Vermont officials react as new federal Farm Bill nears passage

[ProSense]

Vermont officials react as new federal Farm Bill nears passage

MARK E. RONDEAU, County News Editor

While lamenting cuts in funding for food stamps, Vermont officials are pleased that the new Farm Bill includes protections for dairy farmers and support for the maple syrup industry, vegetable growers, organic farmers, and conservation programs.

<...>

Vt. Sen. Patrick Leahy, the senior Democrat of the Senate Agriculture Committee and member of the conference committee reconciling the House and Senate versions of the bill, issued a statement Monday noting that despite many twists and turns in its legislative journey, "we have a bipartisan, bicameral Farm Bill that addresses the needs of every region in the country. It is time to pass this bill, send it to the president, and give sorely needed certainty to our farmers and families and rural communities."

<...>

Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin spoke about the Farm Bill during a visit to the Banner office Monday.

"The fact that we got a farm bill is a miracle, it's really a testament to our congressional delegation -- Pat Leahy, Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch," Shumlin said. "The good news is that the insurance to support milk prices is critical to Vermont's farmers, because we have small farms. We don't have 50,000-head, $20,000-(a)-head herds...the premium itself is scaled so the bigger farms pay more, the little farms pay less. So that piece of it is fantastic, at least for Vermont's dairy farmers, because we were in a never-never land. We were reverting back to some crazy bill where nobody knew what was going to happen to prices," Shumlin said. <...>"The part that's discouraging is we have $8 billion less being spent to support Americans with food (insecurity) than we had before this bill," he said, "but we need to remember again that the tea party House wanted to reduce help for Vermonters and Americans who are hungry by $40 billion. So given the awful choices that faced Congress, we did pretty well."

Upon the bill passing the House on Jan. 29, Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., said "This bill is far from perfect but America and Vermont need a Farm Bill."

- more -

http://www.benningtonbanner.com/localnews/ci_25055496/vermont-officials-react-new-federal-farm-bill-nears

[cali]

1. the person to listen to about the Farm Bill and Vermont- the most informed

is David Zuckerman. I don't think he's commented yet.

Peter Welch damns the bill with faint praise.

sure, there are goodies in it for Vermont, but this Farm Bill is packed with favors and corruption.

[ProSense]

4. Well,

"Peter Welch damns the bill with faint praise...but this Farm Bill is packed with favors and corruption. "

...that's good as long as they support it, right?

[cali]

5. good in what way?

I don't think corruption is good.

[ProSense]

6. "Corruption" is not good, and if someone "damns the bill with faint praise" and votes for it

that person is still voting for "corruption."

[djean111]

8. Is your target really the liberal and progressive admiration for Sanders?

I am unhappy with Sanders' vote. I don't have loyalty to a PERSON, I have loyalty to progressive causes, and note which politicians with a "D" or, really, not an "R" on their team jersey seem to be more for right wing policies than what used to be Democratic party policies.
Nothing Sanders or Warren do, for instance, can change the way I feel about some of Obama's policies. But then, I could care less about Obama as a person, he is just another politician, as are they all.

Bottom line - the Tea Party doesn't really budge, everyone else gives in. A little, or a lot. Grudgingly, or easily.

[ProSense]

10. "I am unhappy with Sanders' vote."

Then why are you asking this questions: "Is your target really the liberal and progressive admiration for Sanders?"

"Nothing Sanders or Warren do, for instance, can change the way I feel about some of Obama's policies. But then, I could care less about Obama as a person, he is just another politician, as are they all.

Bottom line - the Tea Party doesn't really budge, everyone else gives in. A little, or a lot. Grudgingly, or easily."

Really? If the "Tea Party doesn't really budge, everyone else gives in" except Obama because you know, he sucks.

Here's the thing, you're "unhappy with Sanders' vote" when you should be "unhappy" the damn bill passed. Instead, you offer up the "tea party" as justification.

A day doesn't go by without someone asserting that it's time to stop blaming Republicans. The House, which is controlled by Republicans, passed the bill with Democratic support.

The Senate, which is controlled by Democrats, passed the bill with Republican support. Most Republicans voted against it.

[cali]

13. yes. same goes for the President YOU love so much

if he signs it, he's signing corruption into law when he could veto it- whether the Congress could override a veto is beside the point.

See, I don't have a problem criticizing Welch, Leahy and Sanders for this vote. You? You won't criticize the President for signing it. You'll defend it and say that it's different.

