas mileage

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced today that they are increasing the business mileage rate to 58.5 cents per mile for the remaining six months of the year.

In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS made this special adjustment for the final months of 2008. The IRS normally updates the mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar year.

"Rising gas prices are having a major impact on individual Americans. Given the increase in prices, the IRS is adjusting the standard mileage rates to better reflect the real cost of operating an automobile," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. "We want the reimbursement rate to be fair to taxpayers."

The standard IRS mileage rate is used to compute the deductible costs of operating an automobile and is also used as a benchmark by the federal government and many businesses to reimburse their employees for mileage.

The rate increased at the first of the year 2 cents to 50.5 cents per mile. A mid-year change is unusual and reflects the impact that rising gas prices have on the American economy.

As the high price of oil trickles down the economy, expect to see businesses continue to raise their fees to cover these new higher costs.

Source: IRS

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Yield Increases Will Produce More Corn

Biofuel critics, supported by fringe groups and even big food companies, often complain that increased corn usage will take food out of the system.

They like to share cartoons that show starving African children while farmers tool around in their SUVs.

But all that misses the mark. US corn exports are up. More countries are buying our corn than ever before.

What's more distressing is they make these wild claims in a knowledge vacuum. Maybe because they're holed up somewhere looking for their next cause to sell. Who know.

But the corn industry has been a leader in productivity. Yields, bushels of corn per acre, have dramatically increased over the years. All this while also reducing inputs like pesticides. And the future is looking even brighter. Yield projections show staggering productivity gains in the years ahead.

Upcoming traits from the major seed companies, both traditional breeding as well as biotechnology, will bring better seeds that manage drought, insect resistance and less dependence upon other inputs like fertilizers.

Monsanto's goals for sustainable agriculture with better seeds includes a doubling of yields by 2030. That's a change from 150 bushels per acre to 300 bushels per acre.

Pioneer and DuPont have also projected stunning productivity improvements. They recently announced a 40% increase in yield in the next decade.

All of this extra corn, on less land, using less inputs, will help to continue to feed the US and the world. Even when used for some products like ethanol, coproducts will be returned to the feed market. It's food and fuel.

So why don't you hear about this from the critics and the media? Because it doesn't sell the "starving children" story.

Source: Monsanto, Pioneer, USDA

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Monday, June 23, 2008

Saudi Arabia Promises More Oil But Prices Rise Anyway

Maybe Saudi Arabia fears America will really move from an oil-based economy. Or they know that their vow to increase output will still keep the money pouring into the kingdom. Whatever their real motivation, they now think there's a "a problem" with the high price of oil

So on Monday, they vowed to increase output a modest additional 200,000 barrels per day. Saudi King Abdullah blamed several factors for higher oil prices, including speculators, increasing consumption in developing economies and high petroleum taxes in consuming countries.

So on all of that good news, world oil prices increased anyway. August Light Sweet Crude rose $1.38 and closed at $136.74 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

But the pain at the pump for American consumers also remains high.

According to the US Department of Energy, the average retail price for gasoline is $4.079, up $1.097 from a year ago at this time. The average price for detail this week is $4.648, up 1.813 from a year ago.

Quite literally, the oil producing countries have us over a barrel. And a mighty expensive one at that.

Source: Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Nymex.com, Department of Energy

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Sunday, June 22, 2008

First Generation Biofuels Crucial to Second Generation

abengoa bioenergy corn ethanol cellulosic

The recent attacks upon corn-based ethanol are well-funded attacks against all biofuels.

Without the first generation, there will be no "second" generation cellulosic ethanol.

For these "second-generation" biofuels to become a reality, U.S. policymakers cannot abandon "first-generation" biofuels from corn and soybeans, according to biofuel developers at a recent Congressional hearing.

In testimony before the committee (pdf), Dr. Robert Wooley, process engineering director of Abengoa Bioenergy, said this of the crucial link between first and second generation ethanol production:

"The launching of the second-generation cellulosic industry will only be possible through first-generation starch-based cash flows, know-how and infrastructure,"

Dr. Wooley also discussed the perception that current ethanol processes are impacting world food prices:

"Regarding the impact of biofuels on world food prices, the current starch ethanol has little impact and production from cellulosic materials will have no impact (if residues of current starch production are utilized) or little impact if dedicated energy crops are used.

