Bob, this story is very significant now as rural/ag Iowans are abandoned by leaders who are motivated not by ethics but rather by fear of retribution by those perceived to be their political “superiors” and by the desire to appear they are actually doing something through their empty awards and photo ops.
Excellent, as usual. I'm basically beyond blaming Trump. He is a sick man. But the Republicans enabling him either know better or should. Keep calling them out. Thanks.
I was at my friend’s farm in Wisconsin last week. He had 500lbs of wildflower seeds the kitchen of his 1864 farmhouse. He’s going to plant 12 acres along watersheds on his land under a USDA program and now assumes he won’t be getting the $3,500 allowed under the program.
Naig's lack of response speaks volumes for where he stands, er, lies. Time to put him out to pasture, and not for stud. Now if it was Dr. Bob the Builder, I'd say he could go out for stud as he's a stand-up kinda guy. Which begs the question: "what's a mixed 'meta for' anyway?"
I just read your article and all 30 comments: all make excellent points of this so frustrating situation!
Might we find a few farmers to that (possibly regretting and having motivation with an olive branch in their mouth) will bring their tractors in front of the Iowa Department of agriculture for a show of challenge toward solidarity of reminding Ag secretary Naig what is going on!
I will donate $100 now to this effort and will attempt to show up from Eastern Iowa!
As a semi-retired-farmer@heart&mind (I have no access to the real thing) but certainly support the peaceful “revolution” from the eastern heartland of Iowa and challenge more farm folk to show - even quietly - what must be churning in their heart!
Allegiance to fascist government both statewide and nationally. There will be more layoffs and causalities that directly affect the lives of real people. The shit is coming so fast no one can defend it or even organize. Look carefully for allies and right-minded people to mingle with. Choose organizations and initiatives that carry our message and contribute or volunteer. Subscribe to Bob, Art, David, and Chris G. and Chris J. The damage the Republican majorities are inflicting could be long lasting and extremely difficult to repair. Pick our battles carefully. So many folks out there do not listen or even care, I fear.
Suzan Erem, Denise O'Brien, Pat Shipley, Amber Gustafson, Beth Hoffman, Jess Piper and so many more. Sorry Thomas, it's important to include the other 50% we're in this together.
I know Thomas. It is inspiring to have so many folks who are communicating and keeping each other charged up with good information. We need to keep each other going because the going is very tough.
Thank you for the information. It is hard to keep up with all right now. Sad when an elected official does not have ethics and a concern for fellow Iowans. We have 6 working or playing in DC with that same outlooks. No backbone, no concern for those IN Iowa.
Thank you for writing this. I feel as though I'm living in an alternate universe every time this information comes to light. Where is our pride, morals and values as Americans? How do people sleep at night knowing they are complicit in so much harm - both with their silence and their words? And to hang it all on Christianity is the angle that really tops it off. Whatever you're religion, there is no room for discrimination due to race or sex. All humans are equal and any god/maker/universe says we care for each other - everyone. This is just so disheartening.
This detailed account of the impact of T's policies on farmers in Iowa is devastating. Leaders have to stand up against these policies. We all do. Thanks, Bob.
Thanks so much for spotlighting the continued hypocrisy of this administration, and lack of accountability or (using their favorite euphemism) transparency.
I suggest doing some reading about the allegiance "commanders" of the Hitler regime were required to outwardly display. Naig could be real and say "these firings are wrong and they are going to hurt my constituency and Iowa in general". But no. That's because Naig and every other "commander" in the Republican party have to remain silent and/or show their allegiance. This is no longer a joke, if it ever was one. Naig's behavior is a plain and simple acknowledgement of Heil Trump!
Forwarding, via FB so that my sister can read it out loud to her blind, 6th generation farm family husband. Ohio has blue voting farmers holding out for the Real Organic, for access to seed, processing and markets that value the good in food.
All farmers have been affected by this blight. Mass starvation tactics were used in the past. Step up now, all food producers, no matter how you voted!
Naig's silence speaks volumes. I watched Market to Market on Friday night where they did a segment with him on Bird Flu. He went on and on about the partnership with USDA. That was the day they fired so many of the bird flu experts at USDA. They hired them back this week. Republicans under Trump are revealing all of their deep hypocrisy.
Bob, this story is very significant now as rural/ag Iowans are abandoned by leaders who are motivated not by ethics but rather by fear of retribution by those perceived to be their political “superiors” and by the desire to appear they are actually doing something through their empty awards and photo ops.
Thank you for your continued diligence.
Thanks Jim. Yes, I noticed lots of photo ops on Naig's twitter account.
