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Sound advice from Pops
By Jennifer Latzke Rarely does popular entertainment offer up gems of wisdom. But, a few years ago, a little movie sequal, Grumpier Old Men, with the late Burgess Meredith provided me with a life philosophy I'd like to share with you. Meredith played the role of "Pops" the old codger who says and does anything he feels like in his advanced age. The line is a little harsh, so in the interest of our readers I'll only paraphrase it. Basically, Pops says you can wish in one hand and "spit" in the other and see which gets filled first. Ain't that the truth? I had a high school civics teacher explain to me once that this line, more than anything, describes why we vote in elections as U.S. citizens. Because, like the saying implies, you can complain about the state of the world, or you can actually go out there and do something about it. I've voted in nearly every election since I turned 18, which isn't that many, I admit. But, I do so for one simple reason. I can complain all I want about government and smarmy politicians--but if I don't vote for who I want to represent me at the local and national level then I've given up my right to complain. I vote because I am a farmer's daughter, I live and work in a rural economy and I care about what choices are made regarding my way of life. It's a fact, rural constituencies are declining, while urban districts grow in population. One only has to look to the state of Nebraska to see that the primarily rural population west of Lincoln has more land area, yet is represented by a handful of the state legislators. Meanwhile, their city cousins in the east have the majority of the decision-makers. And, just guess which group has more influence on environmental and agricultural state policy? Rural communities have special needs that I'm afraid our urban counterparts cannot comprehend. Why should they care about the number of doctors on staff at a regional health center? Why should a suburban housewife care about agricultural trade agreements, farm subsidies and drought and disaster aid? Who can blame a citified desk jockey for not giving two cents about vocational education funding, natural resources conservation and confined animal feeding regulations? You can argue that these issues affect everyone--rural and urban alike--and you'd have a valid point. But, I challenge you to find an urban person willing to take the time to educate themselves about rural economies, international trade and commodity pricing systems. Bottom line, only we know what is best for our communities. And, the only way we can have any influence upon it is by voting through the democratic process. So, go forth and vote Nov. 2. Take 30 minutes out of your day of farm chores, grab your spouse and load up in the pickup truck for a jaunt to town. Invite your farmhands to go with you. Remind your neighbors at the coffee shop that it's Election Day. Show your children that the democratic process works because we actively participate in it, not because we sit around and bellyache about what's wrong with government. Afterall, we can complain till we're blue in the face, or vote and see which action gets a quicker response. I think Pops would be proud. Jennifer Latzke can be reached by phone at 620-227-1807, or by e-mail at jlatzke@hpj.com. Date: 10/12 /04
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