They may well look out for rual interests and ocassionally do good (my Grandfather was active with the local Grange organization), but I think he was naive about what their real objective is.
Former Vermont Legislator, Current National Grange Master Testifies on Farm and Rural Policy Before Committee on Agriculture
Montpelier, VT - (March 16, 2001)-Kermit W. Richardson, former Vermont Legislator from Orange, Vermont and current National Grange Master (President), testified today before the Vermont General Assembly Committee on Agriculture regarding the National Grange’s views on farm and rural policy. Citing the fourth year in a row of low farm, livestock and dairy prices, Richardson called for three basic goals to future farm and rural policy.
Increased Participation
The first Grange goal is adoption of federal and state farm policies that encourage increased participation in the agricultural sector by the largest number of individuals and families possible. Contrary to current trends, the Grange calls for broad distribution of agricultural assets. Establishing secure financial safety nets for farmers, reducing government’s role in farm management, increasing farm exports and funding voluntary conservation programs are the means to accomplishing this goal Richardson told the Committee. As an example, he rated the Northeast Dairy Compact as “one of the most successful agricultural policy innovations of the last decade.”
Eliminate the “death tax”
Eliminating the so-called “death tax” is a means to achieve the Grange’s second policy goal, the orderly transfer of family farms to the next generation. “Within a decade, a majority of today’s farmers will be over 65,” Richardson explained. Only through “death tax” elimination and extending capital gains exemptions to family farms will the current farm generation be able to retire with “dignity” and the next generation “manage and expand the resources we have invested in agriculture,” Richardson declared. He also called for reauthorization of Chapter 12 bankruptcy laws in order to reorganize farm debt rather than liquidate farm assets.
Rural Quality of Life
Enhanced quality of life for rural America is the Grange’s third policy goal. Richardson pointed out that no matter how successful farm policy, people are not going to farm unless they have a decent quality of life. That means good schools, access to health care, safe and reliable roads and transportation, and safe communities. “And finally,” Richardson told the committee, “regardless of the manner that we distribute government farm program payments, young people will not stay in any community that is not connected to the world through the Internet.”
Richardson concluded his testimony by describing the Grange’s “Blueprint for Rural America 2001,” a ten-point policy proposal on agriculture and other rural, non-farm issues.
The National Grange is the nation's oldest general agricultural organization, founded in 1867. It has grassroots units in 3,400 local communities in 37 states, with nearly 300,000 members. Its activities include and serve farm and non-farm, rural families and communities on a wide variety of economic, educational, legislative and family issues.
Grange Leader Joins Protest Against Western Water Shut-Off
Robert Clouse, National Grange Executive Committee Chairman, took part in a community rally that drew more than 15,000 people to protest the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation decision not to supply irrigation water this summer to 1500 farmers and ranchers in Northern California and Southern Oregon. Clouse, of Orangevale, California, was actually representing the District of Colombia in the “Bucket Brigade” of 51 individuals representing the 50 states and the District of Colombia who each dumped a bucket of water into a dry irrigation canal to illustrate the nationwide impact and consequence of the Bureau’s decision.
Under the requirements of the Endangered Species Act, the Bureau of Reclamation will allow the water that would have gone to irrigate crops and pastures in the valley this year to flow to the Pacific Ocean in order to protect the habitat of several fish species that have been found to be endangered. No one disagrees that this region of the country is suffering from the second worst drought in 100 years. The controversy comes from the decision by the federal government to place the entire burden of dealing with the low water levels on the backs of farmers and ranchers, many of whose families homesteaded the area at the encouragement of the federal government and the Bureau of Reclamation following World War I and World War II. As a result of this decision, direct and indirect economic losses to the farms, ranches and agriculturally related businesses in the Klamath River Valley could exceed $400 million this year.
Addressing the rally, Clouse stated, “The National Grange recognizes that the protection of the environment and the conservation of our natural resources are vital priorities. However, the zealous pursuit of unrealistic and unnecessary environmental goals is causing severe economic damage to the farms and industries that are important to our country. And more importantly, these uncompromising environmental edicts seriously endanger out liberty. We do not believe that Americans must sacrifice their prosperity or surrender their constitutional rights in order to preserve our environment.” His remarks were met with hearty applause.
The National Grange, the nations oldest rural advocacy organization with 300,000 members in 3600 grass roots organizations across 37 states, has for more than a decade petitioned Congress to amend the Endangered Species Act to restore proper perspective to the law by requiring public hearings and economic impact statements on the affected areas before a species can be listed. According to Clouse, all Americans must share the burden of preservation, not just those unfortunate enough to live in the vicinity of an endangered species.
Ok, time for you to back up your words.
I'm a friend of farmfriend who works hard in the Grange. I DO find you comment intensely interesting, however, as I have personally discovered some pretty naieve, or confused leaders of some local Granges here in the Sierra Nevada Range!!!
But that's nothing... I find in elective office some terribly naieve, or confused "leaders" who claim to be "conservative," or "Republican," or even "Libertarian!" Some of these ninnies are the most inconsistent and inconsiderate "conservatives" I've ever encountered!!!
I sincerely wish you would elaborate on and support with more references, the history of the Grange in the 1930's so we could all discuss it and maybe help farmfriend in her efforts to "re-arrange the Grange" in CA on a grassroots, or Statewide basis. I believe she will rise thru the ranks or the organization and will be a strong influence for consistent, considerate conservative principles for the future, despite any past disgressions of the 1930's.
Would you help me with that?
WHEREAS, it has been consistently reported that the doctrines of communism is being taught in out public schools and universities of California.
WHEREAS, if such practices of these exist in our schools it should be reported at once to our State board of Education for correction.
WHEREAS, we as tax payers of the State do urgently request the passage of a law at the convening of the legislative body of our State which will compel every teacher to refrain from teaching or influencing in any way students to despise our flag and to disrespect the Constitution of our United States of America and our democratic form of government.
WHEREAS, if any teacher be found guilty of such practices as referred to, it shall be deemed sufficient evidence for their immediate dismissal.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we are opposed to the teaching of all communistic doctrines in our public schools.
Sounds like we were loaded with communists.
Resolution #57, Sixty-second Annual Session, California State Grange (1934)
Consolidation of School Districts
RESOLVED: That the California State Grange is absolutely opposed to consolidation of school districts as outlined by the committee on reorganization appointed by the State Superintendent. We are opposed to any further expansion and centralization of administrative power over the schools by the State Superintendent's office. Control of the schools and present system of administration must remain with the people.