In Our Fall 2016 Issue

FROM OUR TABLE

As we turn from tomatoes to turnips, cookouts to tailgates, search for pumpkins and corn mazes, walk the Midway at the State and county fairs, and (heaven help us) get ready for the holiday season, let's not forget one of the most important dates for the fall: Election Day.

The most important duty you can take on this fall is to vote! We would even forgive you for having fast food that day so that you can make it to the ballot box.

Who you vote for is a matter of your conscience and beliefs. We will not endorse any candidate, but instead encourage you to visit the websites of those running for office and read what they want to accomplish. It is your responsibility to be an informed voter. Google past positions and voting records if they are incumbents, and hit the newcomers, as well, for what they have brought to their communities and public service. Look past the spin: We've come to hate the overabundance of political "speak".

Few candidates have mentioned agriculture and the health, safety, and security of our food supply. We'll need to nudge those that win elections on that subject, and make sure they put it in the mix with homeland security, the economy, and health care.

We know this sounds like a given, but we, and through our government representatives, have got to figure out a way to work together towards a common good. It may take us, "we the people", to show our governments how to act, and we whole-heartily believe that our nature as Americas and humans can overcome the divisiveness that seems to surround us.

But first, we must vote.

-Fred Thompson, Executive Editor 
-Belinda Ellis, Senior Editor