Grange Blog

Show Time! The 2011 National Grange Legislative Fly-In is here!

2011-05-20T14:30:00.000-04:00

We’ve finally made it! This coming week, from Sunday the 22^nd to Tuesday the 24^th, the National Grange Legislative Department will be hosting our annual Legislative Fly-In here in Washington D.C.! We are very excited and have planned some exceptional events aimed at re-igniting Grangers’ commitments to an active citizen government. Setting the tone of leadership, we’ll begin by touring George and Martha Washington’s beautiful Mt. Vernon Estate in Virginia, after which we will be dropped off on Capitol Hill for each attendee to meet with their elected representatives. Later that evening, our members will be having dinner at a local hot spot with our guest speaker, Scott LaGanga, Deputy Vice President of Federal Alliance Development and Public Affairs at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), to learn about how the Affordable Care Act implementation is progressing. On Tuesday, activities start with breakfast and an issue briefing by John Blanchfield, Senior Vice President for the Center for Agricultural and Rural Banking. After more congressional visits, Tuesday’s lunch will be hosted by AT&T at their Innovation Center in Washington D.C., where our members will be briefed on Telehealth and how it is changing the face of rural healthcare.

The Legislative Department looks forward to our annual Fly-In for several reasons, but primarily because it grants our members the opportunity for face-to-face communication with their representatives in Congress. It takes many phone calls, emails, and faxes but the Grange Legislative Department does its best to arrange meetings for all our attendees, allowing them to sit and speak with their representatives and/or their staff to discuss pressing issues facing Grange Halls across America.

While scheduling appointments, we are honored to witness the name recognition that the Grange still enjoys. Having been founded in 1867, the Grange is one of the oldest lobbies in Washington and still maintains a presence in the world of agricultural and rural politics. Hosting an annual Legislative Fly-In only serves as a reminder that Grangers are still committed to celebrating their citizenship and engaging with their government on behalf of their communities. I’d like to extend a very special thanks to everyone who helped with the Fly-In, be it in donations or packing envelopes. Your efforts and support help carry on the Grange name and our worthy cause. See you soon everybody!

Grace Boatright

National Grange Programs Assistant

Cutting the Congressional Commodity Crisis

2011-03-04T15:36:00.001-05:00

On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Act. The bill, proposed by Congressman Barney Frank and Senator Chris Dodd, and so named, came as a result of the 2008 financial meltdown and seeks to implement new regulatory reforms to the financial services industry, aka- Wall Street. Reform in this case has meant greater transparency in the markets, tougher standards on fraud manipulation, more authority over insider trading, and greater protection for whistle blowers. Overall, the question became: what is sufficient manipulation/regulation to ensure sound pricing without the cost outweighing the benefits? Sounds pretty straightforward right? Well…not so much. Though unlikely to receive funding due to increasing budget cuts, the Act would have had numerous effects on agriculture.

Primarily, the Act could affect agriculture by addressing “commodity swaps” and giving a precise definition of a “commodity.” Commodity swaps are typically used as a hedging device to protect one’s self against the rising or falling price of a commodity. For example, say a company buys a lot of oil. This company can buy a contract, or pay a premium, for the legal right to purchase oil at a fixed price for a certain amount of time. This could potentially save them millions in the long run, making the premium paid for those contracts seem like nothing. Dodd-Frank has repealed all exemptions granted to security-based swaps. Though the exact terms aren’t yet clear, Title VII states; “Except as provided otherwise, no Federal assistance may be provided to any swaps entity with respect to any swap, security-based swap, or other activity of the swaps entity" (Thomas).

This mandate could affect farming cooperatives if the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) decides to define them as swap dealers rather than farm cooperatives and thus subjecting them to the regulations and capital requirements imposed on swap dealers. This could have dramatic impacts on people such as dairy farmers by hindering their ability to manage the risk of falling milk prices and rising production costs, a risk that could usually be transferred to a swap dealer through a commodity swap. A solution to this problem would be to term cooperatives, such as Dairy Farmers of America, as end-users rather than swap dealers, and exempting agricultural cooperatives altogether. Clearly, definitions become incredibly important at this point, and are primarily left to the discretion of the CFTC. Before this Act, “commodities” wasn’t so much a noun as it was a reference to a group of investment securities; some popular ones being oil, coffee, corn, cotton, and pork bellies. Without a precise definition, it will be much harder to know who to exempt and who to impose regulations on. Consequently, without exemption, growers will have to assume the financial risk associated with commodity price fluctuations, leaving America’s farmers incredibly vulnerable.

Having a degree in finance, I was eager to right this blog, and found it fairly easy to do so. However, what I could never have comprehended a year ago is the far reaching impact imposed legislation could have on the different sectors of America. In this instance, a bill directed at keeping Wall Street honest could have come back to wreak havoc on America’s farmers and agricultural communities. Let's hope that the current budget cuts end up eliminating funding for the Dodd-Frank Act, otherwise we could find ourselves paying more for a gallon of milk than a barrel of oil.

-Grace Boatright
National Grange Program Assistant

http://www.http//thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:H.R.4173

Celebrating Women’s History Month

2011-03-04T11:37:00.000-05:00

Since the Grange began, it has strived to support equality for women within the Grange and in their communities. The Grange let it be known how important women were to the agricultural community by declaring that no Grange could be formed without at least four women. Four officer’s positions could and still can only be held by women, giving women an equal vote in the organization. March is Women’s History Month and we as Grangers should be celebrating our proud history and Grange women of past and present. Caroline Hall, Temperance Kelley, Eva McDowell, Jennie Buell, Jeanne C. Carr, Eliza Gifford, Sarah G. Baird, Mary Mayo, and Eleanor Roosevelt are some names you will easily recognize. All of these women have affected the Grange and the world. Which of these women do you know? Caroline Hall, the Grange’s eighth founder, contributed money, compiled one of the first Grange songbooks, handled the organizational work, and served as the first Ceres, created for women only. Temperance Kelley, who gave her husband, Oliver Kelley, enough money to continue with organizing the Grange, encouraged his dream of creating a fraternal organization for farmers. Eva McDowell served as Treasurer of the National Grange for twenty-six years. Maybe the name that stands out to you most is Sarah G. Baird, the first woman to be a State Master. She became State Master of Minnesota in 1895 and would stay in that position for seventeen years. Eliza Gifford and Jennie Buell were outspoken Grangers who fought for women’s suffrage with Susan B. Anthony, leader of NAWSA (National American Woman Suffrage Association) and campaigned with Frances Willard, the leader of the WCTU (Woman’s Christian Temperance Union), in support of temperance legislation. Jeanne C. Carr helped to found the California State Grange, was one of the first women to run for Lecturer of the California State Grange, and campaigned to keep women’s suffrage an issue in California and the State Grange behind the issue. Mary Mayo wrote for the Michigan Grange newspaper, spoke publicly on behalf of the Grange, helped recruit members, strength the order, and served as the chair for the Michigan State Grange Women’s Committee for fourteen years. And last but not least, Eleanor Roosevelt; First Lady of the United States was a Grange member for over 25 years. This is just a small part of women’s history within the Grange. Learn more about these women and others and honor them not only during Women’s History Month but throughout the whole year.

Samantha Johnson
-Sales, Benefits,& Programs Director

Recipe for Disaster

2011-02-25T23:52:00.002-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, after getting some projects out the door for the National Grange State Master’s Meeting, I decided that I had let my snail-mail cubby in our supply room fill up to an embarrassing level and it was time to get the letter opener out. In the collection of invoices and political newsletters was a lovely hand-addressed #10 envelope from a Wib Justi, from the National Junior Horticultural Association in Ohio.

