Farmers, Citizens and Food for Thought (State Issue 2)

Youth of America agriculture is a field for you
We need your help as agriculture’s future depends upon you too

To feed a hungry world by putting food on our plates
Mr. Pacelle and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is here to attack agriculture like they’ve done in other states

Farmers get no respect don’t you see
Generally, from the powers that be

However, politicians, state leaders and agricultural organizations have united
Issue 2 was spawned to be future sighted

To make a preemptive strike
Trying to save farmers from this mighty money and power driven HSUS spike

HSUS flying into our state to intimidate and spend millions
To convince us that they, not Ohioans, should make our decisions

Does their staff have vast experience raising animals in which many days farmers begin before daylight and continue after dark
The answer is no, however, with their massive millions of dollars farmers have no choice but to fret and defend themselves against HSUS’s insidious bark

I do not claim to know Mr. Pacelle’s sincere intent
Of their massive millions of dollars I wonder how much (what percent) annually to hard working and underfunded local humane societies is sent (it is < 5 percent)

You see farmers are in numbers so few
No apathy please, try to understand the farmer’s plight - we need each of you

HSUS is always in a questioning farmer’s societal contribution mood
What could be more socially redeemable than generating jobs and, for a starving world, producing food

Isn’t becoming a productive citizen in society the ultimate goal
HSUS, why do you spend millions to attack productive farmers at their very soul

Any collective group will always have a remote few who abuse and HSUS doesn’t even understand that the good care of animals increases farmer’s income and the quantity of food production
Do you understand that for farmers and their food production success the HSUS is like a huge egregious sweeper’s suction

Why do we attack our farmers, the lifeblood of our communities, who are productive and hardworking
For their hardworking, productive and efficient efforts all they get is besmirching

If the HSUS attack machine succeeds there will be less jobs, more imported food that will be less safe, but at higher prices that’s for sure
You’ll find that out when you go to the store

by Ralph D. Coffman - The Agricultural View 9/15/09


Please Vote & Vote Yes on State Issue 2 (November 3) See the Issue 2 website information at: www.ohiolivestockcare.org I have been asked if I am sure that the livestock board (Issue 2) is the answer. My response is that I am always concerned when a state organization of any kind is created, however, something had to be done; a preemptive strike of some kind. If it wasn’t done then HSUS will come into Ohio and steam roll animal agriculture! It is our responsibility to, once we get Issue 2 passed - which will take every single supporter’s active participation, be vigilant by watching our elected officials through a magnifying glass, and staying in touch with board members, to see that there are no influences that change the intent of the board! Remember, if you farm but think you are not affected by HSUS’s current attacks, this is only the first step of their attack. HSUS will still use their over one hundred million dollars annual budget to put their own issue on the ballot next year. Issue 2 gives us a reference point to try to stop that massive attack. Two of the angles they like to use in their ads: one being catchy phrases or jingles to bypass the thinking process of nonfarm citizens, and two, using pictures of heinous abuses of animals that nearly every farmer in America would find despicable and never condone. Also hunters, where do you think the HSUS stands in regard to hunting?