September, 2019
Lincoln -- Amid a recent avalanche of news stories from coast to coast about how farmers are having second thoughts about what President Trump is doing to their export markets, appeared this gem: "We need to get back to farming instead of worrying about politics," said a Nebraska farmer.
With all due respect, no. Your politics put the market-destroyer in power, and it is your politics that will have to be the remedy. Furthermore, it's not just export markets that he is destroying, and you know it. It's soil conservation programs; solid science at USDA; health and nutrition. Above all, it's basic truth and decency.
You are going to have to get your hands dirty in politics, my fellow Nebraska farmer. You will have to start talking to your neighbors in your social circle in small town cafés, veterans' halls, churches, schools, and across fence lines. Here is what you could say to start the conversation:
"Friends, it was a good ride we had, thinking that this TV entertainer had all the answers, that he would set everything right with his deal-making skills, his business acumen, his bringing into government all the best people. We should have known better. In fact, we did know better. We knew deep down that a bankrupt, a philanderer, a big talker, a man with no experience in government, would not be good for us....
"Now it's time to make our voices heard that we have come to our senses. We need to look at alternatives and support those who will represent us and our values. This will mean looking at candidates, at all levels, regardless of party, evaluating proposals, contributing to campaigns, and volunteering to help get good, competent, experienced people elected....
"It's time we get our hands dirty and get to work in the political process. Only then we can wash our hands of a false leader who has misled us."
Such talk is starting to happen. Will rural America signal candidates that minds are open once again and ready to engage? Surely so; what more could it take?
