Agricultural Attitudes

The federal stimulus package has its fair share of supporters and more than its fair share of non supporters. The question as to whether the stimulus package will have a positive impact on farmers and rural areas is being bounced back and forth like a rubber ball. The comments and opinions run the gambit from rational to absurd. One such comment from retired college professor Luther Tweeten brought into question the validity of using funding to develop broadband Internet services in rural areas. He goes so far as to state, “If people choose to live in remote locations, does the rest of society have an obligation to keep them comfortable?”  Comfortable?! Does this man eat? And does he realize where his food actually comes from?!  Access to high speed internet would be another way for farmers and ranchers to have the most current information; enabling them to quickly respond to ever changing conditions while producing our nation’s food supply. So maybe Luther, food doesn’t just come from a store, maybe producing food takes a little bit more.