Our Nation's Leaders: where are their priorities?

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Our leaders in Washington seem to have forgotten what's important. Rather than putting aside differences for the betterment of our nation, they seek to find resolutions that give them the most for their "side".  It isn't bipartisan nor symbiotic. Rather, it's self-serving. 

Case in point: the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund.  



My heart goes out to these men and women.  Although my husband was not part of this group, we have gone decades without answers for "Gulf War Syndrome".  The first responders of 9/11 share a similar fate concerning their health. Politicians don't want to step up and demand answers on their behalf.  

This was evident today as Jon Stewart testified to empty chairs. While I applaud the politicians that were present, I have to wonder why we tolerate the ones so obviously absent. I hold them responsible for the victim's continued suffering.  I also look towards the top dog, where the buck is supposed to stop, and gauge the level of concern exemplified by his actions. 

He's on the campaign trail.  He was tweeting while Stewart addressed that empty room. How ironic that Trump crafted his tweet to get sympathy for one group: "Now Congress must do its job & support these great men and women..."

Is he talking about the 9/11 first responders? Certainly not. He's talking about farmers and rural America, painting them as 'victims of poor trade agreements' to get his way. He's boasting about hearing "nearly 1,000 agriculture groups signed a letter urging Congress to approve the USMCA." 

A required caveat: farmers and rural America are hurting.  This suffering, spawned by one man would have never occurred if he, Trump, took the time to consider how his policies and actions affect people in these groups. His priorities lean towards money, however.

Let's break it down: 

Today, organizations representing the U.S. food and agriculture industries are calling on Members of Congress to swiftly ratify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).In a letter sent to Congress, the Corn Refiners Association (CRA), along with more than 950 groups representing the U.S. food and agriculture value chain at the national, state and local levels called on Congress to support the ratification of USMCA. The letter reiterates that USMCA will benefit the U.S. agriculture and food industry while providing consumers a more abundant supply of high-quality, safe food at affordable prices.

“Nearly a thousand signatories to the food and agriculture letter in support of USMCA demonstrates not only the importance of prompt Congressional approval, but also that agriculture related industry is fundamental to America’s economy, accounting for one in five total jobs and one in four manufacturing jobs.” – John Bode, CRA president and CEO. - farmforum.net

This article is produced by the Corn Refiners Association. It is a trade association based in Washington, D.C. and representing the corn refining industry in the United States.

It's worthy to note that these "nearly 1000 signatures" are not all farmers and rural folk.  Big business and its lobbyists are backing the USMCA.  Big business is what's most hurting the local farmer.  Small family farms can not compete with big business.  They remain voiceless unless they sell their integrity and buy into a lobbyist organization. Under the USMCA, will be shafted.

It's also worthy to note that the Corn Refiners Association doesn't have clean hands. They support mostly conservative groups and, in repayment, these groups and individuals support them, as in the case of these "nearly a thousand signatories".  (Corn Refiners Assn Profile for 2018 Election Cycle) Although the majority of monetary support goes towards Republican candidates and interests, there is also a bit that goes towards Democrats.  No side is guiltless. 

The sharp contrast between Trump's bowing to lobbyists (and misleading the public by making it seem like the little people - small farms and rural folk - back him) and Jon Stewart's pleadings to empty chairs riled me today. His tweet occurred as Stewart spoke. His emotions were palpable.

I am a Republican. I am not a member of the Trump Party. Regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum, surely you would agree that human lives hold more value than big business? If so, raise your voice. Tweet. Write to your Senators and Congressmen. Be a voice for the voiceless.  It's relatively easy and takes little time.

UPDATE:22:08 hrs local
Trump has revealed his motive for ass-kissing CRA.  It was never about "farmers" and "rural people".

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