At Ron Paul Fest, Organic Cuisine Transcends Partisan Politics

Speaking of "Halloween-coalitions," the 2012 Ron Paul Festival has brought out small businesses looking to cash in on libertarian and traditionalist affinities for organic and other homemade cuisine.

Trae, of RedNeckSteak.com, is selling his specially seasoned premium oak-wood smoked beef jerky. His moonshine steak is glazed with his very own homemade barbecue blend; it was the best tasting jerky this correspondent has had in his life.

Trae is a registered Democrat, has no particular like or dislike of the Texas congressman at whose festival he is peddling his product, and thinks he will be casting a reluctant vote for President Barack Obama come November.

I dont care for either candidate, he tells Sunshine State News. I just dont know that we can blame all the problems were having on the president. He blames the countrys economic stagnation, in part, on congressional Republicans frustration of the presidents policies.

Traes disappointed at what he predicts will be a much lower turnout at the PaulFest than he had anticipated. He was expecting about 50,000 attendees; conference organizers told Sunshine State News last week they were looking at a total of about one-fifth that number.

We needed to wash down that jerky with a beverage, and another vendor was happy to oblige. Cindy Lukeheart of OrganoGold is an independent distributor of the brands gourmet coffee. The coffee is unique in several respects: it is only very lightly caffeinated, but delivers the same boost of energy as its traditional counterpart by inclusion of ganoderma, a traditional herb said to provide numerous health benefits, from boosting the immune system, balancing the bodys pH levels, and acting as a natural detoxicant.

She offered this correspondent an iced latte, and while were in no position to pronounce on any of the supposed health benefits, the coffee is definitely very tasty, and is doing its part to keep us energized as the festival prepares to commence.

Lukeheart, who divides her team between her small business and homeschooling her children, is also not particularly active politically. But she knows Pauls supporters have an appreciation for organic foods, and is happy to capitalize on that. Her companys coffee can be purchased at www.yourlifechangingcoffee.com.