The envelop contained an article from the February 2011 Issue of Country Living which detailed a certain M.A. Fox’s search for the perfect pie and how pie had become this individual’s medium for connecting with the past, and all other things inherited. The talented author of the piece points out how very difficult it is to make a perfect pie. How the components must be in perfect measure, with precise process and collaboration.

Unfortunately, in my warped, politically-charged brain, it made me think of this little situation we have inherited in Washington right now as we sit on the eve of a possible government shut-down. Now, in some cases, nostalgia can be just as detrimental to one’s soul as it can be restorative. However, sometimes taking a walk down memory lane is just what is needed to avoid making political mistakes of the past.

The federal government has shut-down 15 times since 1977, but the government shut-down that is the freshest in most folk’s memories is the one that resulted from the stand-off between President Bill Clinton and then House Speaker Newt Gingrich. The shut-down, which was the longest in history, lasted 21 days and occurred over the Christmas holidays. The two Clinton-era government shut-downs resulted in a gross furlough of over 1 million federal employees and countless contractors.

During the 1995-96 shutdowns, the unemployment rate was about 5.5% and today it currently hovers just under 10%. I don’t think this is the fat that we need to be trimming. Is sending a bunch of people home from work really the message we want to send to our unemployed? When the U.S. government tells small businesses to reinvest in their companies and hire more staff to energize the economy, yet can’t play well enough with others to do so itself, it speaks with a forked tongue.

I am the first to jump on the bandwagon of tightening our fiscal belt but I am not sure that shutting down the federal government leads by example or achieves the financial relief that so many are lead to believe. I don’t believe that the following is the recipe for a balanced budget:

2 Chambers diametrically oppose
1 White House that doesn’t even want to address the current FY2011 budget
1 The largest employer in the United States shutting down
1 The highest sustained unemployment rate since the Great Depression

PS: In the article from Country Living cited earlier in this blog, the Grange is noted for having the best of all country auction food stands (and pies). Maybe Grangers hold the best of all recipes.

- Nicole Palya Wood
National Grange Legislative Director

Show Me the Money

2011-02-18T13:00:00.003-05:00

Congress is currently addressing the daunting task of drafting the 2012 federal budget, a major issue given their new drive to cut federal spending and reduce the deficit. The current budget is set to expire March 4, forcing Congress to draft some sort of spending bill just to keep the government operating. On Monday, President Obama issued his own proposals for the 2012, $3.7 trillion budget, and so far, his recommendations have been met with some harsh sentiment from Congress. Obama’s proposals include cutting $350 million from the Community Development Block Program, reducing the EPA’s funding by $1.3 billion, and reducing Pell grant funding for college students. Simultaneously, he intends to increase funding for projects like his high-speed railway system, set to cost an astounding $53 billion.

Republicans see Obama’s budget as a feeble attempt to reduce government spending as they propose over $60 billion in reductions for the remaining seven months of the fiscal year. "This is business as usual at a time when bold, creative solutions are needed. This is not an I-got-the-message budget,” says Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Republicans have their own ideas for reducing government spending, including blocking federal aid to Planned Parenthood, reducing EPA funding by nearly $3 billion, and banning Pentagon dollars from sponsoring NASCAR teams, an expense most Americans are appalled to learn existed in the first place. As for foreign spending, the Defense Department’s budget has already been reduced by $78 billion over the next 5 years, and the Pentagon is now threatening that an additional reduction in funding could affect weapons programs, limit training, maintenance, and even payroll for personnel. Obviously, with 47,000 troops still in Iraq, protecting defense spending should become a priority for Congressional leaders.

Programs like the Market Access Program (MAP) are also on the chopping block. Representative Scott Garret (R-NJ) is proposing to eliminate the program, created in 1985 and currently sustained at $200 million annually, which helps to create and maintain foreign markets for U.S. agricultural goods. Under Obama’s budget, funding for the Agriculture Department would be reduced by $3.2 billion, mostly affecting direct farm payments and subsidies to high-income farmers. Rural home loan programs and wetlands conservation programs would also be subject to a reduction in funding. The Obama administration claims this would save $2.5 billion over the next 10 years. On Monday, the Agricultural Department estimated that net farm income would exceed over $95 billion this year (Brasher). That’s a 20% increase from 2010. Let’s hope their right, because with so many farming programs becoming a target for funding cuts, an increase in income might be the only thing to keep American farmers afloat.

From the looks of things, nobody will escape the wrath of government spending cuts, from the Pentagon to American farmers. A current deficit of over $14 trillion, unemployment at 9.8%, and no end in sight, a reduction in spending is just what the country needs. Both sides seem to have mixed views on how to make that happen, but in Congress’ defense, I have a hard time balancing my checkbook, let alone billions of dollars spread over hundreds of programs with thousands of individuals pining for assistance. We better know the outcome before March 4, or we wont have a government to worry about.

-Grace Boatright
National Grange Program Assistant

Brasher, Philip. “Vilsack calls subsidy cuts for large farms affordable.” 15 February 2011. Web. 18 February 2011. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110215/BUSINESS01/102150363/Vilsack-calls-subsidy-cuts-for-large-farms-affordable?SPORTS09

Stealing from Landline and Giving to Broadband ….The Robin Hood Story for Today’s Rural America?

2011-02-11T09:38:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to re-task the $8.7 billion Universal Service Fund (USF) monies to address mobile broadband in rural areas and those without high-speed internet access. The move would cut federal subsidies to landline service providers and invest those funds towards mobile and fixed broadband internet services. Echoing this announcement, President Obama was in Michigan on Thursday when he announced his National Wireless Initiative, which aims to expand wireless coverage to 98% of Americans.

Established in the 1990’s, the USF was created to insure that phone service was available to all Americans in all of its far-reaching realms. Today, billions still flow into the USF. Both traditional landline and mobile phone service providers pay into the USF by way of a small user fee assessed on their customers. These fees then pay for the telephone service to customers in rural, sparsely populated or areas with rough terrain where the service is more expensive to provide.

Why the switch? In 1990, the average household relied on a landline as their number one source for communication, but today, cell phones, Skype and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) have created new alternatives and magnified a broadband divide between urban and rural communities. The President thinks he has the answer to bridging the gap by retooling the use of the USF to satisfy the growing need for all Americans to have universal access to broadband.

How big of a boost is this for rural America? Huge. How likely is this to happen? Pretty darn good if the experts wrapped around the axel on speed and deployment don’t get in the way. The President has committed to, and now has a very large fund to pay for, the build-out of broadband. Plus, there are 94 shiny new freshman in Congress who ran on little else but creating jobs and cutting spending. I am not sure if it is our Sputnik moment, but it sure sounds like the awful fax-like, record-scratching sound of dial-up could become a relic of the past.

There is no greater technology available today that can do so much to change the lives of rural Americans. Having access to affordable broadband is the key to opening the doors of businesses, providing virtual marketplaces, tapping into the convenience of tele-health and in general staying competitive no matter where you live. The connectivity to healthcare, jobs, on-line educations, and markets can help repopulate rural areas, slow down the brain drain and give hope to Americans who are desperately trying to keep their hometowns alive. It may not restore what many of us remember as “Main Street U.S.A.” but it definitely gives us the tools to reinvent it. After all, the idea of “Main Street U.S.A.” doesn’t need to go away, it just needs to evolve.