Many other factors, such as growing demand in developing countries, dietary changes, commodity funds, and energy prices have contributed most. Energy prices have a much bigger impact, as much as 3 times more.

Grain production in developing countries is considerably below that if the US and other leading countries. The potential productivity increases by improving agronomics practices in these countries could easily exceed the demands for food even while some less productive land is used for dedicated energy crops."

Wooley and other biofuel developers testified on the challenges facing the next wave of renewable fuels during the June 11 House subcommittee hearing.

Source: House Small Business Committee

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Saturday, June 21, 2008

Ethanol CoProducts: Food, Fuel, Feed and Filler?

DDGS Dried Distillers Grain ethanol coproduct

A coproduct of ethanol production could be used as a non-petroleum-based filler in plastics, based on preliminary studies by USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and their cooperators.

The ethanol coproduct, called distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), has a high fiber content and a molecular structure suitable for binding—two attributes that make it a candidate as a filler in plastics.

Fillers such as clay, talc, glass, paper and metals are commonly used in plastics to increase strength, and also to save costs by reducing the amount of actual plastic resin used. Using bio-based fillers such as bamboo, kenaf, corn stover, soybean hulls or even chicken feathers is receiving increased attention as a way to use less petroleum in plastic products.

Source: USDA

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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Ethanol Plants Recognized for Energy Savings

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized two ethanol facilities for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

ENERGY STAR awards were given to POET Biorefining in Ashton, Iowa, and East Kansas Agri-Energy, LLC in Garnett, Kan., at the 24th annual International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo in Nashville, Tenn.

East Kansas Agri-Energy, ethanol facility

"EPA is proud to recognize the outstanding pollution reduction and energy efficiency qualities of both ethanol facilities by presenting these ENERGY STAR Combined Heat and Power Awards. These facilities in Iowa and Kansas are making improvements that contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment," said EPA Region 7 Administrator John B. Askew.

In April 2004, POET began full production at an ethanol plant in Ashton. Electricity is generated by a natural gas-fired turbine, which requires approximately 16 percent less fuel than typical on-site thermal generation and purchased electricity. Based on this comparison, the system reduces carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 18,900 tons per year, which is equivalent to removing the annual emissions from 3,100 cars or planting 3,900 acres of forest.

"POET is dedicated to making the process of producing ethanol even more efficient and environmentally friendly, so it's an honor to be recognized by EPA for the environmental benefits of the efficiencies built into our Ashton plant," said POET CEO Jeff Broin.

The East Kansas Agri-Energy dry mill ethanol plant in Garnett, Kan., began production in 2005. The steam turbine system generates approximately one-third of the facility's electrical demands. It requires approximately 23 percent less fuel than typical on-site thermal generation and purchased electricity. Based on this comparison, the plant reduces carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 14,500 tons per year, which is equivalent to removing the annual emissions from 2,400 cars or planting 3,000 acres of forest.

"Our East Kansas Agri-Energy plant includes an energy-efficient system, which transforms a requirement to control air pollution into an opportunity to address the plant's energy demands," said Plant Manager Doug Sommer.

Dry mill ethanol facilities require large-scale, constant electricity and thermal loads, making these facilities an excellent fit for this innovative technology. These highly efficient and economical systems can use a variety of fuels, including natural gas or biomass. They can also improve the overall environmental benefits of biofuels by reducing the greenhouse gases associated with ethanol production.

The EPA's ENERGY STAR program recognizes projects that reduce emissions and use at least five percent less fuel than state-of-the-art, comparable separate heat and power generation.

Source: EPA

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Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Gas Prices Jump Higher to Record Levels

Gas prices jumped up 4 cents to an average price of $4.082 cents per gallon. This is up $1.073 from a year ago at this same time.

Diesel prices stayed high at $4.692, up $1.887 per gallon from a year ago at this time.

Source: US Department of Energy

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Monday, June 16, 2008

Missouri Governor Blocks Kansas City's Ethanol Request

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt ethanol E10 waiver RFS

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt announced Friday that he is denying requests to exempt Kansas City from the sale of ethanol-blended gas.

The Mid-America Regional Council and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce had requested that the governor issue a waiver from state law that requires most of Missouri’s gasoline to include a blend of 10 percent ethanol (E-10).

The renewable fuel standard, which requires most gasoline sold to contain at least 10 percent ethanol, boasts advantages for both the environment and Missourians’ pocketbooks.

