Another rural rebellion against the GOP The Big Strategy

More than 20 rural groups, including the American Corn Growers Association and the National Farmers Union, are united against Bush's social security agenda. What's the matter with Kansas, indeed.

“Following his stunning victory last fall among rural voters, it is difficult to understand first, his suggested devastating and draconian cuts in agriculture support and now in the area of Social Security benefits. These were never issues during the campaign. Rural America did not vote for agriculture and Social Security cuts last November. The President should understand this and we hope to assist him in understanding this.”

This reminds me of what Rocky Barker said would happen around 2011, that because Republicans couldn't continue to afford farm subsidies, that farmers would get to see what small government is really like:

At some point, someone is going to have to pay the piper. Conservative strategists like Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, are urging party leaders to starve government with tax cuts and deficits that force Congress into thrifty habits.

At some point, Republicans are going to have to begin cutting government. That means Western states, who are today more dependent on government than ever, will lose. My guess is the day of reckoning will be when the farm bill comes up again for reauthorization in 2011.

Eventually Democrats, who can naturally argue government's beneficial role in society, ought to be able to get some traction. They have the best chance on the state level first where Westerners best recognize the responsible role of government.

Emmett O'Connell | June 24, 2005 | Comment on This Post (2 so far) Permalink: Another rural rebellion against the GOP The Big Strategy

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