-Nicole Palya Wood
Legislative Director

Farm Bill Blues

2011-01-31T12:09:00.000-05:00

As the Republican-led House settles into their Washington duties, topics such as the 2012 Farm Bill are coming into discussion. Since the November elections, several changes have occurred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry that are sure to have an impact on the provisions of the 2012 Farm Bill. For starters, as previously expected, Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) took over as Chair, and Pat Roberts (R-KS) took over as the Ranking Member. Stabenow has a strong background in agricultural, as her first bill as a member of the House was the Wheat and Barley Protection Act of 1997. Roberts also has a strong agricultural background, with a particular focus on wheat production. John Boozeman (R-AR) and John Hoeven (R-ND) also joined the committee. Hoeven’s assignment will allow North Dakota to join Iowa and Nebraska, two of the largest producers of corn and soybeans, in having two members on the committee. Several changes have been made to the House Agriculture Committee as well, including Frank Lucas (R-OK) becoming chairman. In the past, Lucas has been a strong supporter of safety net programs, as well as conservation programs aimed at helping farmers maintain their land.

Issues sure to influence the construction of the 2012 Farm Bill include budget allocations, farming subsidies, and the Brazilian cotton conflict. Obviously, with Congress on a mission to cut spending, agricultural subsidies, commodity programs, environmental programs, and crop insurance programs are in danger of reduction. Tara Smith, director of congressional relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation stated; “38 programs in the 2008 Farm Bill have absolutely no budget. If we want to continue those programs…money will have to be taken from someone else to do it” (Smith). In fact, these 38 programs would require about $9 billion in funding; a large sum which will be hard to squeeze from other programs. In addition, Rich Pottorff, chief economist and Washington editor of Doane Agricultural Services reminded us that; “budget issues totaling about $4.5 billion were sidestepped in the 2008 Farm Bill by shifting the timing of payments for some programs, and Congress won’t be able to do that again” (Pottorff ). All of this comes at a time when farming subsidies are surfacing as a popular choice for budget cuts. Many argue they are a financial burden American taxpayers can do without, claiming they only benefit the large-scale farms that don’t need the assistance or are spent on lands no longer used for farming.

As for problems abroad, in 2009, the WTO approved a Brazilian ban on U.S. cotton after Brazil’s claim that U.S. cotton subsidies were illegal under WTO guidelines. U.S. negotiators agreed to pay the Brazilian government $147 million on an annual basis to what is now called the Brazilian Cotton Farmers Fund. In light of the agreement, the Brazilian government agreed to drop all trade sanctions against various U.S. industries. Bringing our cotton policies into compliance will surely be addressed in the new Farm Bill, as the United States surely cannot afford to waste $147 million a year.

Unfortunately, the new Farm Bill cannot be constructed by crossing out the numbers from the old 2008 bill and replacing them with new figures. New Committee members and a new political environment, both domestically and abroad, are certain to have a large impact on devising and passing the new 2012 Farm Bill. With the juggernaut being created by the Obama Administration’s call for system-wide program cuts and the newly elected House of Representatives demanding fiscal restraint, the next farm bill will have to either very creative or very skinny.

Pottorff, Rich. “Budget Problems Confront 2012 Farm Bill.” 22 September 2010. Web.
31 January 2011. http://www.agnetwork.com/Budget-Problems-Confront-2012-Farm-Bill/2010-09-22/Article.aspx?oid=1243898&fid=AN-LATEST_NEWS

Smith, Tara. “Budget Concerns will Overshadow 2012 Farm Bill.” 24 January 2011. Web.
28 January 2011. http://deltafarmpress.com/government/budget-concerns-will-overshadow-2012-farm-bill

Grace Boatright
National Grange Program Assitant

Subsidize or Starve?

2011-01-21T10:38:00.000-05:00

The new vow taken by Congress to cut billions from the federal budget has generated some very different responses around Washington. Many believe that reducing government spending when unemployment is at 9.4% and the economy still remains rocky would be counterproductive to the goal of nursing the country to fiscal health. During these debates, an often overlooked expense has suddenly resurfaced: farming subsidies. A recent New York Times article entitled “Here’s an Easy One,” suggested these subsidies are an obvious and “easy” source for cutting spending. The article; however, failed to address the many problems that could arise should this specific spending reduction take place.

Some of the various arguments against the continuance of farming subsidies include that they are ineffective, waste taxpayer money, and only benefit the large-scale farms that don’t necessarily need the assistance. However, there is a larger aspect to this debate and one that deserves our attention as American consumers of farming products. For starters, this added support for commodity pricing shields against drastic market swings due to unforeseen events. More than other investment securities, commodities such as corn and cotton are subject to the mood swings of both investors and Mother Nature, as are the farmers that grow them. A rapid drop in the price of a commodity could devastate the livelihoods of those that produce them, throwing many growers into bankruptcy, forcing them off their land, and thus leaving farmland vulnerable to further extinction. Consequently, should that circumstance arise, our food supply could become dependent on foreign supplier intervention and subject to much higher prices.

Matt Espenshade, Grange member and third generation Pennsylvania dairy farmer, made several valid points regarding the issue; “Most of the Farm Bill programs are nutrition programs, not farm programs; and while there are some programs that need a review, you can not underestimate the impact of USDA conservation programs on improving the environmental quality near farmland. Also, young farmer loan programs have benefited farm start-ups, especially in a time when ag lending is so tough. Is there room for improvement? Sure…but the agricultural economy is the foundation of the rest of the economy. Agriculture is a huge investor into local economies. For example, [in Pennsylvania] of each dollar returned to a dairy farm, 85 percent is spent in the local community. Each dairy cow has an annual economic impact of $13,737.” Should these local farmers lose their subsidies, lose their farms, and have to give up their land, a large contributor to local economies could die out, leaving America’s small towns in jeopardy.

Farming subsidies, while not a perfect system, greatly contribute to the livelihood and economic wellbeing of local communities and the nation at large. The price stabilization they provide ensure stable prices for commodities such as corn, rice, and other consumable goods frequently purchased by the general public. So unless the public would enjoy paying $4 for a gallon of milk one day and $12 the next, some form of farming subsidies should remain in place.

Grace Boatright
National Grange Program Assistant

White House Wakes on Tariffs and Trucks

2011-01-14T11:04:00.003-05:00

In March of 2009, the Mexican Economy Secretary issued a press release increasing tariffs on 89 U.S. exported products. Silence from the White House. A year and a half passes and now Congress is in recess and members are running for re-election in their home districts, when the Mexican Economy Secretary issues a press release increasing tariffs on an additional 10 U.S. products. The Mexican government is sending a reminder.

The message was heard loud and clear to all of the trade associations representing the growers and producers of the 99 listed products, even if the White House couldn’t hear it over the victory cries of their recently passed Healthcare overhaul. To the frustrated producers trying to get their goods to market in an already anemic economy, this meant jobs and for some, a huge haircut to the razor thin profit margin they operate under.

The bad trade blood stemmed over part of NAFTA, which ensured that Mexican Trucks could have access to U.S. roads, and the expiration of a pilot program which the trucks were operating under. In 2009, President Obama let this expire, and thus prohibited Mexican Trucks access to deliver goods across the border. Although the Mexican government requested the situation be addressed as a breach of NAFTA, the White House and the Department of Transportation was silent. Probably not so surprising considering the Teamsters Union had bent their ear and testified that Armageddon would approach and drug cartels would inherit the U.S., should they negotiate with Mexico.

This week the White House has broken its silence on the issue and has extended an olive branch to Mexico to reopen negotiations. Secretary LaHood is finally engaged and taking action and the producers are waiting with baited breath.