[ProSense]

14. "yes. same goes for the President YOU love so much...if he signs it "

"if he signs it, he's signing corruption into law when he could veto it- whether the Congress could override a veto is beside the point. "

LOL! Yeah, regardless of whether or not it passes with a veto-proof majority, it's on Obama.

"See, I don't have a problem criticizing Welch, Leahy and Sanders for this vote. You? You won't criticize the President for signing it. You'll defend it and say that it's different."

"Criticizing"? All I've seen are excuses about "faint praise" and agreeing that the tea party is to blame, which is hilarious since Democrats control the Senate.

[cali]

15. "LOL! Yeah, regardless of whether or not it passes with a veto-proof majority, it's on Obama."

first of all how typical of YOU to put words in my mouth, pro. just like you, pro. I've said nothing about the tea party, pro.

It's partially on Obama, pro. just like it's partially on Welch, Sanders and Leahy, pro. this ain't rocket science, pro. you s

and thanks for proving me right, pro.





oh, and love the parrot game, pro.

[ProSense]

16. LOL!

"I've said nothing about the tea party, pro."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post2

My comment: All I've seen are excuses about "faint praise" and agreeing that the tea party is to blame, which is hilarious since Democrats control the Senate.


"It's partially on Obama, pro. just like it's partially on Welch, Sanders and Leahy, pro. this ain't rocket science, pro. you s "

I mean, really, cali? Obama didn't vote, cali. Obama isn't a member of Congress, cali. The executive and legislative branch are separate, cali. That "ain't rocket science," cali.

[cali]

18. Bwahahahaha. "I mean, really, cali?"

Cute, cute, cute, pro.

So his signing it, means he has nothing to do with it, pro? LOL

You are such a card, pro!



and just because it's sooo cute, pro:



it's like you're parodying yourself. neat trick!

[ProSense]

19. Oh my

"Cute, cute, cute, pro. "

"it's like you're parodying yourself. neat trick!"

...squirm.

"It's partially on Obama, pro. just like it's partially on Welch, Sanders and Leahy, pro. this ain't rocket science, pro. you s "

[cali]

20. " oh my"

bwahahahaha.

The President isn't responsible at all for legislation he signs, pro?

LOL!

That's news to everyone.

Lamest Pro defense, EVAH!

[ProSense]

21. "Lamest Pro defense, EVAH! "

Squirm, but I can see why you're trying to laugh it off and project.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post1
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post5
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post13
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post15
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post18

[cali]

22. "Squirm, but I can see why you're trying to laugh it off and project"

bwahahaha.

Saint Obama is NEVER responsible for any legislation he signs. Period- the gospel according to ProSense.

LOL.

You're the one squirming, pro.

[ProSense]

23. "Saint Obama is NEVER responsible for any legislation he signs. Period- the gospel according to ProS

This is so much fun.

You're so distraught that your members of Congress support cuts to food stamps that you've gone on the defensive.

"Saint Obama"

[cali]

24. "You're so distraught that your members of Congress support cuts to food stamps that you've gone on

the defensive"

Wow. You actually believe I "think" like you? Nope. Not even a little bit, pro. I'm not in the least distraught over my Congressional delegation voting for this atrocious shit. I think they're wrong. I have no problem condemning all three for their votes on it.

Unlike you, I'm not caught up in the adoration and unwavering-no-matter-what support for a politician.

What does, admittedly, bug me, is your refusal to admit that President Obama bears some measure of responsibility for the legislation he signs into law.

That's just so unhealthy. I keep hoping that you can emerge from your adoration and employ some degree of critical thinking skills.

Oh, what the hell am I thinking? You can't do it.

[ProSense]

25. Hey

"Wow. You actually believe I "think" like you? Nope. Not even a little bit, pro. I'm not in the least distraught over my Congressional delegation voting for this atrocious shit. I think they're wrong. I have no problem condemning all three for their votes on it.

Unlike you, I'm not caught up in the adoration and unwavering-no-matter-what support for a politician."

...where did all the laughter go? I mean, you offered lame excuses, then tried to deny it: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post13

After a series of lame attempts at laughter, you're back to your old self trying to belittle. LOL!

"What does, admittedly, bug me, is your refusal to admit that President Obama bears some measure of responsibility for the legislation he signs into law. "

Did he sign this into law yet? You seem to have no problem trying to jump ahead of the fact that your members of Congress voted for the "corruption" to start attacking "Saint Obama" for the bill.

