By Mark David Blum, Esq.

Probably more than most, I am a hopeless romantic and idealist when it comes to the meaning of “The United States” as envisioned by philosophers like Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and John Locke. Even that misfit lawyer John Adams holds a special place in my heart. The United States is not a geographic concept, but a political and philosophical one.

Over time and years, some things in the United States withstand pressures of social change and remain embedded in the American fabric. Whether it be fireworks on the 4th of July, the pomp and circumstance of a Presidential inauguration, or the gathering of families for Thanksgiving; there are moments and events that are too traditional to consider letting go. One could even shade social security and education within that penumbra.

Yet at the same time, there are institutions within the Nation that have established themselves as part of our culture that we seem to be willing to pay any amount of welfare or price to avoid losing something that is already extinct. I speak specifically of the family farm.

Family farming is as deeply rooted in our culture as Betsy Ross and the California Gold Rush. We adore the farmer and cherish dearly the entire concept of striking out westward and developing a self sustaining entity. Intended originally to be a self supporting unit sufficient for those who lived on or nearby, the farm became the nation’s industry for self employment an expansion. You found your land, your raised what you needed to survive plus a little more to trade for other necessities, and you lived amongst and around other farmers all striving to eek out a survival in a developing frontier.

But as the west was settled and the Nation moves well past Her 200th birthday, we see a dramatic change in the family farm. Nowadays, the family farm is moreso treated as a business and not a homestead. The goal of the farm is to expand, produce, and sell farm products in the open market. Competing in the same market are the Walmart-esque operations; the mass production agri-corporations that can deliver large quantities of the same product for less cost.

We as a nation deal with this situation very uniquely. It is worse during an election cycle. Rather than allow free market capitalism to control production, distribution, and cost of food and farm products, we throw millions of dollars of welfare at the small farmer to maintain balance in the farm production food chain.

Once upon a time in America, a guy named Henry Ford designed a gadget called an Automobile. Not only did he produce a car, but he developed a system of production that enabled the gadgets to be produced at a faster rate for lower cost. It is called the assembly line.

Of course, in competition with Ford and other similar manufacturers, was the horse industry. Blacksmiths and Stables were especially hard hit. With each new car bought, that was one less horse and buggy rider, one less horse to shoe, and one less paycheck to feed the Blacksmith’s family.

The People of the United States and their government did not respond to the end of the era of horse transportation by imposing tariffs and taxes on cars. Legislators did not send out millions of dollars each year to Blacksmiths as subsidies for horses they would have shoe’d but did not because of the infestation of automobiles.

Remember, the American cowboy riding horseback across the open range is part of American mythology. Arriving in town all dusty and worn out from the trail, the first thing he did was find a blacksmith for tending to his horse, and then it was off to the nearest bar and bordello.

As this lifestyle gave way to trains, planes, and the internet, we let go of our tender roots. No telegraph or Pony Express legislation was introduced. Market forces determined how the industry developed – or died.

This same acceptance must follow to the American farmer. If they can create a profitable operation, then they have my blessings. But that which was originally designed for self sustenance is not able to compete with 21st century technology. We, as a People have to stop paying tax dollars as welfare to farmers who cannot compete or who need price supports. Let the market take control. This can only result in more food at a lower cost and millions of dollars spent on more important issues like schools and infrastructure.

I count among my dear friends a Jew boy from New York City who upped himself and moved to build a farmer’s life here in Upstate New York. Over the past quarter century, he has a lot of which he can be proud; having raised successful crops and a family and cared lovingly for both. We have had this discussion; especially at times like when the Governor gives $30 million to dairy farmers or politicians give out low cost and no interest loans to help farmers offset losses.

The American farmer is a beautiful ideal; if that is your lifestyle decision. As an economic engine, it can no longer survive on much more than it can yield. I no longer wish to be handing out free money to these farmers so long as schools are broken and underfunded.

Chase your dreams all you wish. Please stop requiring me to pay for it.