The World is Really Changing

Encyclopedia Britannica has announced that they are done printing their 32 volume encyclopedia and have chosen to go solely with their virtual edition.

For generations we’ve grown up with volumes of encyclopedias, and the Britannica brand was often viewed as the top of the line. Schools required you to do research in them, parents told you to look things up in them, and you could explore the world on a rainy day just by picking up a volume.

For a number of years, my kids have been telling me to Goggle things rather than use encyclopedias, phone books and other reference materials. While I have learned to use and appreciate much of the electronic world, this decision by Encyclopedia Britannica reminds us all of just how much the world is changing.

Books were prized objects to the wealthy for centuries, and then with the advent of the printing press, they became companions, teachers and entertainment for the average person. Today, in a relevantly short time, websites and e-books are changing the world.

I can see that my grandchildren will grow up checking things out online rather than thumbing through reference books. While the printed word isn’t likely to become obsolete, the word printed on paper may become increasingly rare as the electronic word becomes cheaper, faster and more accurate and thorough.

There are advantages for people to have their reference materials updated daily instead of only when you choose to invest in a new edition. Yet I’m still going to miss holding that heavy book. However, I have a hunch that most of the young people are not going to be the least bit nostalgic for that row of thick volumes.

The world is really changing at a speed that still surprises most of us. We are used to a world where there is a new model at least every year of just about anything we can buy. Many have chosen to learn how to bank online, order items online and we’ve been told for several years that this day was coming.

Today is here and the world has once again changed, at least as far as encyclopedias are concerned.

The Grange has been working to prepare for a different world, and I’m sure that our efforts will bring us new opportunities. As Grange members we’ll adapt once again just as we’ve done countless times in the past.

Junior Grange members and our younger Grange members are often demanding that we move quicker in adopting on line tools and strategies. While our organization does remember that not everyone adopts new technology when it is new, we are adding these new tools as quickly as possible.

Yes the world is really changing, but at least I know that people are still the same, even if they can only access the Encyclopedia Britannica online.

John and Kermit

I spent quite a few hours sitting in an airport on my way home after the services for John Scott, Past Master of the National Grange. This is the second time in just over a month that I’ve had this experience. Kermit Richardson passed away last month and then John this month.

These two men have been in my thoughts as I’ve reflected on what they meant to Grange members and to me.

John served from 1968-79 and I remember the 79th Annual National Grange Convention in Lancaster, Pa., where he stepped down and turned over the administration of the National Grange to Ed Andersen. He was always an inspiration to me, and decades later when I was elected to the office that he had held, he was the first past Master to call and congratulate me. That simple generous act touched me deeply, and I realized that he cared far more for our Order and the people serving it than in any personal recognition.

John showed all of us how Grange leaders should step back when you leave office. He went home and served his family, community, and Grange. He mowed lawns and cleared snow from driveways just to help others. He never stopped being a leader and he continued to inspire others throughout his life.

Kermit served from 1995-2003 and I had the pleasure to serve as a State Master for four years during his administration. I developed deep admiration and respect for him as I worked with him to advance the Grange in Oregon. Then in 2001, he gave me the opportunity to serve as Membership Director under him.

Kermit opened many doors for me and challenged me to become the best leader possible. His confidence and optimism in the Grange, and in its members, motivated those around him to excel. Kermit built a strong team during his time in National Grange leadership and dealt with many issues include some that others viewed as sacred cows.

John and Kermit were both strong leaders, with definite views and opinions. They both built teams that allowed them to accomplish far more than they could have as individuals. In addition, they both always remembered that the success of the Grange is based in the Community Grange first. Only after we find that success can we prosper at the State and National levels.

I hope that our members who knew them across the country will share their memories of both of these two men with our newer members. Both left their mark on our Order through their service. We should encourage the next generation to remember and emulate them.

Both deserve our respect and admiration and on behalf of all those they touched, and for both I repeat the words from the lessons of our Order, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Working for Broadband Access

On the third and fourth of October, the National Grange has the opportunity to partner with the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and other rural partners to sponsor a Fly-In in D.C. to advocate for broadband build out.

There is currently a lot going on in the broadband arena. Proposed mergers and changes to the Universal Service Fund are the major concerns today and both will expedite broadband in rural and non-contiguous areas, which have currently had little if any broadband choice or affordable service.

The Grange has a long history of advocating for rural infrastructure. First we worked for affordable access to railroads, then highway improvement, rural electrification, telephone access and today continue to demand high speed internet access.

The “America’s Broadband Connectivity Plan” presents a balanced approach to changing the focus from telephone to broadband in utilizing the Universal Service Fund without disrupting existing phone service. The Grange is supporting this change along with many of our partners.

Not having access to affordable broadband has dramatic impact to rural America. Small business, farms and ranches, and anyone wanting to be connected to real-time American society depends upon being able to use the internet and dial-up doesn’t meet the need.

The Grange has a history of not just advocating, but showing up and working within the system to make a difference. It is a pleasure to be working with the U.S. Cattlemen and our rural coalition on the broadband issue as our organizations share a deep love, concern, and dedication to a competitive rural America.

Constitution Day

This Friday is Constitution Day. In 1787 the delegates to the Constitutional Convention gathered and signed the document that they had created. That document was then sent to the states to be ratified.

The 17th of September is truly the birth of the American government. While our nation was born in 1776, the Revolutionary War and the struggles of creating a functioning government took 11more years.

