Ag on the chopping block?

The farm bill, a huge and complicated plan for the federal government's agriculture and hunger policy for five years, is set to expire on September 30. In case you missed it, that is a scant six weeks before what promises to be a hotly contested presidential election and fierce battles for control of the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives. In this supercharged partisan environment, what are the chances for a good farm bill emerging from Congress? What are the implications for farming areas like the Shenandoah Valley?

Both parties are promising austerity and with the House Republicans wielding a particularly sharp budget axe, it is likely that we'll see most programs under Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food curtailed or eliminated.  This USDA initiative promotes sustainable local agriculture by assisting in the creation of farmers' markets and urban farms, extending the growing season for high-value crops through the tunnel program, and partnering with schools and government agencies, and other groups. Interested in learning more - KYF Compass will direct you to programs in your home town.

At the same time Big Ag is pushing for changes in support for "big commodity" crops like cotton, soybeans, and corn. Currently these (mostly large and/or corporate) farmers receive direct payments (totaling about $5 billion per year) based on acreage planted. In return they promised conservation strategies to reduce erosion and wetlands draining. The GOP is pushing a revenue insurance plan that "promises" to save $1.5 billion per year but has no conservation provisions. The insurance will likely guarantee fairly high prices and if the market dips taxpayers would be on the hook - the $1.5 billion "savings" could go poof. Even worse, the big players and their allies like Syngenta will be encouraged to use more pesticides and to use fewer conservation practices.

In the Shenandoah Valley where many farms harken back to the days of "family farms," a new farm bill may have negative impacts on developing farmers markets (and those fledgling small farms that often sell produce at such markets), the Shenandoah Valley Beef Initiative, and other activities. And since many of the farmers don't raise those big commodity crops, they may be left out in the cold by the "insurance." As the debate continues one wonders where Bob Goodlatte, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, will stand. Will he talk (and listen) to all segments of the farm community in the 6th District or will his vote be influenced by big donors and worn Republican talking points? If his past behavior is any indication, Bobblehead Bob will dance to the tune of of those who pay his piper.

For more about the farm bill check out "The Worst Farm Bill Ever?" and The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition. If you think it is time to replace this entrenched incumbent, check out this guy.

Good Deeds in Harrisonburg

I went by Court Square in Harrisonburg today to greet Creigh as he passed through Harrisonburg. Good stop, nice crowd pulled together at the last minute. Only downer was... I forgot my camera. Not to worry, TV3 and the DNR were there.

At Old Dominion Coffee Shop, Creigh talked of educational opportunity, creating jobs, the Rockingham County Fair, and his special relationship with Valley folks. After chatting with friends in the crowd, Creigh was escorted by Mayor Kai Degner to local landmark, Jess' Lunch, the Children's Museum, and to several businesses.

Commenting on the explosion of his campaign staff and offices, Creigh told a small group of supporters that during the primary his headquarters was in Charlottesville and he personally knew each and every one of his staff and most of their spouses and family. Over the past few weeks the Deeds campaign has moved the HQ to NOVA, a number of regional offices have opened, and dozens of new staff have been hired. "Now," said Creigh, "at nearly every stop I meet a new person on my payroll."

One local blogger has criticized Deed's for not spending enough time in the Valley, but I guess he hasn't been paying close enough attention. True, Creigh started his Deeds Country Tour in Charlottesville which isn't in the Valley, but it is a quick commute for many. The Deeds Country Homecoming was on the Bath/Highland line, while technically not in the geographic boundaries of the Shenandoah Valley is certainly in the Valley's cultural region. Today Creigh was in Harrisonburg and Sunday he'll be in Lexington, both about as Valley as it gets. There have been other stops in Valley communities, a rumor of a future stop in Staunton, and I predict more will be coming in the next 70 days. So to that critic - instead of squawking like an old hen, perhaps show a little Hospitality in the Valley.

Sierra Club in the Valley

Snow Day! The Sierra Club has things going on in the Shenandoah Valley and across Virginia. Sit by the fire - mark your calendar for the these events and contact the officials to keep our Commonwealth green.

The Shenandoah Group of the Sierra Club is presenting the following program events. All meetings are free and open to the public. Contact shenandoah.group@gmail.com for more information

• "The State of the Shenandoah River: What We Need to Know and What We Can Do" will be presented by Jeff Kelbie of Shenandoah Riverkeeper on February 17, 7:30pm at Clementine Cafe, 153 South Main Street, Harrisonburg.
• Michael Testerman, Vice-Chair of Rail Solution will provide an overview of current transportation planning and efforts to develop the rail alternative to highway expansion. March 17, 7:30 PM at Clemtine Cafe, 153 South Main Street Harrisonburg.

The Sierra Club Virginia Chapter urges you to support Senate Bills 1447 (McEachin) and 1440 (Herring). Their legislation calls for a mandatory 19% reduction in projected energy demand by 2025 while rewarding utilities for their efficiency investments. This will create jobs and reduce our use of electricity. For more information and contact visit Article XI: To Preserve and Protect.

