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Farm Aid Letter to Congress on Banker Bailout
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Farm Aid
September 25, 2008
Dear Congress,
As you consider the distribution of $700 billion to the very banks and corporations that have gotten our country into the mess we’re in now, we ask you to pause for a moment and consider what that money could do for the people who build our country from the ground up… for our schools, healthcare system, our states, cities and towns, alternative energy development, the homeowners who were the pawns of the banking and mortgage industry. As the Board of Directors of Farm Aid, we want to alert you to what a mere $1 billion could do in the hands of the people who grow our food.
American family farmers are the backbone of our economy, the first rung on the economic ladder. For 23 years, we’ve worked to keep family farmers on the land. But it’s not enough just to save family farmers; we have to create new farmers. When farms fail, Main Street businesses fail. The opposite is true too: When farms thrive, Main Street businesses and local communities thrive. Far from Wall Street, family farmers are creating real wealth, producing real value, growing from seeds and sunlight a product that nourishes us both physically and economically. Supporting diverse decentralized family farming will do far more for the stability and vitality of our country than a handful of global agribusiness corporations could ever do.
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The proposed $700 billion bailout asks taxpayers to foot the bill without giving them the opportunity to share in any gains. A $1 billion investment in family farm agriculture would enrich us all, because we are all shareholders of the family farm. The return on investment in the family farm includes thriving local economies, nutritious food for better health, a safer and more secure food supply, a cleaner environment and more renewable energy. Investing in local, sustainable and organic food would shorten the distance between eaters and farmers, conserve energy, create economic opportunities and new jobs through innovative processing and distribution systems, resulting in a better, greener, more efficient food and farm economy.
We’ll leave the economic details to the experts, but we know from traveling the highways and back roads of this country that trickle down economic policy has not created wealth for the vast majority of Americans. Let’s start from the ground up. When we invest in our family farmers, we invest in the revitalization of our country.
Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews
Farm Aid Board of Directors
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September 27th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
With All Eyes on the Bailout, House Passes Trillion-Dollar Defense Bill
http://www.alternet.org/workpl.....ense_bill/
September 27th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
thanks fellas for loving freedom more than anything else, i salute you. this life is but a short journey but truth now is what matters most to those of us who stand for nothing less!! with God’s help we can do anything!!
September 27th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
They spared us 70 billion. The amount now is up to approx. 620 billion approved.
I agree.
I would much rather it go to the Farmers than bankers.
We can live without banks, can you live without food?
I was watching the history of psychedelic drugs and how they affected that time period.
There does seem to be a psychic mind communication that allows them to wake up a society.
Maybe we need to do more psychedelic drugs to reach a total awareness.
September 27th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
HELP THE FARMERS? HELP THE FARMERS? YOU HELPLESS INFOIDIOTS WOULDN’T KNOW WHERE TO START. NO ACTION INFOIDIOT TRUTHERS. THAT’S RIGHT.
ALL OF YOU SUBURBAN IDIOTS WITH NO EDIBLE PLANTS IN YOUR YARD. NOT EVEN ONE TOMATO PLANT, RIGHT? NOT ONE PEACH TREE, RIGHT? AM I RIGHT? YEP.
GO AHEAD AND WRITE THAT BLOG YOU ACTIONLESS, BRAINLESS INFOIDIOTS. WRITE THAT BLOG AND STARVE, LIKE THE USELESS EATERS YOU ARE
September 27th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews… need to speak out on 9/11 in my opinion to restore justice to this country. That forms the backbone of our economy.
September 27th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
In Fascism the massive capital controlled by the corporate oligarchy is never distributed, even for the most important column of a free society. The siphoning off of the wealth has begun, the serfdom of old has returned. At the very least it’s time to stop paying taxes.
September 27th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
No right thinking person would disagree, it’s just a shame that Willie Nelson supports illegal immigrants (and by implication big-ag), and Neil Young’s a Canadian who’d scream to the media if anyone said he ought to live there and concern himself with Canada’s problems.
September 27th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
This spring…i planted a peach tree and a plum tree…and soon i hope to have some kind of garden. Just think, what would you do if you couldn’t go to the store to buy your shit. Stockpile on food and water, nothing else matters. Don’t worry about housing, there will be plenty of vacant houses soon, you can squat on one of them. The only thing besides God you need to survive is food and water, so stock up on the things you need to sustain your life.
Get used to things being basic. Get rid of all those unnecessary items like cell phones, cable, gas guzzling suv, etc. Basically, stop eating the kings delicacies, it’s killing you.