I would suggest that every person take a moment on Friday to read over the Constitution and the 26 amendments that have been made to it. This document isn’t for the rich or powerful, it is for every American to read and understand. It lays out the principle that government must be controlled by the people, not the other way around.

A number of organizations give out copies free of charge and you can download your own electronic copy on your computer and/or your smartphone.

Organizations such as the Grange owe their existence to this document. Government power is specified and limited. Our communities are not controlled by a federal government; instead local citizens have the control.

Take a moment this Friday and take another look at the founding document of our American Republic. Our nation and our Constitution are truly unique and every citizen should understand our nation’s structure.

September 11

Sunday is the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. The Pentagon has been repaired, the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center may be gone, but rebuilding proceeds at the site of the worst attack on American soil, and a permanent memorial to the passengers of flight 93 in Pennsylvania is already a reality.

Remembering what happened 10 years ago is important. Many of us vividly recall what we were doing when we heard of the attack. Others have vague recollections or have only seen pictures because of their age. We should remember and honor those who died, but also those who survived and have dealt with the loss of their Mom or Dad, a Son or Daughter, a Husband or Wife, or their friends.

September 11, 2001 was a day that changed the lives of many Americans. Some dealt with personal loss, others joined the military or became more involved in their community. We suddenly became aware that others in the world hated us and were willing to die in order to kill us.

For me on the West Coast, the day was a shock as we saw on TV the terror and destruction that New Yorkers experienced. I felt sadness for those there and anger toward those who had committed this atrocity. The days following 9/11 were ones that showed how badly our nation had been struck, and also the resiliency of the American people, as we dealt with the grounding of all air traffic and so much more. About the 20th of that month, I flew to Baltimore and took a shuttle into D.C. for a scheduled interview at the National Grange headquarters. As we entered the city after 11 p.m., the attacks become more personal and emotional than they had been. As we passed the White House and saw soldiers with their rifles at the ready, standing on every street corner, I felt the change our country had experienced in a much more emotional way.

This year on the 11th, I’ll be at an event that our Grange co-sponsors for the community of Boring, Ore. We will remember the importance of the day with several special activities, and celebrate the importance of community spirit in Boring.

I hope this Sunday, you will take a moment to reflect on what happened ten years ago, remember those who lost their lives or had their lives changed forever, and think about the strength it has given the people of our nation. September 11 was a horrible day for America, but is was also a moment that showed each of us the strength we have as Americans.

Labor Day

Labor Day was originally proposed by members of labor unions and was designed to remind people of the important role unions have played in benefiting workers in America. While parades and picnics are sponsored by unions across the country, for most the day is the conclusion of summer activities.

The achievements of labor union members are numerous and deserve both recognition and a day of rest for them. Yet, this weekend will be spent working hard by many and they will take little time to relax.

Farmers are in the midst of harvesting many different crops and caring for their livestock. Labor day is often a day where they break for a few extra minutes and join the family for a picnic before hurrying back to work. Those who produce the food that feeds us at this weekend’s picnics, the fiber that covers the tables and clothes us, and even the fuel that allows us to drive to the park are often ignored by society. Take a few minutes and consider the labor the farmer and rancher gives to allow each of us to take a relaxing three-day weekend.

Also hard at work this weekend are thousands of volunteers. Many fairs and festivals are going on this weekend and few remember the volunteers who give their time and energy to ensure that fair goers have a great time. The number of volunteers at each fair is staggering, with those volunteers making the difference between success and failure. Grange members are manning information booths and food booths, they are aiding the youth programs, and working behind the scenes at countless fairs and festivals.

As you celebrate Labor Day this year, take a moment and thank God that so many are willing to work for all!

Do They Think We’re Stupid?

This weekend Standard and Poor’s (S&P) downgraded the credit rating of our country from an AAA to an AA+. Then last night I read that a white house advisor blamed the tea party for the downgrade.

I’ve had it with politicians who are more focused on blaming the other guys than trying to fix the problems of our great nation! I have a hunch that I’m not alone.

From what I’ve observed, S&P warned us during the debt ceiling debate that we needed to reduce our deficit spending and start reducing the debt we have accumulated. The debt ceiling agreement did little immediately other than raise the debt ceiling, but did do two things later. We punted the issue from our elected officials to a “special” commission to figure things out later, and much of the advertised cuts are down the road where they may or may not actually happen.

After watching the NFL players and owners, with conflicting goals, find a workable solution that allowed the season to begin, I find the destructive antics being played by many politicians to be unbelievable.

Grange members in their personal lives and as members making decisions for their organization understand that we can’t spend more than we take in without risking our future. We understand that if you only have enough money to buy milk for your kids, you don’t buy pie instead. We understand that if you don’t have money to pay the credit card bill, you don’t use the card.

I don’t know what the repercussions of the downgrade will be, but I do know it is not going to make our situation better and it may make life harder for every American. Hearing the S&P is still warning that they may yet reduce our rating further and that other rating organizations are reviewing our status, should wake up the folks in Washington, D.C.

I wonder how many politicians are listening to us? Are we stupid to think that our elected officials should find ways to reduce spending and debt? No one thinks it will be easy, but these elected officials asked us for the opportunity to serve our country.

To each politician I say, the parties didn’t elect you, we did. If you think we’re stupid, we can fix that a year from November. At least we can balance a check book.