It has been almost two years since the first round of Mexican tariffs were announced. The estimated value of these import tariffs is about $2 billion. Which makes me wonder how many weeks of wages would $2 billion pay for? You have to assume that each private company in each sector of these 99 products had to lay off workers if their tariffs increased astronomically and the percentage of exports dropped by, in some cases 25%. The apple industry alone exports ¼ of all U.S.-grown apples to Mexico. If the White House had made it a priority to negotiate a treaty with Mexico a year ago, would 13 weeks of unemployment insurance, really be so necessary? Probably not if you worked in the production of any of 89, I mean 99 products, caught in the crosshairs.

Nicole Palya Wood
Legislative Director

Pointing Fingers

2011-01-13T12:12:00.001-05:00

On December 8, 1980, Mark David Chapman shot John Lennon 4 times with a 38 special revolver. In the moments following the event, Chapman removed a copy of J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye from his pocket, sat down on the curb outside the Dakota, and calmly read while waiting for police to arrive. Now, I’ve read numerous stories about the days following, and have even received personal accounts from those who can vividly recall learning of the news. What I do not recall; however, is reading of any viable source placing blame for John Lennon’s death on J.D. Salinger. I’m sure had anyone done such, they would have been ridiculed without mercy.

However, that was over thirty years ago now, and we have since entered a new environment of legalities, politics, and media. Saturday’s shooting in Arizona was tragic, both for the loss of human lives and for the fact that many have taken this occasion to voice their distaste of some in the political arena. Paul Krugman, a New York Times reporter, wrote in his Sunday article that the “toxic rhetoric” provided by the Right inevitably set the stage for the tragedy that occurred. Further, he proclaimed; “You could see, just by watching the crowds at McCain-Palin rallies [that a violent occasion like the Oklahoma City incident] was ready to happen again." MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann stated; "If Sharon Angle, who spoke of Second Amendment remedies does not repudiate that remark and urge her supporters to think anew and again of the terrible reality of what her words implied, she must be repudiated by her supporters in Nevada.” Markos Moulitsas, founder of the DailyKos, tweeted; "Mission accomplished, Sarah Palin." The list goes on and on.

I’m rarely surprised by the lack of decorum, civility, and common sense displayed by the media, and those in it, but this has crossed a line I thought far ahead on the path to irrationality. These individuals seem to be missing the larger picture here: six lives were lost, including that of a 9-year-old girl, surely too young to have understood the media frenzy that took place after her death. Consequently, many have retaliated in response to these awful statements and accusations, including President Obama. Wednesday he encouraged that we not let this tragic event become “one more occasion to turn on one another.” Rather, he urged that we speak “in a way that heals,” and engage in debate “worthy of those we have lost.” Christina Green, the youngest of those we have lost, will be remembered today at her funeral, held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Tucson.

Those who have participated in the ruthless political rhetoric following this tragic event should be ashamed of themselves. Blaming Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and other conservative commentators for the actions taken by one disturbed individual is a misplaced outburst of anger at having suddenly lost their political clout, and low blows such as the aforementioned is no way to regain the respect of American voters. I personally attended the Glen Beck rally in August, full of Tea Party members and those of the so-called “toxic rhetoric” responsible for the Tucson shooting, and I can assure each of you that these individuals are no more to blame for the deaths of Christina Green and John M. Roll than J.D. Salinger is for the death of John Lennon.

Grace Boatright
National Grange Program Assistant

A Prophecy, A New Year

2011-01-12T08:00:00.002-05:00

In 1948, the National Grange established its National Grange Youth program. With it, they formalized what had been happening since the beginning of the Grange, the inclusion of youth events and youth leadership. With the start of the new year, many Granges and departments are setting their plan of work.

When I sit down to review a plan of work for a Grange activity, I can’t help but think of a passage from “The Grange-Friend of the Farmer” called A Prophecy.

It reads, “The question has been asked, ‘How long will the Grange live?’ I believe it will live as long as it continues to serve the welfare of agriculture and the nation. Whenever it becomes ingrown and selfish, and the members look on it only as a means of bringing them pleasure, entertainment or profit, it will fade away.

“But to those who find their pleasure in doing something for the common good, the Grange provides an instrument both effective and satisfying. Through it we can jointly find our entertainment and our pleasure in service, while at the same time we can advance the interests of our neighbors and ourselves in the fields of health, education, business and in almost limitless ways. Through the Grange we have an opportunity to give, and the more we give, the more we gain.” (page 430)

This passage serves as a reminder to both Grange youth as well as all Grangers that the responsibility to grow and strengthen this organization belongs to all of us.

As Grange Youth Departments across this country begin their re-organization, this is a good time to evaluate our purpose and mission. What activities are slated for this year? How do they benefit our communities, members? Is our investment into our youth and young adults helping to grow as leaders and to make an impact to solve issues?

I have often talked about the desire of Grange Youth and Young Adults wanting to make a difference. These youth can serve as leaders within their subordinate, Pomona Granges. Youth can pen resolutions and stand ready to meet with legislators. They search for ways to improve their community. And while this is “work” there is no reason it can not be fun as well as beneficial.

As you plan for 2011, are you planning to serve? How do Grange youth play into that plan?

Charlene Shupp Espenshade,
National Grange Youth Director

Who Makes the Rules Anyway?

2011-01-04T14:05:00.001-05:00

Humble and subservient are never the adjectives used to describe Congress and its members, at least not anymore. Once upon a time, men like James Madison and Thomas Jefferson sat down to draft a document purposely inflicting rules and restrictions on the government yet to be established. In fact, limitations on government are precisely the foundation of democracy. Unfortunately, as time went on, government somehow obtained more power and the opinion of the public slowly became less influential. This is a problem of unspeakable proportions. After all, when the opinions of the governed mean nothing to the government, that’s called socialism. Until November 2nd of last year (last year sounds so long ago doesn’t it?) the American public was headed in that very direction. However, there is a new light at the end of this dreary tunnel, and it will soon shed itself on the 112th Congress.

The day Congress elects John Boehner to Speaker of the House, members will ultimately have to agree upon House Resolution 5; the package containing the rules by which they will abide. Imagine that- Congress establishing rules for itself. Yet, the new rules package, if agreed upon and properly implemented, could dramatically change the way Washington conducts its business. Included in the provisions are numerous restrictions that would help to restore economic responsibility, transparency, and a less intrusive government; founding principles much needed to rebuild the health and prosperity of our nation.

One such measure would require that all committee votes be made available online and reports be drafted more frequently regarding committee activities. Consequently, numerous committees will be under new chairmanships, bringing new ideas to an area of politics long plagued with bureaucracy and standstill. Just to name a few, Paul Ryan of the Budget Committee, Dave Camp of Ways and Means, Fred Upton of Energy and Commerce, and Spencer Bachus of Financial Services will all be new to their roles as chairmen. Another measure related to committees, and a rather victorious one, would be the reinstatement of term limits for chairmen. This would help prevent the often abused powers that come from the same men holding the same positions for years and years.

Moving on, other provisions contained in House Res. 5 include a rule that all bills be made available online for at least 72 hours before they are voted on. As common sense as this seems, it has been a frequent occurrence for 500-page bills to be filed only hours before the issue is to be heard on the floor. In fact, had this restriction been in place the whole time, the Healthcare Bill would easily been ruled out of order. Further, any entitlement increasing deficit spending by $5 billion or more in a 10-year period would be banned. And finally, the package also allows for highway spending to be reduced should the revenues on the gasoline tax begin to decline.

All of the aforementioned rules, and several others, will help to bring about a new and productive political environment in the District of Columbia. For too long legislators have taken liberties without consent of the public, and the mess in which we’ve found ourselves is the end result of such practices. Not anymore. And although I’m hesitant to become too optimistic about the future of government, the measures already taken by the 112th Congress are at least a giant step in the right direction. Hopefully, Congress will get the message sent by the public in November and continue their efforts on this most beneficial and constructive path.