Also, you would be surprised at how little the body needs to function. Jesus went 40 days without eating. Possible? Of course….41 days with nothing to eat….not so possible.
God knows what He is doing the question is do you trust Him enough to give Him your life? You should, you trusted Bush enough to give him yours, and look what he has done or is doing with it.
September 27th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Dear Misters Hitlers please dont kill us please kill others.
September 27th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
So often the smugness that is created by the art of getting away with the act overwhelms the victim and the perpetrators get away scott free. I think we should create a winners circle for The best liar, The best lie, The most convincing lie in 2008, The craftiest theft,etc… There should be a pageant to present the awards, and Willie Nelson should be a presenter, along with Alex Jones and the Ventura gang. Ron Paul should be the Master of Ceremonies, and Nancy Pelousi should be a Judge… What a play; They destroy this Nation and leave nothing for no one. It is my hope that some Doris Kerns Goodwin is taking notes for The Book, The Movie The Sequel, Good Night and good Luck! FUCK McCain Palin! MCB
September 27th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Nick said “it’s just a shame that Willie Nelson supports illegal immigrants ”
Its not a shame, it shows that he doesn’t smoke meth, that he can read and think, that he’s a good Christian and that he doesn’t subscribe to your “blame the illegals” philosophy.
Speaking of that, I thought you should know
The agenda for the klan meeting today is as follows:
1) Blame everyone for the problems of our fat lazy asses
2) The great Meth cook off- never a drug more perfect for our own little white pride 3rd world
3) My herpes pole and my sisters HPV holes- it’s Fun for the whole family
4) Let the rich people kick us around for 3 hours, then when they stop we can blame the Mexicans
5) Burn a cross, let hateful things grow inside us, then call ourselves “Christian”
6) Abuse the children- bring the kids
7) Get drunk and beat our wives
and set the whole trailer park on fire Yee’Haw!!
September 27th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Nick said “it’s just a shame that Willie Nelson supports illegal immigrants ”
Its not a shame, it shows that he doesn’t smoke meth, that he can read and think, that he’s a good Christian and that he doesn’t subscribe to your “blame the illegals” philosophy.
Speaking of that, I thought you should know
The agenda for the klan meeting today is as follows:
1) Blame everyone for the problems of our fat lazy asses
2) The great Meth cook off- never a drug more perfect for our own little white pride 3rd world
3) My herpes pole and my sisters HPV holes- it’s Fun for the whole family
4) Let the rich people kick us around for 3 hours, then when they stop we can blame the Mexicans
5) Burn a cross, let hateful things grow inside us, then call ourselves “Christian”
6) Abuse the children- bring the kids
7) Get drunk and beat our wives
and set the whole trailer park on fire Yee’Haw!!
September 27th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I sooo agree with Jasmine.
Really!! Peach trees! Why didn’t anybody else think of that!! Peaches, our main staple.
Jasmine, I love you kiddo. You make me feel …so…so…superior! You are living proof that the American education system is miles ahead of any other system in the world. They truly taught you how to think. And we can all recognize that so easily. Oh, before I forget, it might be possible that it is because of people like you, that the US is in such a mess. Have a nice day and I hope the sand feels good around your head.
September 27th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
White Sour I have read your racist and idiot posts and I cannot wait until your job is replaced by ILLEGALS.
I am of Italian descent and come from LEGAL IMMIGRANTS who came here and followed this Nations Laws. This isnt racism, this is merely asking that the laws of this Nation are followed and enforced.
Dumbass.
September 27th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
yup and mexican-native american migrant farmers have been doing the actual farming for over a hundred years easily…
and arrogant racist americans dont want to give them the right to vote,or own a home,or raise their children here.
typical american arrogance (self-righteousness)
September 27th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Nice try, but unfortunately these evil criminal bastards couldn’t care less about the farmers, the people or the truth. Their agenda is to wipe out 80% of the population on the planet and have their one world regime. Why do you think this is all happening the way it is?
September 27th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
w00t farmers!!