In a letter to both organizations (pdf), the governor noted it is in Missouri’s best interest to leave in place the state’s E-10 standard in the Kansas City area. The governor cited environmental, consumer and regulatory benefits for his decision.

“We have reviewed the request for a waiver of the E-10 standard in the Kansas City area,” Gov. Blunt said. “After thorough consideration of all aspects of this waiver request, I have decided it is in the best interest of the state to not issue the waiver.”

Missouri became the third state to implement an E-10 standard. Ethanol is a cleaner burning alternative to petroleum based gasoline and is more efficient to produce. It contains more oxygen, which results in better combustion and fewer carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and carcinogenic emissions.

Source: Missouri Governor Matt Blunt

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Sunday, June 15, 2008

DOE Announces $30 Million for Hybrid Vehicle Research

DOE Energy flex fuel hybrid vehicle research

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced up to $30 million in funding over three years for three Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) projects.

The selected projects will accelerate the development of PHEVs capable of traveling up to 40 miles without recharging, which includes most daily roundtrip commutes and satisfies 70 percent of the average daily travel in the U.S.

The goal is to develop PHEVs that can be mass produced, compete effectively in the marketplace, and substantially reduce petroleum consumption by offering fuel flexibility to American consumers. DOE’s funding for these projects will be combined with an industry cost share of 50 percent.

The DOE selected three projects for the cost-share research funding:

General Motors has been selected for negotiation of an award for a project aimed at enhancement of Lithium-Ion battery packs, charging systems, powertrain development, vehicle integration, and vehicle validation.
Ford Motor Company has been selected for negotiation of an award for a project to identify a pathway that accelerates commercial mass-production of PHEVs. The project will focus on development of battery systems and deployment of prototype PHEVs.
General Electric has been selected for negotiation of an award for a demonstration of PHEVs that relies upon an innovative dual-battery energy storage system capable of 40 miles accumulated electric driving range.

Source: Department of Energy

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Friday, June 13, 2008

USDA to Tyson Foods: Stop Using Misleading Label

Tyson Foods chicken Rasied Without Antibiotics label

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a letter to Tyson Foods, Inc. rescinding the "Raised Without Antibiotics That Impact Human Antibiotic Resistance" label.

FSIS ensures labels are not false and misleading. In December 2007, FSIS approved the qualified raised without antibiotics label based on information provided by Tyson Foods, Inc.

However, the FSIS found that Tyson Food routinely used the antibiotic Gentamicin to prevent illness and death in chicks.

The action was prompted by protests from other chicken producers crying "foul" over Tyson's claims. Tyson must stop using the label or any variation by June 18, 2008.

UPDATE 6/13 - The NWAnews reports today that Tyson Foods is suing USDA over this ruling:

Tyson Foods Inc., the second largest U. S. chicken producer, sued the U. S. Department of Agriculture to block a new rule requiring the company to alter its labeling concerning the use of antibiotics.

Source: USDA FSIS Statement on Tyson Foods

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Thursday, June 12, 2008

Bill O'Reilly: We Are All in Danger

Never one for subtlety, Bill O'Reilly laid it out pretty clear this week how foreign oil is a threat to America.

In his "Talking Points" segment on Tuesday, he left little doubt about the danger America faces without alternatives to high-price foreign oil:

"We have been closely watching this oil chaos, and it is becoming clear that high fuel prices will be the most important issue in the upcoming presidential campaign. Our enemies now realize they can wreck the U.S. economy by creating hysteria in the oil market."

What was also interesting was O'Reilly's support for Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) that can run on E85 ethanol fuel or regular gasoline:

"So, this is obviously a national security issue and Congress must mandate by law that American auto companies begin mass producing flex-fuel vehicles and quickly phase out gas-only products....

A combination of flex-fuel, nuclear, and increased domestic oil production could save this country in 10 years. If we don't do this now, every one of us will suffer. Every one of us."

O'Reilly is backing a reduction in the tariffs for imported ethanol which many think could cripple domestic production. But as US biofuel capacity grows and matures, policy makers will have to look at that option. But we should not replace one cartel (OPEC) with another (foreign ethanol).

Unlike most other news commentators, O'Reilly has the courage to state the obvious dangers of foreign oil. We wonder when the talking heads at MSNBC, NBC, CBS or ABC will do the same.

Read O'Reilly's full essay HERE.

Source: Fox News/Bill O'Reilly

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