When thinking about the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), it came to mind that the most important book related to this topic is George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four. I call this post a prequel, as I have only started reading the book. It is, however, chilling to read even the first few pages. It is here that we are introduced to the phrase, BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU. We also first read about something called the Ninth Three-Year Plan. And, who can ignore the Thought Police? Finally, we read about The Ministry of Truth and a term called Newspeak.

If the above items don’t get your attention about NAIS, I don’t know what will. Who is BIG BROTHER? The USDA. Are they watching you? That is certainly what they want to do. Why do they need GPS coordinates for your farm when you register your premises?

What about the Ninth Three-Year Plan. According to the NAIS website, the “USDA has adopted a phased-in approach to implementation.” (accessed 10/08/2006)

The Thought Police are secret police whose job is to uncover and punish thoughtcrime. How will NAIS be enforced, if it becomes manditory? What will happen to you if you don’t want to participate?

The Ministry of Truth existed to rewrite history. In other words, they put spin on current and historical events to support the position and viewpoints of the people in power. Be sure to verify all the facts you get from the USDA about the benefits and reasons for NAIS.

Finally, Newspeak (new-speak), is an attempt to change the English language. A component of this would be “spin,” as we know it. I, for one, appreciate straight talk. I don’t like spin, and it is something we hear all the time. NAIS press releases are full of spin.

I will write my thoughts on NAIS, in the light of Nineteen Eighty-Four, after I finish reading the book. In the meantime, perhaps a trip to the library is in order to check out this book and read it for yourself!