Finally, let officials at the George Washington National Forest know what you think as they develop their new plan. At 1.1 million acres, the GWNF is the largest National Forest in the eastern United States and is vital to Virginia's environmental and economic health. Tell them to write a plan to provide for species protection, for protecting downstream rivers and drinking water, maintaining its large tracts of roadless areas, and for low-impact recreational activities. More info. Comments may be made at GWNF or emailed to comments-southern-georgewashington-jefferson@fs.fed.us (put "Comment on George Washington Plan Revision" in the subject line.)

LEADERSHIP, For a Change

Seems most Americans have had their fill of George W. Bush and his chicken shit presidency. According to a new CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll, 75% of Americans are looking forward to 01.20.09. Although Bush has been on a legacy tour trying to rehabilitate his reputation, only 20% say he inspires confidence.

Bill Schneider, CNN's senior political analyst commented:

"Things started out well. When President Bush first took office in 2001, more than 60 percent saw him as strong and decisive. That impression was confirmed after the September 11th attacks. The public still saw Bush as strong and decisive when he took office a second time in 2005.

"But no more. The public has completely lost confidence in this president."

Here on CCC, I usually stick to Shenandoah Valley issues, so what gives with this national poll? Well, last night at a local wateringhole and restaurant, I had an extended conversation with two prominent Republicans - one a businessman and the other a former elected official. Both voted for McCain. Each speaking independently said the right man (Barack Obama) got elected. Both said the current president had taken the country into the dumper. I got the distinct feeling they were speaking for a large group of disgruntled and pragmatic Republicans. The poll's national numbers may be reflected in local sentiment as well.

Interestingly, both support Creigh Deeds for governor (although each commented negatively on some of his "Democratic" stands, especially in regards to unions). Both thought Deeds is a common sense guy, with well thought out positions on issues facing the Commonwealth. Both though he needs a public speaking coach! The GOP's presumptive nominee, Bob  McDonnell, does not inspire either of them. Both said Moran was okay, but I got the distinct feeling they would evaluate him vs. McDonnell if Moran were the nominee. Neither would support Terry McAuliffe - calling him a "carpetbagger" and "Clintonista." Both think Moran and McAuliffe have NOVA advantages in fundraising and exposure and they are not optimistic about Deeds' chances to win the nomination against such odds.

As I explained to them, Senator Deeds will stay in the General Assembly and work on solving Virginia's problems. Moran decided to leave the legislature to concentrate on raising money and making appearances. McAuliffe is a national political figure with zero Virginia experience, but with a NOVA connection and huge fundraising ability. On the NOVA field, the fight is between Moran and McAuliffe. But, I think Creigh will serve his constituents, Virginians, and himself well by his decision to stay in the legislative fray. His opponents may split the $ and votes in NOVA and other urban areas while Creigh will be dealing with the tough issues facing the General Assembly. Creigh needs 34% - there is a clear path to him winning the nomination as Moran and McAuliffe beat on each other. Game on.

h/t to Crooks and Liars for the Dr. Seuss graphic and heads up on the poll.

Grist shortage

Virginia's newspapers are filled with stories about too little grist in the mills of government. Tight times for families and tight times for state and local government, too. I thought some stimulus might prod us out of the Bush recession... depression? I heard the comedian Rush Limbaugh blaming it on Obama... Limbaugh is right in time for the holidays, a big dumb turkey.

Back to the main point. I guess only the feds can write the checks that might stimulate the economy enough to hopefully at least get it in a holding pattern rather than the downward spiral we've been witnessing this fall. 

Virginia government is tightening its belt to reduce what looks to be about $2.5 billion in red ink. The cuts are trickling down to local governments and showing up in hiring freezes and cuts in services. Some examples:

• School divisions in the Valley are already cutting back on such things as field trips and instructional supplies. With about 80% of school spending going toward personnel, finding deeper cuts are tough during a school year. Short term, i.e inadequate, fixes could be reducing sports travel, use of facilities after hours, energy savings, etc. If the downturn continues into the spring when the 09-10 school budgets are being crafted, with schools facing 10% or greater cuts from the state, expect no raises for staff, more health insurance cost passed on to the employee, and growing class sizes. Local governments will provide little or no relief and some could cut local funding to boot!
• Local governments will face shortfalls. Across the state, Virginia Beach is struggling to close a $22 million gap. Other than public safety, the city is putting everything on the chopping block. Closer to home, it was reported on TV that Waynesboro has an across-the-board hiring freeze that does impact the police department. The chief noted that, like most small cities, there are already vacancies and it takes months to get a new hire trained on on the streets.
• Speaking of public safety, the Virginia State Police Academy has been postponed twice due to lack of money. The General Assembly has authorized over 2000 troopers but has failed to fund 108 of those positions. And that may get worse. The State Police say they need about 600 new troopers for "new crimes" like identity theft, terrorism, and a variety of internet crimes. To meet that need they are diverting officers from traditional duties on highways. Response times have already gone up. Did the speed limit on I-81 just go up?
• VDOT and many localities say they are "ready" for winter weather, but don't expect the service you've become accustomed to. The cost of chemicals has gone up sharply. Plus, a lot of plowing is done by staff working long hours, i.e. overtime pay. VDOT and cities will cut back on both! Smaller snowfalls will be left to melt on their own. Subdivisions won't get plowed. The biggest changes may be in NOVA which apparently has been getting "enhanced service" that will sharply reduced. The Farmer's Almanac is predicting a cold, snowy winter in Virginia!
• Our state colleges and universities are looking at sharp cuts that may require internal restructuring down to eliminating many basic office expenses and travel. At Virginia Tech they are anticipating cutting programs and people. They've already planned for budget cuts of 3% to 5% but fear those numbers are just a start. It will be the same at JMU, UVA, and others.