He's like a scarecrow in the field. It doesn't work and taking up some plow space.
Hilarious!
Excellent, as usual. I'm basically beyond blaming Trump. He is a sick man. But the Republicans enabling him either know better or should. Keep calling them out. Thanks.
I was at my friend’s farm in Wisconsin last week. He had 500lbs of wildflower seeds the kitchen of his 1864 farmhouse. He’s going to plant 12 acres along watersheds on his land under a USDA program and now assumes he won’t be getting the $3,500 allowed under the program.
This isn’t right. So much isn’t right.
Naig's lack of response speaks volumes for where he stands, er, lies. Time to put him out to pasture, and not for stud. Now if it was Dr. Bob the Builder, I'd say he could go out for stud as he's a stand-up kinda guy. Which begs the question: "what's a mixed 'meta for' anyway?"
I just read your article and all 30 comments: all make excellent points of this so frustrating situation!
Might we find a few farmers to that (possibly regretting and having motivation with an olive branch in their mouth) will bring their tractors in front of the Iowa Department of agriculture for a show of challenge toward solidarity of reminding Ag secretary Naig what is going on!
I will donate $100 now to this effort and will attempt to show up from Eastern Iowa!
As a semi-retired-farmer@heart&mind (I have no access to the real thing) but certainly support the peaceful “revolution” from the eastern heartland of Iowa and challenge more farm folk to show - even quietly - what must be churning in their heart!
Great idea Dieter!
Vote for a criminal and expect to be treated lawfully? Oh Iowans you have only yourselves to blame. Who knew voting had consequences 😦?
56% of us do, for sure. But not me...
Allegiance to fascist government both statewide and nationally. There will be more layoffs and causalities that directly affect the lives of real people. The shit is coming so fast no one can defend it or even organize. Look carefully for allies and right-minded people to mingle with. Choose organizations and initiatives that carry our message and contribute or volunteer. Subscribe to Bob, Art, David, and Chris G. and Chris J. The damage the Republican majorities are inflicting could be long lasting and extremely difficult to repair. Pick our battles carefully. So many folks out there do not listen or even care, I fear.
Suzan Erem, Denise O'Brien, Pat Shipley, Amber Gustafson, Beth Hoffman, Jess Piper and so many more. Sorry Thomas, it's important to include the other 50% we're in this together.
Denise you are correct. I didn't list everyone because so many in the collaborative.
I know Thomas. It is inspiring to have so many folks who are communicating and keeping each other charged up with good information. We need to keep each other going because the going is very tough.
Thank you for the information. It is hard to keep up with all right now. Sad when an elected official does not have ethics and a concern for fellow Iowans. We have 6 working or playing in DC with that same outlooks. No backbone, no concern for those IN Iowa.
Agreed. Hard to believe.
Thank you for writing this. I feel as though I'm living in an alternate universe every time this information comes to light. Where is our pride, morals and values as Americans? How do people sleep at night knowing they are complicit in so much harm - both with their silence and their words? And to hang it all on Christianity is the angle that really tops it off. Whatever you're religion, there is no room for discrimination due to race or sex. All humans are equal and any god/maker/universe says we care for each other - everyone. This is just so disheartening.
But we are here with you, Debra...if that helps.
This detailed account of the impact of T's policies on farmers in Iowa is devastating. Leaders have to stand up against these policies. We all do. Thanks, Bob.
Margaret
Thanks so much for spotlighting the continued hypocrisy of this administration, and lack of accountability or (using their favorite euphemism) transparency.
I suggest doing some reading about the allegiance "commanders" of the Hitler regime were required to outwardly display. Naig could be real and say "these firings are wrong and they are going to hurt my constituency and Iowa in general". But no. That's because Naig and every other "commander" in the Republican party have to remain silent and/or show their allegiance. This is no longer a joke, if it ever was one. Naig's behavior is a plain and simple acknowledgement of Heil Trump!
Thanks much for the historical context. So frightening.
Maybe Iowa Farmers will start to realize that elections have consequences.
Forwarding, via FB so that my sister can read it out loud to her blind, 6th generation farm family husband. Ohio has blue voting farmers holding out for the Real Organic, for access to seed, processing and markets that value the good in food.
All farmers have been affected by this blight. Mass starvation tactics were used in the past. Step up now, all food producers, no matter how you voted!
Naig's silence speaks volumes. I watched Market to Market on Friday night where they did a segment with him on Bird Flu. He went on and on about the partnership with USDA. That was the day they fired so many of the bird flu experts at USDA. They hired them back this week. Republicans under Trump are revealing all of their deep hypocrisy.