Too. Damn. Funny.

[cali]

27. of course he'll sign the bill. A spokesperson has said he will.

hero worship: it's pro's shtick.

[ProSense]

28. "hero worship: it's pro's shtick. " Well, cali

what's your "shtick" besides making excuses because your members of Congress voted for "corruption" and cuts to foods stamps?

"of course he'll sign the bill. A spokesperson has said he will."

LOL!

[cali]

29. Yikes. What part of this is so hard for poor pro to understand:

I haven't made any excuses for my members of congress for voting for this. I've plain out said I condemn them for voting for it. That they made sure there were goodies for Vermont doesn't make it better. It makes it worse.

They were all three wrong. It was a vote for corruption. I don't for one second excuse any of them.

As I said I'm not like you. I don't do blind hero worship like you do. I don't defend what I know is wrong. I don't lie about stuff or twist facts or deny reality.

You?



yeah.

[ProSense]

30. Oh my

Yikes/ What part of this is so hard for poor pro to understand:

I haven't made any excuses for my members of congress for voting for this. I've plain out said I condemn them for voting for it. That they made sure there were goodies for Vermont doesn't make it better. It makes it worse.

They were all three wrong. It was a vote for corruption. I don't for one second excuse any of them.

As I said I'm not like you. I don't do blind hero worship like you do. I don't defend what I know is wrong. I don't lie about stuff or twist facts or deny reality.

..squirm, denial, squirm:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post13

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post15

[cali]

31. you know that what you posted supports me, not you. honesty. try it someday

just yikes. dissembling is you.

[ProSense]

32. LOL!

"you know that what you posted supports me, not you. honesty. try it someday"

Sure, if you close one eye and stand on one leg with your back to the wall. Are you trying to claim "honesty"?

[djean111]

2. Tea party wins again, really. It's incremental.

Ask for a big cut, accept a little cut, lather, rinse, repeat.
Saying that only cutting food stamps a little bit in this economy is some sort of great thing is putting lipstick on a big ugly pig.
Tea Party is firmly in charge.

[cali]

3. exactly, djean.

[ProSense]

7. Three Democratic Senators voted against the bill

"Tea Party is firmly in charge."

Senators Blumenthal, Markey and Warren.

Still, the rest are excused because you know...the "tea party."

[djean111]

9. Bwah! Nothing Blumenthal, Markey and Warren do could make me regard Obama's policies in a better

way. Tea party seems in charge of Obama, too.
Obama is not a person to me, just another politician. Healthier way to regard everyone in Washington, really.

[ProSense]

11. WTF does that have to do with them voting against the bill? It's good that they did. n/t

[djean111]

12. Sorry, got my who voted for what mixed up.

These days, I feel like progressive votes are mostly ceremonial, because the conservatives seem to have everything firmly in control.

[ProSense]

17. Kick for

crickets.

[ProSense]

26. Kick

the vote is today.

[cali]

33. by pro's way of "thinking", President Obama gets no credit

for the ACA. After all, it was Congress who passed.

Wanting it every which way: that's pro's way.

[ProSense]

34. LOL!

Squirm.

[cali]

35. bwahahah. propaganda.

it's what you do.

[ProSense]

36. LOL

Excuse, squirm, deflect, squirm

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post1
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post13
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post15
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post18

[cali]

37. you talking about yourself again, pro?

bwahahaha.

[ProSense]

39. From the OP:

"The fact that we got a farm bill is a miracle, it's really a testament to our congressional delegation -- Pat Leahy, Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch," Shumlin said.

Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) On The Farm Bill Agreement

We all know the Senate and House agriculture leaders unveiled the long-awaited conference report last week for the 2014 farm bill. It has been a long trip getting this far. Every conference committee, of course, has some controversy, but the 2014 farm bill has had more than its fair share of twists and turns--right down to the negotiations on the dairy policy in the fleeting hours--before we, as conferees, signed this conference report. It sounds like the old days of The Perils of Pauline when we had the farm bill tied to the railroad tracks or about to head over the dairy cliff.

Fortunately, we had Chairwoman Stabenow, Ranking Member Cochran, and their superb staffs. I am also blessed with my own superb staff: Adrienne Wojciechowski, Kathryn Toomajian, Rebekah Weber, Kara Leene, and Tom Berry, all of whom spent hours away from their families while working on this important bill. We ended with a bipartisan, bicameral farm bill that addresses the needs of every region in the country. Senator Stabenow and I were on the phone or emailing about every hour of the day, night, and weekends from Michigan, Vermont, overseas, and from the Senate, but it worked. Everybody had a chance, Republicans and Democrats alike, to express their views. Now it is time to vote, pass the bill, send it to the President, and give sorely needed certainty to our farmers, our families, and our rural communities.

