Washington Post Rails Against "Rotten" Farm Bill
Endorses Rep. Kind's Fairness Amendment
They've done Peter Milius proud on farm policy in this morning's lead editorial.
I've put the whole damned glorious thing in the jump. But here are the first and last graphs.
This Is Not Reform
Will the Democrats keep wasting money on farm subsidies?
WHEN THE Democrats took over Congress in November, they promised to legislate differently from their predecessors. Given the slimness of their victory and the voters' pronounced anger at Washington, they had a mandate to dispense with the worst manifestations of craven interest politics and to push for basic reforms in ethics and procedure. Now Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) and the rest of the new House leadership are in danger of failing a major test of their commitment to change...
So what is the speaker's take on this rotten bill? It "represents a critical first step toward reform," Ms. Pelosi said last week. That's the wrong answer. The House leadership should be pushing for significant reform of the crop subsidy system. It can start by supporting an amendment from Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) that would lower the income cap and scale back some of the most egregious payouts. Mr. Kind's amendment is still too modest, but proposals like it, not the legislation on the table right now, are the critical first steps toward reform.
This Is Not Reform
Will the Democrats keep wasting money on farm subsidies?
WHEN THE Democrats took over Congress in November, they promised to legislate differently from their predecessors. Given the slimness of their victory and the voters' pronounced anger at Washington, they had a mandate to dispense with the worst manifestations of craven interest politics and to push for basic reforms in ethics and procedure. Now Speaker Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) and the rest of the new House leadership are in danger of failing a major test of their commitment to change.
At issue is the massive system of farm subsidies -- federal giveaways that cost all Americans but benefit few -- that is set for reapproval on the House floor later this week. Currently, half of the cash the country pours into farming goes to only about 20 congressional districts. According to the Agriculture Department, in 2004 a third of agricultural payouts went to "very large" operations that boasted average annual incomes above a quarter of a million dollars. These subsidies have helped push rural land prices up and small family farmers out of the market. Other farm payments have been even more misdirected: A Post investigation found that the government gave $1.3 billion between 2000 and 2006 to landowners who did not farm at all. The billions spent on subsidies could be used for any number of other priorities, agricultural or otherwise -- food stamps, conservation programs or debt reduction, for example.
The system also has eroded America's influence abroad. The vital Doha round of trade talks continues to sink in part because of disagreement over American and European agricultural payments. In short, farm subsidies are a disgrace that any reform-minded politician, particularly any reform-minded politician with a big D next to her or his name, should be eager to address.
Instead, the House Agriculture Committee has produced a bill that essentially maintains current subsidy programs, with some minor tweaks billed as "reforms." Among them is a provision that would disqualify a farmer with an annual adjusted gross income of $1 million -- yes, $1 million -- from receiving subsidies. That's a pathetic five times the $200,000 cap President Bush proposed earlier this year. The bill also includes a small sop to fruit and vegetable farmers not covered under current commodity programs -- a move that could generate more support for the bill on the floor than it deserves. And it increases price targets for some commodity crops, worsening a wasteful federal liability.
So what is the speaker's take on this rotten bill? It "represents a critical first step toward reform," Ms. Pelosi said last week. That's the wrong answer. The House leadership should be pushing for significant reform of the crop subsidy system. It can start by supporting an amendment from Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) that would lower the income cap and scale back some of the most egregious payouts. Mr. Kind's amendment is still too modest, but proposals like it, not the legislation on the table right now, are the critical first steps toward reform.
Comments
no link to the WaPo?
NICK: Thanks for catching that! It's in there now.
Posted by: nick | July 24, 2007 9:26 AM
Thank you for your response,
Of course, there is much information I did not share with you such as being run out of the FMHA office without being allowed to go through the application process.
It does frustrate and anger me to see other individuals at the subsidy trough eating the fruits of my labor while I can't even get a loan.
Did the Arizona and agency people tell you this area was redlined because of the losses in the 80's?
Did they identify anyone by name that if their deeds at the farm agencies were exposed, they would be going to a federal prison?
Did they mention how some folks are helped because they are in the clique while others are left facing huge obstacles and no help to overcome them?
Would you be shocked to learn there is CORRUPTION in the system down here? Imagine that...a government run agency that is corrupt?
Maybe I am barking up the wrong tree.
I don't believe the farm agency and USDA rural development are really here to help the small farmer.
How about a bet? Do you gamble?
My wife and son are going throuth the heavily obstacled and discouraging process of jumping through all the hoops of your biased application process (as opposed to the easy ride the wealthy farmers get when they get into their 2008 mega pick-up trucks and scoot on down to the good ole boy club and pick up their 1.5 million dollar, taxpayor financed hand-out).
I will bet you I can sell off some of my small business assets(a few thousand will do it), set up a shoe-string movie production (yes, I am involved with the film industry through my small business and have the know how to film a full length movie good enough for theatrical release) and begin production on a Michael Moore style documentary before my family gets any real assistance in our 28 year quest to farm in this valley. I already have an idea for a name: "HOGS AT THE TROUGH... an inside look at corrupt pork barrel farm politics, crop subsidies and the trillions of tax dollars the farming elite gobble up at the expense of the taxpayor and the small family farmer." My wife and boy spent all afternoon in the back room working on their application. As of right now, I am going to write a rough draft and put it on the net so my friends in Hollywood can see what I am doing and possibly support me in this film. I will make some direct contacts also. I have some round about connections with Kevin Costner, Tom Sellik and others. I believe they will rally round this film. I will need to start with freedom of information requests from the FSA and USDA to show how easy money flows to some while many others are (like my family), shown the door!(wow...can you hear all those doors slamming? I am sure the AG & USDA agencies have much to hide but they should remember...the camera will be rolling...this is a documentary, remember?) My first act in this documentary will be a question I will respectfully and politely put to you: would you be willing to assist me in this venture? I would love to interview those honest hard working, honest folks you mentioned that want to see change in the rotten politics and corruption in our agriculture department???
I believe there are some good folks out there and I want to interview them first before I take on the rotten apples hiding in the barrel. With the success of my documentary, I should have the means to farm and make our dream of pure, healthful and beneficial way of farming a reality. Hey!... it may turn out that the AG dept does help me get the funds I need to get started! Just not the way it was supposed to occur!
I am much obliged for any assistance you may be able to provide in this matter.
Very Truly Yours,
Enness T. Arnold Jr. ~... son of: WWII P.O.W. / combat veteran of WWII , Korean & Vietnam conflicts yet, denied the means & right to make a living as a farmer.
Circle I Farms
6327 North Circle I Road,
Willcox, Arizona 85643
Posted by: Enness T. Arnold Jr. | June 6, 2008 6:51 PM