Grace Boatright
National Grange Program Assistant

The Sky's the Limit...or Not.

2010-12-15T13:57:00.001-05:00

When did $250,000 become the official benchmark for being considered wealthy? I only ask because, according to a certain Congressional group, an income of $250,000 and higher immediately disqualifies one for any and all financial breaks. The current Congress, in an attempt to stand the ground rapidly crumbling beneath them, is dragging their feet to pass Obama’s new deal with Republicans to extend the Bush tax cuts for all income levels. They insist that those making $250,000 are somehow undeserving of the right to keep their money.

It would seem to me that punishing those who’ve achieved wealth and prosperity would discourage others from attempting to achieve the same. And what a glorious message that sends to kids. “You can achieve anything you want in life…as long as it doesn’t exceed $250,000.” Yeah, try telling a 12-year-old that and watch the confusion spread across their face. It sounds ridiculous but it’s true. Why should anyone aspire to great things if their hard work is to be taxed down to nothing? Not much incentive there.

Come on guys, I know most of us are struggling in a down economy, but punishing those who’ve done well in life is not the way to go. Images of Enron and Fannie Mae are easily mustered when we begin to speak about tax breaks for the wealthy, but let’s remember that not all of the rich and affluent have become so through dishonest means. Let’s also not forget that taxing the citizenry is not the only way for the government to generate income. It’s just the most abused and uncreative. Congress needs to wake up, think outside the box, and realize that people can and will only take so much. I just wonder where the threshold of “so much” lies exactly. Apparently beyond $250,000 for now.

Grace Boatright
National Grange Program Assistant

The National Grange Commends the FCC for Providing Broadband Coverage for Rural Areas

2010-03-19T12:41:00.000-04:00

The National Grange Commends the FCC for Providing Broadband Coverage for Rural Areas

(Washington, DC-March 16, 2010) - The National Grange commends the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on their release of the National Broadband Plan. The Grange hopes that this plan will become the basis for a comprehensive public/private partnership that will finally assure that the benefits of broadband technology are available to every home, farm and small business in America, regardless of geographic location.

It is evident from the FCC’s recent study on broadband adoption, that rural America still lags behind urban and suburban communities in home, farm and small business broadband connections. Of non-adopters in rural areas, one in ten say they cannot get broadband where they live – more than double the national average. Rural Americans stand to benefit from online applications like telemedicine, distance learning and telework. The entire nation stands to gain from the economic and environmental benefits that integrating national, high-speed internet with farming, tribal and rural communities will bring. It is time for all Americans to have access to these life-changing opportunities, and the National Grange hopes that the National Broadband Plan will make this possible.

The National Grange thanks President Obama and Congress for their efforts to ensure that all Americans will, some day, live in a fully digitized, connected society, regardless of their geographic location. We also appreciate the FCC’s recognition of the importance that private sector investment must play when developing the National Broadband Plan. Such investment will be necessary to bring broadband to every corner of the country. The National Grange looks forward to working together with both the public and private sectors to make sure that the ambitious goals outlined in the Plan become a reality.

National Grange President Visits Tennessee to Address National Issues

2010-03-09T14:00:00.002-05:00

National Grange President Visits Tennessee to Address National Issues

(Knoxville, TN, March 7, 2010) – At a Sunday news conference National Grange President Ed Luttrell scolded the Federal Government on its approach to broadband deployment in rural America. He described a recent Grange letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski expressing deep concerns that the Commission’s policy focus is shifting from developing a National Broadband Plan encouraging universal deployment and adoption of broadband services to underserved rural, farming, and tribal communities, to a policy focused on regulating broadband network management practices. Luttrell stressed that the Grange believes deployment of broadband across the country and especially in rural America should be the Federal Government’s number one communications priority. He stated that the Commission should not be burdening “technology that it has little first had knowledge using” with unnecessary management regulations.

In November 2009 Luttrell of Sandy, Oregon was elected to his second two-year term as National Grange President. He has made rural access to affordable, reliable and competitive telecommunications technologies a priority of his administration. “Rural America needs and deserves the same access to new telecommunications technology as our urban neighbors. The Grange believes national, state, and locals laws that govern these technologies should remove the regulatory uncertainty that has deterred advanced telecommunications investment in rural America,” he stated

The event, held at the Volunteer Grange Hall, 1038 Tipton Station Road in Knoxville, was overseen by Tennessee State Grange President Judy Sherrod, a 44 year Grange member. Sherrod also holds the office of National Lecturer and was voted Tennessee “Granger of the Year” in 1996.

Founded in 1867, the Grange is the nation’s oldest rural advocacy organization.

With over 200,000 members, it is active in Washington, DC as well as in the capitols of 40 states across the country. Under the Grange system, the setting of legislative priorities for the coming year starts at the local level, moves up to the state level and is finalized at the annual national convention held every November. The top national priorities are published in the Grange’s annual Blueprint for Rural America.

National Grange President Visits South Carolina to Address National and Local Issues

2010-03-09T13:44:00.006-05:00

National Grange President Visits South Carolina to Address National and Local Issues

South Carolina State Grange President Calls for Phone Regulations

(Batesburg-Leesville, SC, March 6, 2010) – National Grange President Ed Luttrell and South Carolina State Grange President John Hammett, Sr. spoke on national and local issues during a press conference held Saturday at Shealy’s Barbeque House in Batesburg-Leesville.

Leading off, National President Luttrell described a Grange letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski expressing deep concerns that the Commission’s policy focus is shifting from developing a national broadband plan encouraging universal deployment and adoption of broadband services to underserved rural, farming, and tribal communities, to a policy focused on regulating broadband network management practices. Luttrell stressed that the Grange believes deployment of broadband across the country, and especially in rural America, should be the Federal Government’s number one priority. He stated that the Commission should not be burdening “technology that it has little first had knowledge using” with unnecessary management regulations.

In November 2009 Luttrell of Sandy, Oregon was elected to his second two-year term as National Grange President. He has made rural access to affordable, reliable and competitive telecommunications technologies a priority of his administration. “Rural America needs, and deserves, the same access to new telecommunications technology that has been afforded to our urban neighbors. The Grange believes national, state, and locals laws that govern these technologies should remove the regulatory uncertainty that has deterred advanced telecommunications investment in rural America,” he stated.

Moving on to issues closer to home, South Carolina State President Hammett called for state legislation prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving. He pointed out that the National Safety Council estimates that at least 1.6 million car accidents per year, 28% of all yearly car accidents, are caused by drivers talking on cell phones. Such behavior is especially dangerous in rural America, which accounts for 65% of fatal accidents, most occurring on rural, two-lane highways. “At least seven states and the District of Colombia have laws banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. It is time for South Carolina to get on board and prohibit the use of cell phones as well,” Hammett declared.

Founded in 1867, the Grange is the nation’s oldest rural advocacy organization. With over 200,000 members, it is active in Washington, DC as well as in the capitols of 40 states across the country. Under the Grange system, the setting of legislative priorities for the coming year starts at the local level, moves up to the state level, and is finalized at the annual national convention held every November. The top national priorities are published in the Grange’s annual Blueprint for Rural America.

National Grange President Visits Texas to Address National and Local Issues

2010-02-04T11:06:00.003-05:00

National Grange President Visits Texas to Address National and Local Issues

State Grange Leader Calls Texas a Leader in Protecting Property Rights

(Elmendorf, TX, February 1, 2009) – National Grange President Ed Luttrell and Texas State Grange President Jack Smithers spoke today on national communications policy and individual property rights during a press conference held at the Davy Crockett Grange in Elmendorf.

