Red State Welfare
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 06.29.07
Drive across the empty reaches of the Great Plains, from the lost promise of Valentine, Neb., to the shadowless side roads into Sunray, Tex., and what you see is a land that has lost its purpose. Many of the towns set in this infinity of flat have a listless look, with shuttered main streets and schools given over to the grave. With upwards of $20 billion a year in federal payments going to a select few in farm country, you would think that these troubled counties would have a more vigorous pulse.
So starts an op-ed article in the New York Times about the current state of farming in America (behind the fence but we found a copy here). he calls it "the Red State Welfare Program"- a farm subsidy system that showers tax dollars on the richest farmers, with subsidies going to those who can work the system- farming the government, as they call it around the diner.
Now it is farm bill time, a "spoils system where the congressmen-turned-lobbyists make sure that their clients get triple-figure checks for growing things that the nation already has in surplus."
This year it is time for reform and action. "The reformists, by and large, are not trying to get in on the gravy train. They want to revitalize rural America, to encourage farmers’ markets, contribute to environmental health and to make it easier for poor people to buy fresh fruits and vegetables." -Goals that we all should get behind::New York Times via ::Chefann
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I like the idea of turning the plains states into a giant nature preserve and getting the people out of there.
Getting the people out of the Great Plains is definitely not the answer. Most rural counties are already drying up. Giving private landowners incentives to manage land more sustainably (like CRP, but on a massive scale and including things like bison ranching and eco-tourism) is a better solution. There are a few places here in Nebraska where rancher/farmers are making eco-tourism work for them and turning it into an income stream to help supplement their regular farm income. It's also not an either/or proposition -- ag land can be managed for crops or grazing *and* wildlife.
Here's a photo essay on the issue (shots from the Great Plains at the end):
http://sartorestock.com/gallery/on_the_land/1.php
Corey If i under stand you correctly.You would evict the people off land they own and pay taxes on.
Flaws
1-Where would you like to grow your food? China ?
2-If you told me to leave the land i own.I would greet you at the door with a shotgun.Guess which end would be pointed your direction.
3-I own the land i live on.NOT YOU.It has been in my family for 100 plus years.I pay my taxes.
From my cold dead hand applies to more than guns.You could only remove me via my death.I have a family burial plot out back.My father and grandfather would rollover in their graves.If this went through.NOBODY WILL EVER TAKE IT.
On the plus side.I am agree on land preservation.Perhaps this may work on farm in foreclosure with mortgage companies.
Corey Pressler smokes crack
Sorry for the confusion. I'm not saying I'd be for forcing people off their lands!
I'm just saying in the areas that have dried up and the people have moved on, to let those areas revert back to their natural state, and let the wildlife return.
I would never suggest to relocate people.