Let's Go Brandin'
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt
I’ve been told effective agricultural advocates should stay out of politics. We should just remain neutral, so we don’t ruffle feathers.
Well, I’ve got some news for those sitting on the sidelines criticizing those of us in the arena: food and agriculture is political.
Full stop - Food security is National security, and there are politicians with insane policy ideas that, if implemented, would weaken our ability to feed ourselves in this country. This doesn’t just hurt producers, but it hurts the consumers we work so hard to serve!
I can’t stand idly by while one in four kids goes hungry at night while Congress spends trillions on wasteful pet projects. I can’t stand down when environmental extremists keep moving the goal posts on sustainability, placing huge burdens on producers, while they fly around on private jets and take frivolous vacations to outer space. I can’t be quiet when I see food and fuel prices skyrocketing. I can’t be silent when I see American families suffering. And I can’t stop speaking the truth knowing my kids’ futures in agriculture and as citizens of a free nation are at risk.
It’s time for all of us to quit sitting on the sidelines, passively trusting that things will all work out, or hoping for a political figure head to come save us.
If it is to be, it is up to you and me! It’s critical that we get in the arena and be part of driving the meaningful solutions to move our country forward.
We must be brave, bold, and firm, but kind, too. We must not be afraid to speak the truth in the public square. We must fight to keep producers on the land and meat, dairy, and eggs on the dinner table. And we must never, ever give up.
Please know, the haters will not slow me down ever. I promise to keep fighting for you until you’re ready to join the fight, too.
-Amanda
P.S. Let’s Go Brandin’ Yeehaw!