Leading off, National President Luttrell described a recent Grange letter to Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski expressing deep concerns that the Commission’s policy focus is shifting from developing a National Broadband Plan encouraging universal deployment and adoption of broadband services to underserved rural, farming, and tribal communities, to a policy focused on regulating broadband network management practices. Luttrell stressed that the Grange believes deployment of broadband across the country and especially in rural America should be the Federal Government’s number one communications priority. He stated that the Commission should not be burdening “technology that it has little first hand knowledge using” with unnecessary management regulations.

Luttrell explained how, over its long history, the Grange has been a consistent champion of bringing the benefits of universal access to communications to all Americans. The 140 year old rural advocacy organization was instrumental in the Federal Government’s establishment of Rural Free Delivery mail, promoted universal rural telephone service and fought for commercial licensing of radio and television stations rather than direct government operation. “As new communications technologies evolve, the Grange will continue to represent rural America’s right to equal access,” Luttrell concluded.

Luttrell of Sandy, Oregon was elected in November 2009 to his second two-year term as National Grange President. He is a past president of the Oregon State Grange and has served on the boards of the Oregon Lands Coalition, Grange Mutual Insurance Company, and Timberland States Insurance Company.

“Texans value their land and their right to own it and live on it. That’s why this state was quick to pass legislation protecting individual property rights after the Supreme Court’s poorly reasoned decision in Connecticut,” declared Texas State Grange President Jack Smithers. In 2005 the Supreme Court ruled that the city of New London, Connecticut could take Suzette Kelo’s home as part of a redevelopment plan, because the economic growth would benefit the entire community. Kelo’s home was razed, the development plan failed with a faltering economy and the land sits vacant today. In response, Texas voters passed Proposition 11 by a margin of 81% to 19%. Proposition 11 specifically prohibits the taking of private property to give to another private entity for the purpose of economic development or enhanced tax revenue and requires a two-thirds vote of the Texas Legislature to approve taking by the State or the general public.

“Local and state officials do not have the wisdom nor the right to take private property based on their own economic forecasts, which may be influenced by developers. We have protected the Suzette Kelos of Texas and we will see to it that those who do have to give up their land for the public good are properly compensated,” Smithers assured the audience.

After twelve years as President of the Davy Crockett Grange, Smithers was elected state president in July 2008. He is a twenty year U.S. Army veteran. He and his wife Margaret have a son and a daughter and four grand children.

Luttrell concluded the press conference by relating the National Grange battle to protect its name and trademarks from corporations. The name “Grange” has many positive connotations thanks to what the Grange has done over the last 140 years. Companies large and small want to use the name to their own benefit and the Grange has had to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years protecting the name. Now the Grange is seeking legislation similar to that protecting the Red Cross, Olympics, Smokey the Bear and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. “Such legislation would cease the diversion of National Grange funds that would be otherwise used in supporting community service activities at the local level,” Luttrell explained.

Founded in 1867, the Grange is the nation’s oldest rural advocacy organization. With over 200,000 members, it is active in Washington, DC as well as in the capitols of 40 states across the country. Under the Grange system, the setting of legislative priorities for the coming year starts at the local level, moves up to the state level and is finalized at the annual national convention held every November. The top national priorities are published in the Grange’s annual Blueprint for Rural America, which is available at www.nationalgrange.org under “Legislation.”

North Carolina, Massachusetts Ambassadors Selected as National Grange Mentors

2009-12-01T09:12:00.000-05:00

In a close competition, Caroline Tart of North Carolina and Christopher Szkutak of Massachusetts were selected as the 2009 National Grange Mentors.

The announcement was made during the Evening of Excellence during the National Grange’s 143^rd annual meeting at the Amway Grand Plaza, here.

Caroline Tart is a freshman at North Caroline Sate University majoring in agriculture education and communication. Her activities include both state Grange and FFA where she has served in multiple leadership positions for both. In her spare time, she enjoys attending concerts, playing volleyball, attending North Carolina State football games and hanging out with friends. Her parents are Sandra and Denny Tart of Goldsboro. She is a member of Grantham Grange #968. In the state Grange youth program, she is a member of the youth executive committee, leadership team, and planning committee for the winter youth conference and youth grange camp.

Christopher Szkutak has been noted as saying he was “born in a Grange Hall and never left.” Because of his family’s activities in the Grange, he has been Grange member since 2002. He is the grandson of Massachusetts State Master Floyd Murphy and Shirley Murphy. His parents are Robert and Diane Szkutak of Northbridge, Mass. Szkutak is a senior at Holly Cross with a double major of political science and mathematics. After graduation he hopes to get his doctorate in political science focusing on campaigns and elections. In his spare time, he tutors elementary school children. As ambassador, he has attended state youth department events.

As mentors, Tart and Szkutak will represent the National Grange Youth Department for the next year. Their duties will include assist in planning youth activities for the 2010 National Session, participate in the 50^th Anniversary Celebration for the National Grange Building, and promote the programs of the National Grange Youth Department.

The selection process included earning a minimum of an 80 percent on the National Grange Trivia Challenge and completing an interview process.

The announcement of the 2009 mentor appointment was made by the outgoing National Mentors Gail Switzer of Pennsylvania and Cody Stevens of North Carolina.

The National Grange Youth program is sponsored by the National Grange, Order of the Patrons of Husbandry. The program is for youth and young adults between the ages of 14 and 35. The National Grange is the nation's oldest general farm and rural public interest organization. Originally founded in 1867, today the Grange represents nearly 200,000 grassroots Grange members affiliated with 2,700 local, county and state Grange chapters located in 40 states. Grange members provide service to agriculture and rural communities on a wide variety of issues, including economic development, education, family endeavors, and legislation designed to assure a strong and viable rural America.

For more information on Grange youth programs, visit www.nationalgrangeyouth.org.

The Right Health Care Reform Needed - Pfizer Executive Says Grassroots Organizations Like the Grange Must Play a Role

2009-11-21T14:17:00.002-05:00

(Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 19, 2009) – Janet McUlsky, Senior Director of Alliance Development for Pfizer, Inc., told attendees of the 143 rd National Grange Convention being held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel that “love him or hate him, you have to agree with President Obama that this country needs health care reform. Thirty-million uninsured in the United States is unacceptable.” Ms. McUlsky conditioned her endorsement of health care reform on the basis that it needs to be the right kind of health care reform.

“The U.S. has a ‘sick care’ health care system, which focuses on disease, not on wellness,” she opined. McUlsky pointed out that 75% of health care expenditures in the United States go toward curing core diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease and that, as a nation, we are not very wellness conscious. Obesity is a major problem in the United States and we are not a very exercise orientated population.

To insure that health care reform includes focus on wellness, grassroots organizations such as the Grange and Rotary need to remain active even after passage of a bill by Congress. McUlsky pointed out that, in spite of its nearly 2,000 pages, the health care reform bill now in the Senate leaves many, many decisions up to regulatory bodies and that is where the going gets tough. Advocacy organizations like the Grange know very well who their Congressmen are, but many do not have any idea who to talk to at the regulatory agencies. McUlsky urged Grange members to continue to talk to their Congressional representatives at the local level while the Washington staff targeted regulatory leaders.

While taking questions after her remarks, McUlsky related some of her own health care experiences and the importance of taking responsibility for her own health. “People have to do what they need to do to stay healthy,” she stressed.

National Grange Honors "Heroes of the Grange"

2009-11-21T14:16:00.002-05:00

(Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 18, 2009) – Eight National Grange members were honored as “Heroes of the Grange” at the 143rd National Grange convention held in Grand Rapids Michigan this week. These individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Grange.

