Talking Out His ***

R-Calf's new leader needs to take a long walk off a short pier.

R-CALF's new leader wants to expand group

The new leader of R-CALF United Stockgrowers of America wants to change perceptions of the group that some in the cattle industry describe as protectionist or out of the mainstream, because of R-CALF's stance on trade issues.

Chuck Kiker is from mainstream cattle country _ Texas. And, as R-CALF's new president, the cattle and rice producer not only wants to expand the size and appeal of the group, perhaps best known for its fight over cattle and beef trade with Canada, but also make clear R-CALF's agenda.

If successful, Kiker said, this could mean an eventual move from R-CALF's home base in Billings to a larger city such as Dallas or Denver, places he finds more central.

So, according to Chuck Kiker Montana is not "mainstream cattle country" and Billings just isn't "central" enough to suit his taste. Well, stick it up your *** Chuck. R-CALF was born and bred here in Montana and should stay in Montana.

I agree the group is seen as protectionist by many and that sometimes clouds the other issues they fight for, moving the base of operations is not the right answer. Move to Denver and you seem to be schmoozing up to the NCBA/big meat packers and move to Dallas Texas and you seem to be schmoozing up to the Texas Cattle Feeders/NCBA/big meat packers.

All these organizations are opposed to to most everything R-CALF stands for, a productive ranch economy that provides nutritious and safe beef to the people of the United States. By staying in Billings they would be staking out their ground as different from the other organizations but Kiker doesn't want that. Maybe he just needs to go join the NCBA/big meat packers and be done with R-CALF. Save a fight down the road when he wants to start schmoozing up to them and he needs deposed.

A traitor is everyone who does not agree with me. George III