I really like this comment in the story.
"Our highest priority is let's set up a permanent program," he said. "... We would urge your support in helping America's farmers and ranchers creating a permanent program; give them a helping hand, not a handout."
Isn't taking money from the government, which comes from taxpayers, a handout? It sure seems like it to me. I know they are trying to sugar coat it to get it passed in Congress and make it seem "noble" some how, but a handout is a handout. I'm not to sure calling it a "helping hand" makes anything but a semantic difference.
Then I note something else in the story. The way this "fund" would work, is they would add 1 to 1.5 billion dollars every year for disaster relief. They claim it might not all be spent every year, and I have some ocean front Montana property to sell you, and the fund will build up. They then give us that "Since 1998, Congress has approved 23 ad hoc disaster bills totaling $47 billion." That works out to be almost 6 billion dollars a year in disaster aid for agriculture. So how does a fund of 1.5 billion a year cover these costs? What does Congress plan on doing if there are more disasters than their "relief bill" can fund? Maybe bring up ad hoc disaster bills just like they do today? I'm sure they will.
I just don't think this is going to work out real well. A permanent disaster relief fund would just make farmers and ranchers more of a beggar as they go hat in hand to Congress, or bureaucrats, whichever control this mythical fund, every time there is a little problem that they want money for out of the "fund." Is this how we want the American public to see us, hat in hand, begging for money, cleaning out this disaster fund every year because it is there? I just don't think this is a good idea but I'm sure I'm in the minority. Most guys want this. They like begging I guess.
Never stand begging for that which you have the power to earn. Miguel de Cervantes
As I have said before, if offered, I take disaster relief. I would be stupid not to. Taking what is offered is not being a beggar, it's those that are spending their money like it has no end running around whining how their world is coming to an end if they don't get disaster relief that bother me. That's begging, and that's all you ever see when it comes to these situations. Not the people that are in true financial need that are hunkered down trying to make things work. Trying to make it work out is not begging.
PS: How big of a corporation are you?
If it wasn't so sad it would be funny. Need I say more Sam.
The very nerve of saying the 1.5 billion was used up by Tyson and you would have to wait until next year. What in the hell are you supposed to eat on and pay your bills with until next year.
I didn't see any major media campout in the Bridger area to cover the loss and slaughter of two herds that took years to develop. I didn't see Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson holding any rallies in front of the ranches and saying what an injustice this was. I didn't see FEMA or the Red Cross show up to provide disaster relief. I didn't see any big concerts by Bono and others to bring attention and raise funds for this disaster.
The one thing that makes Montana and the people great is that we don't depend on the Government to take care of us, we take care of ourselves and help our neighbors.
Sam, to quote John Wayne,"Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead".
nuf said.
The worst thing about the Bridger mess beyond the losses to the individuals involved is that nothing is being done to keep the same thing from happening again.