Congress has passed the 2008 Farm Bill with veto-proof majorities. The bill includes welcomed funding for essential programs like food stamps, nutrition, and support for socially-disadvantaged farmers. Tragically, the bill also continues lavish subsidies to big agribusinesses that unnecessarily burdens taxpayers, deadlocks international trade negotiations, contributes to the global food crisis, and fuels unfair trade that impoverishes millions. This status quo is too outrageous to be justified by the good programs in the farm bill; the notion of collateral damage doesn't belong in agriculture policy.
But don't take our word for it. Policy experts and commentators from across the political spectrum, not beholden to special interests and flash pan politics, are weighing in. Here's a sampling of what American editorial boards are writing about the 2008 Farm Bill:
In Minnesota...
Pioneer Press: "...Congress can and should do better."
Star Tribune: "Congress failed to go far enough on new income limits."
And around the country...
Boston Herald: "...its transfer of more wealth to the wealthy is an outrage."
Burlington Free Press: "It's simply blackmail."
Des Moines Register: "...the so-called subsidy reforms are laughable."
Kansas City (MO) Star: "... a travesty."
Los Angeles Times: "...a wasted opportunity to update agribusiness and cut waste."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "...wasteful legislation that will set farm policy on the wrong course for five more years."
New York Times: "A disgraceful farm bill."
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: "...a triumph of special interest catering."
Wall Street Journal: "We can't wait to hear how Members of Congress explain their vote this week for the new $300 billion farm bill."
Kansas City (MO) Star: "... a travesty."
Los Angeles Times: "...a wasted opportunity to update agribusiness and cut waste."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "...wasteful legislation that will set farm policy on the wrong course for five more years."
New York Times: "A disgraceful farm bill."
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: "...a triumph of special interest catering."
Wall Street Journal: "We can't wait to hear how Members of Congress explain their vote this week for the new $300 billion farm bill."
The fight for lasting solutions to poverty and injustice continues.
The President has promised to veto the farm bill. This will generate discussion on the the bill, but based on its initial passage, an override vote from Congress will probably come quickly. One thing is certain. This is the first time Congress has experienced a groundswell of grassroots criticism against the farm bill's inequities. Thanks to the phone calls and letters from compassionate individuals like you, this farm bill is better than what it might have been. Please join us in the continuing the fight against global poverty and injustice.Beyond the farm bill, Oxfam Action Corps - MN will advocate for the rights of poor communities. In particular, we'll be supporting Oxfam America's new campaign to find equitable solutions to the global crisis of climate change, which affects poor people first and worst. This is a big issue, but with your help, we can make a difference!
If you haven't already, please sign-up for our listserv. We'll keep you informed about local activities you can get involved with. And consider attending one of our monthly planning meetings. The next is Monday, May 19th at 7pm at Common Roots Café in Minneapolis. Let us know if you'll be joining us so we can save you a seat. You can reach as at oxfam.mn@gmail.com
