Donald Trump has literally ruined thousands of farms that have suffered tremendously with the large drop in commodity prices and falling income. Trump’s reckless trade war with our allies has cost billions so far. Through it all, however, the farmers have largely stuck with him. - Daily KosFrom a political perspective, the question is, how many farmers, and other people in farm country, will consistently change their voting habits? As in, away from continued support for corrupt, idiotic right-wingers, and toward intelligent progressives who aren’t just in it for themselves?
I expressed a fond, but admittedly faintly forlorn, hope that it would happen here in the south part of MN-08, in time for the election. Which it didn’t.
Plenty of farmers, especially old ones, bless their hearts, are not going to change their politics no matter what. Part of it is just lifelong habit that is sealed tight. And part of it is…well, I’m far from the only one who can attest personally that it ain’t fun to look in the mirror and face the fact that you got suckered and used, in whatever context. People in general will engage (without realizing it) their motivated reasoning to avoid that at all costs.
It won’t take many farm country voters to flip, to start consistently flipping elections as well. But I have yet to see any serious indication that it’s happening, even in the face of the vicious, demented reality of Traitor Trump and his minions. Hopefully, before too many more years, or better yet months, it will begin.
Consider this story of a new Minnesota farmer.
ReplyDeleteAndrew Barsness, of Hoffman, farming 156 organic acres, took out an operating loan from USDA last year and now has a lien on his crop, meaning he can’t access his profits until the Farm Service Agency processes the paperwork. Most major FSA operations will remain frozen during the shutdown with a few operations opened for three days recently ... unfortunately for Barsness, he is serviced by Grant County's branch ... which will remain closed.
Closing the offices means that can help producers process 2018 payments, extend expiring financing statements, handle important mail and provide 1099 tax documents to borrowers BUT they cannot process new aid applications or certify 2018 production; offer hurricane or wildfire relief; grant new loans or guarantees; or register dairy producers for the margin protection program.