So, across the board it looks like the grinch has stolen the extra grist we thought we put up for the winter. There are rays of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy forecast: Governor Kaine just announced Virginia will have $90 million more (total of $128 million) to help low income families heat their homes. The deadline for applying for assistance has been extended to Dec. 1.

The other ray of hope - 01.20.09.

Flying High

The times are indeed, changin'. The News Leader's editorial, "Red state, blue state," notes that in the not so distant past, the lack of electoral competition in the Shenandoah Valley meant that area voters were often taken for granted. Confident Republicans rarely campaigned here while intimidated Democrats thought it was a "waste of time and money." 

Virginia has been trending blue for several election cycles - the statewide elections of Mark Warner, Jim Webb, and Tim Kaine as well as Democrats recapturing a majority in the Virginia Senate and gaining seats in the House of Delegates are ample evidence. Change sometimes comes more slowly to the Valley. But, with the opening of Obama headquarters in Staunton and Harrisonburg, with high energy local committees recruiting volunteers and organizing events like Paint the Valley Blue, and with a energetic campaign by congressional candidate Sam Rasoul, it is clear that two party competition is back! That is good for voters and good for democracy.

The strong competition has spawned exciting creativity as illustrated in this new sign.

Want one of these limited edition signs of your own? Email storekeeper@obamabilly.com for info.

Scrambled, fried, or just cracked

Todd Gilbert retracted (sort of) and then restated (again, sort of) his absurd statements that Barack Obama is a "borderline communist," a "marxist," and a "socialist." Gilbert told the Northern Virginia Daily, "sometimes to make a point you use exaggeration."

Cluck! That sounds like a step in the right direction. Okay Todd, you were caught up in the moment, the scrambled eggs were hot, you were surrounded by Republican loyalists, and you threw them some red hot sausage.

Then, with the advantage of hindsight and (one would suppose) rational thought (can Republicans do that?), you uttered the following distortions and misrepresentations: "the fact remains that Obama uses the rhetoric of class struggle, his policies rely on heavy progressive taxation and the redistribution of wealth." (emphasis mine)

Whoa. Todd is a Republican who supports president Bush. Talk about a big, prying government kind of guy. Spying on citizens. Tax breaks weighted to help his rich friends in their "class struggle." Tax breaks for big oil. The biggest redistribution of wealth from the middle and lower economic classes to the wealthy since when . . . the Gilded Age? His friend in the White House doesn't mind bailing out the mortgage industry (and neither do I as long it is focused on the little birds instead of the vultures), but what happened to the "invisible hand" of capitalism that you cherish in your bird brain?

"tippingpoint" said it best in his post at the Northern Virginia Daily:

Delegate Gilbert clearly proves that passing the Virginia SOL's is not a requirement to serve in the legislature of this great Commonwealth. He must have been sleeping in his Social Studies classes. Calling Barack Obama a "Marxist" is simply stupid. I doubt Mr. Gilbert knows the difference between Marxism and the Marx Brothers. He couldn't tell the difference between a Socialist and socialite. The King of "big goverment" debt growth is good 'ol "C student" GW Bush. Gilbert's jibber jabber has more in common with the fanatical jihadist rants of Al-Qaeda, than with the common-sense GOP of fair-minded Republicans like Dwight Eisenhower, GHW Bush, Gerald Ford, and good 'ol John Warner. Virginia Republicans - Get a Grip! Don't lose the Grand Old Party to wingnuts like Del. Gilbert!

The good folks of Shenandoah County deserve better representation than they are getting from Todd Gilbert. As voters find out the truth about wingnuts like Gilbert (he has a clone or two south on the 81 corridor), Democrats have been gaining seats in the General Assembly. It may take some time to scour out all the bad eggs here in the Valley where Republicans are entrenched like burnt eggs in a cast iron frying pan. Shenandoah County Democrats have less than a year to find a good candidate to challenge this cracked egg. Happy good egg hunting.

Cluck.