The first recipients of this prestigious award are Wib and June Justi for their work as coordinators of the Grange Germany/USA Friendship Program. In 1950 the National Grange initiated the Grange Germany/USA Friendship Program (GG/USA). Under this program, more than 500 farm youth from Germany and other ravaged European nations were brought to the United States and placed with Grange farm families for one year to directly experience the benefits of freedom, prosperity and democracy.

Mr. Justi coordinated the GG/USA program from 1950 through 1966 as part of his assignments as a staff member of the National Grange. His wife June served as a volunteer assistant with the program. Since his retirement from the National Grange in 1966 Mr. and Mrs. Justi have served as volunteer coordinators for the GG/USA alumni program continuing to achieve the program goals of building international goodwill, friendship and understanding. In a world that continues to experience continual conflict, the history of the GG/USA program demonstrates that two people working with quiet perseverance can still positively touch the lives of thousands of people around the world. After receiving the award, Mr. Justis stated, “One word…courage. Please think of the word courage when you think of the German exchanges in the GG/USA program and their American host families when they accepted one another at a time immediately after WWII. This tribute is for these people.”

Next honored were Ted and Zula Bryan who traveled to Alaska to organize a State Grange pausing only to work at an information booth at the Kenai Peninsula State Fair . In addition to organizing the Alaska State Grange they are currently one of the two couples who serve as the Directors of the Washington State Membership Department and are getting new members and revitalizing Granges all across the State of Washington. Ted Bryan stated, We try to carry the Grange message and give people who have never heard of the Grange the opportunity to be a Grange member and belong to this great organization.”

Marge Bernhardt, Connecticut State Grange’s Lecturer (educational coordinator), is unquestionably a valuable resource for Lecturers in her state as well as throughout the New England region. She is extremely talented and dedicated to equipping fellow Lecturers with the things they need to be a valuable asset to their own Grange. In addition to her other accomplishments, she leads a training workshop every year at the New England Lecturers’ Conference.

Jessica Horton was the next honored “Grange Hero” as a Membership Director for the North Carolina State Grange for 2 years where she has been a key asset in growing the organization. She has organized 3 new Granges including the formation of a Youth Grange. She has also helped organize a Pomona Grange which encompasses 3 counties and 4 Granges. Jessica is a constant support for local Granges by leading membership rallies, giving presentations on Grange membership growth and helping lead a weekend-long state officer’s meeting focused on goals set forth by the National President. She has initiated innovative public relations and recruiting efforts by networking at a local farmer’s market, county extension office, and agricultural teacher’s conference.

Next honored Jack Cottrell Brother Jack Cottrell, who for 10 years has been the manager of a Grange Store that operates during the annual Eastern States Exposition in Springfield, Massachusetts. The exposition is the largest fair in the New England region. The Grange store specializes in selling over 60 different specialty foods products and homemade crafts. More than 75 Grange volunteers annually donate time during the 17-day fair to work at the Grange Store, to manage the sale of raffle tickets and to be promotional Grange Ambassadors.

The last “Hero of the Grange” award went to Carl Meiss, Communications/Public Relations Director for the Pennsylvania State Grange. Carl is proactive when it comes to Facebook, Twitter, and his own State Grange blog. As the National Grange Communications Department takes steps to move the National Organization into the 21 st Century with the newest communications technologies, Pennsylvania with Carl at the helm, will lead the charge.

National Grange President concluded the award luncheon by stating, “I am tremendously honored to be at the podium to present these individual as “Heroes of the Grange.” They each deserve the award bestowed upon them and we applaud their ongoing efforts to live by example and promote this wonderful organization.”

National Grange President Calls on Congress to Halt Deficit Increases

2009-11-21T14:15:00.002-05:00

Offers Grange as Neutral Ground in Political Debate

(Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 17, 2009) – National Grange President Ed Luttrell of Sandy, Oregon, in his keynote address to the 143 rd National Grange Convention, called on the U.S. Congress to “halt the increases of the federal deficit and to begin the process to shrink the deficit over the coming years.” Addressing an audience of approximately 500 delegates and visitors in the Amway Grand Plaza’s Ambassador Ballroom, Luttrell pointed out that the deficit for the year just completed is three times more than the level of the previous annual record and that 28 of every 100 dollars spent in the United States last year was spent by the federal government. “The size of our current and projected national debt as a proportion of our national income defies historical comparisons, even compared to those debts we incurred when our nation fought for four long years to defeat world fascism…” Luttrell stated.

Luttrell claimed that Cap and Trade legislation will add dramatically to U.S. energy costs and that the proposed health care reform bill is estimated to add two trillion dollars to the deficit. “The question each American needs to ask is ‘how much can we afford?’ ” he continued. Targeting health care reform, Luttrell said that U.S. citizenship does not ensure a wide variety of entitlements and that giving someone something free means taking it from someone else who earned it. He challenged the concept of taxing the wealthy and future generations to pay for new public programs. “When a person becomes more successful, should we require them to pay a higher percentage of their income to support government? Should we punish those who achieve too much success? Should we punish those not yet born or not yet participating in the workforce and who cannot vote for themselves, with a future of higher taxes to pay down the debt we incur for our personal benefit today? How will we define too much government benefit?” he asked.

In his speech, Luttrell characterized today’s political environment as one in which “winning for our side,” is all that counts and not one in which sober contemplation and debate create consensus. “It appears that many people are becoming less civil and less tolerant of differences, especially political differences,” he stated. He talked about communications and media that are not necessarily balanced or accurate. He spoke of the media demonizing America’s large companies, often for political purposes, and pointed out how those companies employ thousands and create income for such things as college education and retirement. He accused the same media of often ignoring the ethical breaches of our elected officials and not holding them to a higher standard.

Amidst this polarized political world, Luttrell offered up the Grange as a non-partisan, neutral place where people can discuss issues in a non-adversarial mode. He portrayed the Grange as one of the “few places in American communities that can bring together as diverse a variety of views while striving to keep friendships and personal relationships after the discussion.” He pointed out that the Grange does not affiliate with any political party and does not endorse individual candidates for political office. He went on to say that the Grange is not afraid of getting into the big issues and often, due to its non-partisanship, bucks the prevailing trend. He even referenced former Grange member Robert Frost’s “The Road Less Traveled.” “We often walk a lonely path with our non-partisan principal, a path we have walked for 142 years, but we bring people with different perspectives and beliefs together to build our communities, our states and our nation” Luttrell concluded.

"Sustain the Legacy. Keep Agriculture and Rural America Vital

2009-11-21T14:14:00.000-05:00

MSU Associate Dean Tells Grange, "We Need You."

(Grand Rapids, MI., November 16, 2009) – Frank Fear, Michigan State University Associate Dean in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, told an audience gathered for the National Grange’s 143 rd Convention Host Banquet in the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, that agriculture and rural America need the Grange in order to remain vital and relevant during these days of budget cuts and rearranged government priorities.

Dr. Fear revealed that a 44% budget cut is forcing the dismantling of extension service at Michigan State University. “When the University President called, I at first thought he said four-percent or even 14%, but, no, it was 44%,” Fear stated. He explained that the extension service simply could not be sustained under that drastic of a budget cut. He did not blame anyone for the cuts, pointing out that the state of Michigan has the nation’s highest unemployment rate and that one of eight Michigan residents has needed food bank assistance at one time or another. But given the rearrangement of government priorities, “Will rural America be left behind?” he questioned.