- more -

http://www.leahy.senate.gov/press/statement-of-senator-patrick-leahy-d-vt-on-the-farm-bill-agreement

"This is a huge and complicated bill which has some very positive provisions but also some negative ones," noted Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. "The good news is that this legislation provides support for family-based dairy farmers in Vermont and throughout the country. The bad news is that it makes harmful cuts in nutrition programs."

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024435922

Peter Welch damns the bill with faint praise.

sure, there are goodies in it for Vermont, but this Farm Bill is packed with favors and corruption.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post1

the farm bill: corrupt to the core, and oh yeah, fuck you Debbie Stabenow, you piece of shit.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024409842

What's your opinion of Senator Leahy?

[cali]

42. Leahy? I think he should retire.

Not. Like. You.

Don't do the Prosense adoration thing, hon.

[ProSense]

46. Should Sanders and Welch also "retire" for a vote for "corruption"?

Damn, there goes your entire Congressional delegation.

Still, I'm surprised Leahy didn't get the "piece of shit" label you assigned to Stabenow.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024409842

[cali]

49. No. I didn't say Leahy should retire because of this one vote.

Stabenow is corrrupt. duh. Leahy? Nope.

He's been in the Senate long enough.

[ProSense]

51. "Stabenow is corrrupt. duh. Leahy? Nope."

So Stabenow is "corrupt" and a "piece of shit" because of the farm bill (http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024409842 ), but Leahy, who also worked on it (http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post39) is not?

I mean, that leads me to believe the "starry eyed" and "blind adoration" accusations are projection.

[cali]

54. No, pro. Stabenow's history of corruption far predates this vote.

ttfn.

[ProSense]

56. Is the farm bill "corrupt"? Did Senator Leahy help craft it?

Squirm.

[cali]

38. kick for starry eyed adoration and

and undying defense of the object of adoration!

[ProSense]

40. Well, you know

"kick for starry eyed adoration and and undying defense of the object of adoration!"

You found me out: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024435795

Right now, though, I'm having too much fun.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post36

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post39

[cali]

41. bwahahahaha. everyone knows that about you, pro

nothing to find out.

you wear your heart on your sleeve, hon.

[ProSense]

43. So

"bwahahahaha. everyone knows that about you, pro

nothing to find out.

you wear your heart on your sleeve, hon. "

..."hon," I notice you skipped this: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post39

[cali]

45. "notice you skipped this"

nope.

Not. Like. You.

Don't do blind adoration or endless defense of the indefensible, dear pro.

[ProSense]

47. We agree

I am definitely "Not. Like. You."

Squirm.

[cali]

48. sorry no. I'm not squirming.

I'm am in awe of your, er, consistency.

[Dawson Leery]

44. More red state corporate subsidies as the expense of nutritional aid.

It is time to eliminate agro subsidies.

[ProSense]

57. Notice that there was no big push to kill the bill in Congress?

The cloture vote was yesterday. The vote is today, and there is no push to stop it.

[Dawson Leery]

59. The teaparty was silent on this issue as

they are some of the largest benefactors of this horrible bill.

[cali]

50. kick. President Obama is supporting corruption if he signs this

[ProSense]

52. "President Obama

...is supporting corruption if he signs this" bill crafted with the help of Senator Leahy (http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post39) and passed in the House and Senate with votes from your members of Congress.

Squirm.

[cali]

53. the difference is:

I have no problem criticizing Leahy or Sanders or Welch?

You?

bwahahahahaha

you are constitutionally incapable of criticizing President Obama. OAS.



and now dear pro, I bid you adieu.

kisses, dear pro.

xxxoo.

:hil:

[ProSense]

55. "the difference is:

...I have no problem criticizing Leahy or Sanders or Welch?"

I thought the "difference" was "faint praise": http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024441624#post1

"you are constitutionally incapable of criticizing President Obama. OAS. "

Squirm.

[Rex]

60. Good point.

It is funny watching someone that cannot ever admit to being at fault. Very sad, but entertaining as well.

[ProSense]

58. Kick for

thrills: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024435795#post94