Posted on 02/26/2003 11:27:55 AM PST by farmfriend
One of the concerns shared by Grange members and discussed by the President was the issue of tax reform. To ensure the viability of American agriculture, impediments to leaving farmland and property their successors, such as the death and estate taxes, must be eliminated. The Grange agrees wholeheartedly with President Bush when he stated [that] "Federal spending should not rise any faster than the paychecks of American families."
The President and the Grange share a lot of common goals regarding those issues impacting the quality of life in rural America. Health care was a major concern in his address and has been a priority issue for the Grange, especially in regard to accessibility and affordability. The Grange was quite pleased to hear that maintaining the effectiveness of Medicare will be a priority. Rural areas have a large concentration of senior citizens that rely on Medicare but fewer medical facilities. With the already limited number of medical facilities and health care providers available to rural Americans, the few that do exist are refusing to accept Medicare patients at an increasing rate. This is why Medicare must remain intact, not only to provide the necessary services but allow rural seniors the flexibility to choose their own doctors and determine the best course of treatment.
Preservation of the environment and the development of cleaner energy sources is something that all of America should strive for. The President even provided such an example, that being the development of cars fueled by hydrogen. Although this is commendable and points us in the right direction, we must cultivate the vast sources of energy already existing within our nation's farmlands and agricultural areas in order to fully realize the goal of achieving energy independence. Potential energy sources include ethanol fuel derived from corn and wind power that can be generated on rural farmland without taking up a significant amount of space, not to mention the plentiful supply of petroleum already existing within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Grange members contribute more than 1.4 million hours every year to community service projects. When President Bush called upon American citizens to "encourage acts of compassion that can transform America", the Grange answers that call as it has done since its inception over 135 years ago. Projects and programs have been devoted to causes such as drug abuse awareness, deaf education and easing the plight of foster children. The Grange urged the President to expand the mission of the USA Freedom Corp to provide mentoring and support services to foster children and the families that dedicate their time and open their hearts and homes to these children.
The Grange also commended the President for establishing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Homeland security is as much a concern, in some cases greater, to rural areas as it is to suburban and urban areas. This is because farmers and rural communities are at a greater risk from biological attacks against people, crops and livestock and are at greater risk to being exposed to virus' and illnesses that enter our borders through contaminated food supplies. Project Biosheild will be instrumental in protecting Americans against the spreading of diseases as weapons; however, emergency response systems must also address biological attacks through agricultural imports.
The President's handling of the current national security issues are also appreciated. The Grange expressed much respect for patience the President has showed towards the United Nations (UN) in allowing the Iraqi government time to comply with UN resolutions. Although the U.S. should never rush into war without careful consideration, we support the President when he said that "whatever action is required, whenever action is necessary, I will defend the freedom and security of the American people."
In conclusion, the Grange also submitted a summary of the "Blueprint for Rural America 2003" in order to share with the President their objectives for the coming year. Issues addressed in the State of the Union Address touched upon many issues relevant to the Grange. It is through sharing the Grange's objectives with the President that the needs of both rural and non-rural communities will be met, ensuring life, liberty and happiness for all Americans.
Not a prayer for this to ever happen.
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