As the advocacy organization for Agriculture and rural America, the Grange has an important role to play in keeping agriculture and rural America vital parts of our society. The Grange’s commitment to developing responsible leaders, its grassroots presence and policy development, and its non-partisanship are all “intelligent, timely, and relevant” attributes. “We need the Grange,” he declared. The Grange can make sure that rural America is not left out when priorities are being set.

Dr. Fear harkened back to his days growing up on a farm in western New York. He spoke of how, because of land-grant colleges, he was able to get the education that his parents were not able to obtain. He also spoke of the important role the Grange played in protecting and nurturing rural America. The land-grant college system established in 1855 and the Grange established in 1867 are “tied together and dedicated to rural America and its people,” he stated. “We inherited the legacy. Now it is our responsibility to sustain it,” he concluded.

Luttrell Reelected National Grange President - Many Reelections in Full Slate of Officers

2009-11-21T14:12:00.002-05:00

(Grand Rapids, Michigan, November 20, 2009) – Ed Luttrell, Oregon businessman has been elected to a second term as National Grange President. Originally elected President in November 2007, during his first term, Luttrell has concentrated on new Grange formation and strengthening ties between Sate and National levels of the organization in order to aid Community Granges in achieving their goals. Several new Granges have been formed during his tenure. The Grange is meeting this week in Grand Rapids, Michigan for its 143rd annual convention.

Mr. Luttrell has extensive Grange experience including Oregon State Master from 1996-2000, when he also served as a lobbyist for the Grange. His Grange accomplishments started in 1978 when he was named Oregon’s Outstanding Young Granger. He served on the Oregon State Grange Membership Committee from 1986 to 1988 and was Oregon State Gatekeeper from 1988 to 1992. He and his wife Celia were Oregon State Grange Outstanding Young Couple in 1989. Ed served as State Youth Director from 1990 to 1992 and as Editor of the Oregon Grange Bulletin from 1992 to 1996. In the past, he has served on the boards of the Oregon Lands Coalition, Grange Mutual Insurance Company, and Timberland States Insurance Company.

Ed grew up on a small farm outside of Portland and has worked in agriculture, automotive services, and publishing. He and Celia, his wife of 29 years, have three grown children: Ben, Jacob, and Charlotte, as well has one grandson. They are members of the Boring-Damascus Grange #260 and Clackamas Pomona Grange.

Reelected to the post of Grange Vice-President is Jimmy Gentry of Statesville, North Carolina. Gentry is current President of the North Carolina State Grange and a member of the National Grange Executive Board. He and his wife, Anita, are members of North Carolina’s Troutman Grange. The Gentrys, who have two grown daughters, are also active in the Troutman Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Reflecting satisfaction with the current Grange direction, delegates from the 40 Grange states reelected many current officers. The full slate of Grange officers is as follows.

Lecturer – Pete Pompper, President, New Jersey State Grange
Steward – William “Chip” Narvel, President, Delaware State Grange
Assistant Steward – reelected, Roger Boswick, President Kansas State Grange
Lady Assistant Steward – reelected, Beth Merrill, President, New Hampshire State Grange
Chaplain – reelected, Phyllis Wilson, President, Oregon State Grange
Treasurer – Dwight Baldwin, President, Iowa State Grange
Secretary – Judy Sherrod, President, Tennessee State Grange
Gatekeeper – Scott Sherman, President, Rhode Island State Grange
Ceres – Linda Chase, First Lady, Massachusetts State Grange
Pomona – reelected, Linda Lewis, Past First Lady, California State Grange
Flora – Patti Lee, First Lady, Illinois State Grange
Executive Committee – reelected, Phil Prelli, Past President, Connecticut State Grange
Executive Committee – Joe Fryman, President, Nebraska State Grange
High Priest of Demeter – Thomas Severance of Massachusetts
Priest Archon – reelected, Daniel Bascom of New Hampshire
Priest Annalist – reelected, Bruce Croucher of New York

Introducing Homer’s new Grange

2009-10-21T14:49:00.000-04:00

Almost a year ago, a small group in Homer began to explore the possibilities of developing a Grange to create and preserve sustainable ways of life within our community. At that time, 12 Granges had already been established in Alaska.

Since then, we have had continued support from the National Grange in Washington, D.C. and the State Grange of Alaska. On both levels, leaders have patiently and diligently worked with us as we have journeyed forward toward getting an official charter here in Homer.

During our first meeting, we were honored to meet Ted and Zula Bryan, Ambassadors with the Washington State Grange, along with Gaye Hunt, the President of the Alaska State Grange. These leaders addressed the history of the Grange and how it has evolved over the years to support grassroots projects all across the nation.

Last week, we were finally presented with our official charter by Gaye Hunt, along with Ed Luttrell, President of the National Grange. We were also able to meet Rusty Hunt, the leadership membership director of the Grange. He is a dedicated individual who helps bring individuals together to create teams of people who wish to better their communities.

Homer is now the 13th Grange located in Alaska. One of our priorities is to further educate others in the community as to how they can become involved and share their own concerns and ideas. We will be doing our best to discuss upcoming events about our new Grange through newspapers and radio stations.

As of now, you can find more information about the Alaska State Grange at www.alaskagrange.org, or the National Grange at www.nationalgrange.org. We are in the process of developing a local Web site to create a public forum of our own.

Eartha Lee

Alaska Trip

2009-10-12T13:36:00.005-04:00

I had three great meetings in Alaska last week. Gaye Hunt, State Master, did a great job of setting things up and contributed to each meeting.

The first meeting on Monday evening was in Palmer with Northland Pioneer and Greater Anchorage Granges. We had a good turn out and the discussion focused on what could be done to revitalize their Granges as well as where new Granges could be started.

A lot of good questions were asked and the group decided that they wanted a Grange Growth Summit to be held next March. They suggested three locations for possible new Granges and talked about what needed to be done to get ready for next March.

On Tuesday I got some work done and that afternoon Rusty and I headed down to Kenai. On Wednesday morning, we had the opportunity to go out salmon fishing on the Kenai river with guide David Wilson (208.659.3483 or letsfish05@yahoo.com). This four-hour fishing trip was arranged by a member of Slikok Creek Grange. First time fishing in Alaska and caught my first Silver.

The next meeting was in Kenai on Wednesday evening with Slikok Creek Grange. Don and Alice McKee from Fairbanks came down for the two meetings on Wednesday and Thursday. This meeting was spent discussing how to get things moving in the Grange. The group, once again, asked a lot of questions. The results were positive with the members deciding to have a pancake breakfast in November as their next project.

Thursday evening's meeting was in Homer. In addition to the McKees, Steve (Master) and Linda Albers from Slikok Creek were present. We started the meeting with the presentation of the Charter. Then a presentation on several Grange issues were made by Rusty and myself. Two possible large projects were presented and the members discussed both. Both projects were adopted by the new Grange and the meeting ended with a group photo.

This trip was one of the best I've had to Alaska in positive attitude, action being started, and so many members that I hadn't met before. Picture is of the Homer members, their new charter, Rusty and I.

A Grange Future at Universities?

2009-09-09T11:43:00.004-04:00

Currently the only Collegiate Grange in the country, Penn State Grange is showing that Granges can thrive in an environment outside of the traditional Grange Hall. Chartered last year as a fully functioning Grange, they meet like any other student organization on campus and have their own faculty advisor, Scott Barbara. Pennsylvania State Grange is quite proud. "Jennifer Nauss, Master of the Penn State Grange #2105, has done a fantastic job of organizing this Grange and guiding it to where they are today as well as planning for the future," said Carl Meiss, Pennsylvania State Grange Public Relations Director.

Read more about Penn State Grange's success here.

Is there a college community near you that could benefit from a Grange presence? Contact Membership Director Rusty Hunt at membership@nationalgrange.org.