Free Republic

National Grange Influences FCC Decision to Block Merger That Ensures Consumer Choice For Rural America Washington, DC- The defeat of the proposed merger between Hughes Electronics Corp. and EchoStar Communications Corp. is a major victory for the National Grange's nearly 300,000 members and for all rural consumers. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously voted 4-0 against this merger, which would have combined the two major Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) service providers into a single monopoly. "Without competition, rural Americans would be faced with higher prices, reduced services and less choice in programming which in effect gives rural Americans the...

Oregon Ag Director Predicts Bright Future for Agriculture – National Grange Still to Play Key Role in Solving Rural Issues Portland, Ore. – In an address at the National Grange’s 136th Annual Convention’s “Salute to Agriculture” breakfast, Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Phillip C. Ward said that “despite a bumpy ride,” the future of agriculture looks bright. Ward, a former vocational agriculture teacher and director since 1999, outlined a number of challenges facing the agriculture industry over the next few years and told National Grange members they will continue to play a key role agriculture and rural America. “We can’t...

National Grange Adopts Resolutions Supporting Homeland Security Department and Trade with CubaPortland, Ore. – Delegates to the 136th National Grange Annual Convention adopted several resolutions on issues of national significance in support of a Homeland Security Department and trade with Cuba, and went on record about the recent corporate scandals. Delegates to the annual convention, held this year in Portland, Ore., unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the creation of a Homeland Security Department and sent postcards to their U.S. Senators urging them to pass the Homeland Security bill. The National Grange also encouraged such an agency to develop educational information...

National Grange President Highlights Legislative Successes in Annual Convention Remarks Carried Live on Radio Portland, Ore. – National Grange President Kermit W. Richardson said in his annual keynote address given at the 136th Annual National Grange Convention in Portland, that the Grange remains a highly influential advocacy leader for rural America today, as it did when it was founded in 1867. The Grange’s legislative effectiveness on issues such as the 2002 Farm Bill, tax reform, Medicare prescription drug benefits for senior and issues on telecommunications shows the Grange—the oldest grassroots advocacy organization in the nation—is still the grassroots organization rural...

CALIFORNIA STATE GRANGE OPPOSES PROPOSITION 50 October 11, 2002 - Bakersfield: The California State Grange at its 130th Annual Convention being held in Bakersfield this week has voted to oppose Proposition #50, the Water Quality, Supply and Safe Drinking Water Projects, Coastal Wetlands Purchase and Protection bonds initiative statute. The Grangers said that proponents of the issue are trying to pass it off as a “clean drinking water initiative,” but what the measure really does is dole out bond funds to pet projects of those environmental groups that paid to put it on the ballot. They noted that the measure...

Grange A Major Player In The Sawgrass RebellionThe California State Grange is positioning itself as a major participant in the Property Rights war between preservationists and conservationists. State President Leo Bergeron has stated that the Grange must be true to its roots, and to do that, it must once again be ready to fight the forces that would curtail the rights of the individual to own and to utilize their property as guaranteed by the U. S. Constitution. "The Grange was formed 135 years ago to preserve agriculture in this country," he said.. "Today, the Grange is taking steps to...

Agriculture To Congress: Don't Make Ag A Cash Cow For Class Action Lawsuits Group Calls for Passage of the Class Action Fairness Act Leaders from the agriculture sector, including California State Grange Master Leo Bergeron, went to Washington to call on Congress to pass class action lawsuit reform. With literally a “cash cow” in tow, representatives of America’s food chain, including hog farmers, tomato growers, food processors and a major grocery store chain, gathered on the Mall to ask the U.S. Senate to pass S. 1712, the Class Action Fairness Act. ‘There has been a dramatic increase in the number...

Report on Legislative Fly-In By George Dupray, Legislative Chairman The National Grange Legislative Fly in June 9 through 12 was very productive. Chief Lobbyist, George Dupray and Brothers Joe Victorine Tulelake Grange # 468 and Tim Connors, an Oregon Grange cattleman, both victims of the Klammath Basin water crisis last year, represented our State Grange. Since Monday is always a travel day for our congressional delegates, several informational programs were presented by the National Grange Legislative Director, Leroy Watson. Beginning Sunday, June 9, representatives from the State Granges were divided into two groups. Group A participated in a workshop titled...