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.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, September 9, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, September 2, 2011
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!
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!
Monday, August 8, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
E-Membership Can Lead to Regular Membership
I had a wonderful experience this week. I’m not going to name the individuals, but I want to share the experience.
On Thursday evening, we had our new, reorganized, and revitalized Grange discussion held via a teamspeak conference, which is sponsored by the National Grange. The topic of the evening was the “meaning of fraternal in the Grange.”
We had a good group of members ranging from Maine to California who participated, including a brand new E-Member from Texas.
We discussed the meaning of fraternal in the dictionary and found that the origin of the word comes from the Latin for brother. The discussion then began on what it means in the Grange.
Friendship and the social aspects of fraternalism were first discussed. Then the shared experiences of the Grange were shown as a source of fraternal bonding between members. Grange leaders who give opportunities in leadership development to the members are an important part of our fraternal structure. The trait of members coming together and providing support for those who go through sad or tough times is a positive element of Grange fraternalism. Finally how the members come together to celebrate members’ milestones during life was shown to be an important ingredient of fraternalism.
The evening discussion then turned to how we can build a stronger fraternal spirit in our Community Granges. The importance of each officer doing their best during the meetings and other activities such as installation of officers and the three methods of bring new members into regular membership.
We finalized the evening with a talk about what the Master/President, Chaplain, Lecturer/Program Director, and the Graces (Ceres, Pomona, and Flora) could do to strengthen the fraternal spirit in the Grange.
At the end of the hour discussion, the new E-Member stated that he was very impressed with what we had talked about. He had also found out where the Texas State Grange and said he was going to check it out if possible.
The E-Member sent me an email this morning which stated in part, “I attended the morning session of the Texas Grange in Blanco. It was wonderful! I wish I had known about it earlier so I could have planned to spend the entire weekend, but other obligations called me away.
“I was treated as a real welcome member. Everybody was just wonderful. Master Jack Smithers had me introduced to the meeting as the “first Emember in Texas”! You should be really proud of the Texas Grange for the way they embraced the emembership program.”
The result of an hour discussion on one aspect of Grange membership was an E-Member who now is seeing what the Grange potential for members really are. The members in Texas now also have a new friend.
If you want to hear what is going on in the Grange, go to our website www.nationalgrange.org and check out the events. There are two to three meetings using teamspeak each month on a wide variety of topics. There are highlights of a lot of different programs and all you have to do is join in to reap the benefits of Grange membership. You can even join online as an E-Member or find a local Grange to join.
I invite you to become a part of the Grange!
On Thursday evening, we had our new, reorganized, and revitalized Grange discussion held via a teamspeak conference, which is sponsored by the National Grange. The topic of the evening was the “meaning of fraternal in the Grange.”
We had a good group of members ranging from Maine to California who participated, including a brand new E-Member from Texas.
We discussed the meaning of fraternal in the dictionary and found that the origin of the word comes from the Latin for brother. The discussion then began on what it means in the Grange.
Friendship and the social aspects of fraternalism were first discussed. Then the shared experiences of the Grange were shown as a source of fraternal bonding between members. Grange leaders who give opportunities in leadership development to the members are an important part of our fraternal structure. The trait of members coming together and providing support for those who go through sad or tough times is a positive element of Grange fraternalism. Finally how the members come together to celebrate members’ milestones during life was shown to be an important ingredient of fraternalism.
The evening discussion then turned to how we can build a stronger fraternal spirit in our Community Granges. The importance of each officer doing their best during the meetings and other activities such as installation of officers and the three methods of bring new members into regular membership.
We finalized the evening with a talk about what the Master/President, Chaplain, Lecturer/Program Director, and the Graces (Ceres, Pomona, and Flora) could do to strengthen the fraternal spirit in the Grange.
At the end of the hour discussion, the new E-Member stated that he was very impressed with what we had talked about. He had also found out where the Texas State Grange and said he was going to check it out if possible.
The E-Member sent me an email this morning which stated in part, “I attended the morning session of the Texas Grange in Blanco. It was wonderful! I wish I had known about it earlier so I could have planned to spend the entire weekend, but other obligations called me away.
“I was treated as a real welcome member. Everybody was just wonderful. Master Jack Smithers had me introduced to the meeting as the “first Emember in Texas”! You should be really proud of the Texas Grange for the way they embraced the emembership program.”
The result of an hour discussion on one aspect of Grange membership was an E-Member who now is seeing what the Grange potential for members really are. The members in Texas now also have a new friend.
If you want to hear what is going on in the Grange, go to our website www.nationalgrange.org and check out the events. There are two to three meetings using teamspeak each month on a wide variety of topics. There are highlights of a lot of different programs and all you have to do is join in to reap the benefits of Grange membership. You can even join online as an E-Member or find a local Grange to join.
I invite you to become a part of the Grange!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Post Office Closures Affects Rural America
I checked the list of Oregon post offices that are being “studied” to determine if they should be closed. It wasn’t a bit surprising to see mostly small rural post offices on the list, as it seems the postal service isn’t that concerned with service anymore.
The current proposal to close 3,700 post offices out of about 32,000 locations will once again disproportionally affect rural America. Last year’s proposal to discontinue Saturday service and this proposal adheres to the mind-set of a bean counter. Less business in rural America and greater distances which equals greater expenses and that means we eliminate service there, while focusing on the urban areas where we make more money.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) brags that they reach every address in America- shouldn’t they be serving every American rather than appearing to want to focus only on the populated centers of the country?
I realize that the real issue is money. When the Congress made the USPS a quasi-governmental agency with the goal of being self-sufficient, they also handed them a huge debt from the employee retirement program. It would appear that Congress set the USPS up for failure and then the USPS management was forced to choose a path of reducing service rather than innovating.
What will be the cost to continue service to these areas where the local post office is closed? What will be the cost to the citizens who need to drive to the next town to mail packages that are not standard flat rate size? Will there be a delay in mail delivery for affected rural citizens, especially when things like chicks (baby chickens not mail order brides) and critical medicine are involved? Will these factors and others actually be offset by the savings of closing these small offices?
Benjamin Franklin is credited with the concept of the postal service in America and while he may not have imagined the size and scope of our nation today, I have a hunch he would not be impressed with the attitude of reducing service that the USPS is displaying toward rural America.
The current proposal to close 3,700 post offices out of about 32,000 locations will once again disproportionally affect rural America. Last year’s proposal to discontinue Saturday service and this proposal adheres to the mind-set of a bean counter. Less business in rural America and greater distances which equals greater expenses and that means we eliminate service there, while focusing on the urban areas where we make more money.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) brags that they reach every address in America- shouldn’t they be serving every American rather than appearing to want to focus only on the populated centers of the country?
I realize that the real issue is money. When the Congress made the USPS a quasi-governmental agency with the goal of being self-sufficient, they also handed them a huge debt from the employee retirement program. It would appear that Congress set the USPS up for failure and then the USPS management was forced to choose a path of reducing service rather than innovating.
What will be the cost to continue service to these areas where the local post office is closed? What will be the cost to the citizens who need to drive to the next town to mail packages that are not standard flat rate size? Will there be a delay in mail delivery for affected rural citizens, especially when things like chicks (baby chickens not mail order brides) and critical medicine are involved? Will these factors and others actually be offset by the savings of closing these small offices?
Benjamin Franklin is credited with the concept of the postal service in America and while he may not have imagined the size and scope of our nation today, I have a hunch he would not be impressed with the attitude of reducing service that the USPS is displaying toward rural America.
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