Part 1 of my rural issues letter described to you why John McCain would not be the best choice for president for our community due to his overwhelming opposition to rural issues, now let me tell you why I believe Senator Obama would be beneficial for us.
Let's start with the fact that Barack Obama as President has vowed to have corn dogs and kiddie rides at all future Downtown Days! Ha ha Just Kidding!
Let's talk about support for farmers (all following facts provided by the campaign). Unlike McCain, Obama has consistently supported legislation that provides commodity support, conservation and disaster relief payments to farmers, and unlike John McCain, Obama has been one of the leaders in Washington in investing in solar, wind and bio fuels (the ethanol plant in Silver Lake is a result of Senator Obama and Senator Lugar's bipartisan effort to create renewable energy alternatives) these would reduce our dependence on foreign oil and increase farmer profits. Obama will fight for economic opportunity for family and independent farmers by limiting and targeting agricultural payments, closing loopholes exploited by mega farms, preventing anti-competitive behavior against family farms, and maintaining our export competitiveness.
Now let's talk about livestock. Unlike McCain, Obama has been consistent in his support for livestock producers. According to the campaign "In the face of increasing consolidation in the livestock industry, Obama will work to prevent anti-competitive behavior against family and independent farmers. He will ban the ownership of livestock by meat packers and he'll support strong enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act. Additionally, as President, Barack Obama will focus on trade promotion and improving market access for our livestock producers, just as he fought for access to Japan and Korea for U.S. beef. His support for immediate implementation of the Country of Origin Labeling law for meat products demonstrates his commitment to supporting American producers." Having spent much of his youth in Kansas, Senator Obama knows that there are more Americans who need a voice in this country. Rural communities and farmers being a large voice that has been practically ignored for a long, long time. In my work alongside his campaign over the last year I have come to see just how big an importance he puts on rural communities, and believe me that I am being sincere when I say this is one of his highest priorities. We are the heartland of America for a reason, and that's because we are the true lifeblood of this nation. Without us, America could not survive, You see it, I see it, Obama can see it why can't McCain? In the next few days I will submit another letter covering more rural issues.
Joshua Bartman
Warsaw, e-mail
Editor's Note: There is no "ethanol plant in Silver Lake." The letter writer may be referring to the biodiesel plant in Claypool.
