Idea of the Week The Future of Family Farms and American Labor

During the late 1800's, the United States was transforming its economy from rural agricultural based to the industrial age which spurred the creation of wealth beyond anyone's imagination. The American economy grew into an economic powerhouse seemingly overnight, but with this growth came problems for the people whose backs were bearing the brunt of the economic transformation.

As the economic revolution was sweeping across the country, workers and farmers united to push for change in our nation's labor and agricultural laws. This unification was especially strong in the mid-west and south where populist/progressive ideals ran wild. Even today, populism is a unifier amongst many people of these crucial electoral areas. The unification was so strong, that some political parties were named Democratic Farmer Labor Parties (Minnesota is still a DFL).

Today we again see the forces of change impacting the American economy. The industrial manufacturing economy is evolving into an information based service economy where knowledge is more powerful than one's muscular physique. Gone also are the days in which people need a centralized work place. Technology has made it possible to work from home and live in suburbia.

The changing economic and social patterns in the U.S. have affected workers and farmers in very similar ways. The loss of manufacturing jobs because of free trade deals has displaced millions of workers. The growth of suburbs and laws allowing corporate farms to undercut the family farmer have forced farmers to leave the agricultural sector.

While these changes have taken place, no real response has come from our labor and farm organizations. It is sad because our country's past has been influenced in a positive manner by these two proud and necessary groups of Americans.

Below I have linked an article from the Columbus Dispatch regarding the plight of family farmers in the state of Ohio. If I have learned anything from moving south, it is that mid-westerners and southerners face many of the same challenges in the global economy. We let the Republicans divide us on religious and social lines hiding the real economic truth by blaming others(Gays, Immigrants, etc.) for the problems that exist at home. If the truth was exposed, it is big business, lobbyists, and the east-coast banking interests that sell out workers and farmers alike.

The problem for workers and farmers is that both political parties are controlled by these interests and until we take the Democratic Party away from these groups, nothing will change.

Please read the link below and feel free to comment on the Idea of the Week.

http://www.dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/05/14/20060514-G1-01.html