September 27th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
This year i planted a huge organic garden in my back yard, and a huge potato plot, couldnt get anyone to help me, I went looking for any unattended unharvested fruit trees, and found lots of fruit and nuts and herbs….Thats about all i do is dry and can and store all this food, STILL my kids think im crazy and when i bring in to their house these beautiful organic dinners and jars of organic baby food that i made myself they turn a blind eye away from the HUGE micro wave tv screen and tell me to just put it on the table, they will eat when the movie is over….so zonked by the micro waves that they dont even get up off the couch to drop to their knees and thank me, like i want them to do……I am SO ashamed, sooo humilliated sooo broken hearted …so i just drop the food and turn and run as heaven falls around me (like Willy says) When i get to cross street im crying so hard i have to turn on the windshield wipers….When my grand kids were born at the MF*$$$$$$$ ing birthing clinic i almost went to jail TWICE for fighting off the vaccinater/murderers…..Yet My LOVE is sooo GREAT that i am like the Mother of dead Childern who just cant lay them in the grave……so i slice some more apples as tears drip on to the drying screens….and i pray…. OH MY GOD DO I PRAY ……….TO ANY GOD THAT WILL LISTEN
September 27th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Do you for one second believe that this has ANY value? We are dealing with murderous evil beasts who hate us. Soft-hearted lamentations will do no good. It is the nicest people who are going to be hit the hardest. The meek may inherit the earth, but it ain’t goin’ to be in your lifetime.
September 27th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
why doesn’t that pot smoking trailer singer rage against GMO crops and the farmers who are aiding in the poisening of we the people????
FCKING SHILL FOR THE NWO!!!!!!
Open your eyes people!!!!!
September 27th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Most farmers are neck-deep in fremasonry, Roscicrucianism, the KKK and every other shit group going. Either these gentlemen have their heads up their asses or they are shilling it up.
How about this – let’s put the money toward public farms where anyone can go and take what they need from a hydroponic skyscraper. 1 skyscraper could grow more food than a major city could eat in a year.
Why must we buy food to begin with?
More of the scam
Wake up, nimrods
September 27th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
FORGET ABOUT IT!! MY KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD! J.C.
September 27th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
#21 spam – What the hell are you talking about? My family has farmed for over 5 generations and we are none of that shit. Take your communism and pedal it elsewhere.
September 27th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Seeing the likes of Nelson, Melloncamp, Matthews and Young actually care gives me some hope, but where are Crosby, Stills and Nash? Just kidding…. Neil Young lives in a fortress down in Woodside…easily worth $50,000,000. I imagine that the others are worth that much. It really doesn’t affect them one way or another as they will all be okay no matter what. I am going to bring up that the banks can suffer. They are going to loan more money out and this same b.s. will happen again. More CEO’s will get rich off of it and more people will suffer mental anguish and empty pockets due to the fact that they don’t read what they sign. Farms on the other hand, do feed America. Most of them are suffering immensely at a time like this. I don’t necessarily think that we should use government money to bail them out, but if it is between banks and farms? Give it to the farms! Banks were created to rip consumers off and no, we don’t need them. We are fine with a safe in our bedrooms. If it it weren’t for farms, we would all be eating doritos and microwave burritos–processed in northern Shanhai.
September 27th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
i would like to see the large farms broken down and more young farmers scooping up the land. the farming system caters to the big guys. the farmer with 5,000 acres is similar to Wallmart. i would like to see MANY people make a good living off of a section(640 acres) rather than ONE corporate farm gobbling up all the land and farming 5,000 acres.
September 27th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
WhiteSour Says:
September 27th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Nick said “it’s just a shame that Willie Nelson supports illegal immigrants ”
Its not a shame, it shows that he doesn’t smoke meth, that he can read and think, that he’s a good Christian and that he doesn’t subscribe to your “blame the illegals” philosophy.
He said a lot more, and it essentially constitutued a slur upon white peoples.
It should be left to stand as an example of what peoples who don’t want to be population-replaced – should they happen to be largely White – will come up against.
Whitesour likes to portray us as racist, but his name and words – go back and read them if you want a bucketful of hate – betray his anti-white racism.
September 27th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
This site really wants to get moderated if it’s gonna accept comments. It’s not a free-speech issue, it’s a poisoning the well issue.
September 27th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
#27 BOB! You are the smartest one here Hun! What a great idea to share and you can buy stamps a lot cheaper than $30 too! I’m gonna order mine on Monday, and start stamping every single bill I touch! Since I have decided to go bankless from now on, I will hopefully pass a lot of “ads” along in the future! thanks for sharing such a great idea!
September 28th, 2008 at 12:57 am
So no to the bail out, don’t let them greedy pigs steel anymore from us!
September 28th, 2008 at 6:35 am
The American people are finally waking up after too many years of being stagnant. Don’t saddle the public with the debt of once again, bailing out the rich. Without the farmers and the blue collar workers of this country, the big wig’s could not have what they have. We are the ones who truly run the country. You will not have any more power than you are allowed to have. A power higher than yourselves will judge harshly if you by-pass the righteous path in order to serve your evil schemes. The question I want to ask you, leaders and politicians is are you ready to face your maker and stand accountable? America doesn’t think so. But ask yourself this question and take much thought in your answers.
