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I have been quite involved in dairy policy for a little more than 10 years.
In my early involvement, Democratic politicians complained that nothing could be done to help farmers while Republicans were in control of the U.S. House and Senate. Later, when Democrats were in control of the House and Senate, the excuse for inaction was that nothing could be done as long as George W. Bush was in the White House.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that Democrats fought hard and were very vocal on issues about which they cared. Agriculture was not one of those issues.
When Democrats did do something to “help” farmers, they threw taxpayer money at the problem, essentially allowing corporate, multi-national agribusiness to further take advantage of farmers, while the taxpayers made up the difference and everybody paid more in the store.
Politicians might pat themselves on the back about the great things they have done for dairy. But they refuse to acknowledge, let alone work to fix, the underlying problems of gross corruption, anti-trust violations, manipulation and blackmail that have wreaked havoc in the dairy industry. Lack of competition and lack of transparency in the dairy industry and a Federal Milk Marketing Order System that is totally oblivious to the wishes of dairy farmers are problems that need to be addressed.
In two months, Democrats will control the White House, House of Representatives and the Senate. Will they take action to clean up corruption in agriculture? Or will they maintain the status-quo “discretionary enforcement” of laws and food standards?
Will President-elect Barack Obama appoint an agriculture secretary who values farmers, fairness, and the right of people to know where their food comes from and what’s in it? Or will he choose someone who is controlled by corporate agribusiness?
Democrats are in control. The time for making excuses is over.