Take responsibility for YOUR mistakes. Help this country instead of being a hindrance. Poor people, please don’t ever rely on this government for assistance. There are undiscovered resources out there as well as your brothers and sisters of America who will extend a hand to help you. NO BAIL OUT!
September 28th, 2008 at 7:31 am
I live in a middle class community in Long Island where houses range anywhere from $450,000.00 to $800,000.00. I have orthodox Muslim neighbors just bought a house next door to me that sold for $750,000.00 dollars where three adult males, two adult females & two small children live there & nobody works, they just go to a former Resturant wher approx 150 males pack in there five times a day to do their prayers. How is this possible? Does the goverment subsidize them? Where woorying about subsidizes for farmers ( rightly so ) who are citizens all their lives & these people come here & don’t work drve new cars own houses, feed there families & we bite our nails.Recently I read that in a Meat Packing plant where they did work they wanted off 5 times a day to go pray. What nerve. I’m really getting tired of this crap between Banksters & these people this is nuts, then we have to go petition the goverment for help with our own money paid in various taxes. If anyone has an idea how this scam works I’d like to know so I can expose it. Would like to hear any ideas. Is it narcotics guns prostitution ? Shamus
September 28th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
i live near a lot of farm country and its really sad to see such hard working people get shit all over by the government.
September 28th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Dear Farm Aid,
Your heart may be in the right place but asking for a handout when the money comes from your own pockets is ridiculous. Asking congress to do something is like asking a bank robber to open up an account in the bank he just robbed, it’s insane!
You famous guys actually have some power to change things. Stop writing useless letters to the politicians and start educating your fans. Most of them are ignorant Republicans who buy into all the fake patriotism. Most of your fans thought it was a great idea to go to the middle east and kill as many Arabs and Persians as we possibly could.
They may not necessarily be bad people but they are definitely ignorant people. Same goes for the rich and middle class assholes in the suburbs and the cities of America. Most just ain’t got a freaking clue! They still think voting for one of the two liars running for President will actually have some sort of positive effect for the country.
Why not tour and raise money for truth and awareness, for real freedom. The only way to truly change this country is for the people to do the hard work. Asking the politicians to do something for our welfare is insane. They are the bunch of criminals who created this mess. They sold us out a long time ago.
The fact is, they will bail out the banks, this money will go to further enrich the rich. The big banks run by the Rockefeller family and the Rothschild families will never go bankrupt. They’re the ones buying up the failing banks for pennies on the dollar. There must be a peoples revolution if things are ever going to change, until then it will be criminal business as usual.
September 28th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
I think it’s all pointless to fight against the government on this issue. I agree that the American people need to rise up against this abuse, however I just don’t see how such a thing can be organized and followed through. Most people wouldn’t know where to begin and the very people that can make a difference for us, the same people who can make shit happen ARE the Gov. politicians that are corrupt and against our well being. So crying to the politicians for help is like asking the enemy to fight for your cause. There very well may be some… and I’m being extremely generous here… a few politicians that are willing to side with the people however how do we filter them out among the ones who are against us? This situation is one big mess that will likely end up going their way. This financial act will most likely get passed through and we will start all over again. Heads down and busting our asses day in and day out and never EVER reaping the benefits of our hard work. I hate to say it but resistance seems futile.
September 28th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Yo Spam #21
You just came here and said exactly what i just came here to say…I live in farm country, i know a bunch of these farmers.. The other day i was talken about bill and linda and africa and vaccines , one fat farmer toad said “ha ha GOOD !” and the rest of the farmer toads started laughing like a pack of hienas….I packed my fiddle and that was the last tune they will hear from me.
SHIT !!!
September 28th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
willie nelson for president neil young for priminister maybe some help from stompin tom, seeing neil lives in the states. has anyone been to[neilyoung.com living with war) ? the site opens with the song lets impeach the president.
September 29th, 2008 at 4:21 am
Neil Young is the fucking man! can’t wait till he comes through my town.
Its pretty interesting that he is playing my town on Nov. 5th the day after the elections, maybe he will have some interesting words to say at the show, considering I live in a brainwashed, Neo-Con loving red state.
October 6th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
What in the world is going to happen to the US Farmer? I am scared to death. Thank you for your letter to Congress. As always, they have listened to our concerns (hope that sarcasm came through) because I’ve seen cattle prices down the limit in 6 days and grains right with it.