by Darol Dickinson 7-1-09
Let’s call him Mr. B. He was a very auspicious Texas businessman and Mr. B planned to stay that way. His success had come hard, taking the highest risks, and no half pint politician was going to pass some bleeding heart law to thwart his achievements. Mr. B volunteered to serve as Republican Fund Raising Chairman and consistently rolled in the donations. He was highly respected by Texas candidates because he sucked in the bucks. With no small shock to many, here he is on TV, at a Democratic rally, right next to the podium by the featured speaker. What is going on? To cover all bases, he was also the leading contributor to the Democratic party. Mr. B. said, “I must know for certain that when I need special things, no matter who wins, I can make one phone call and — I own them.”
As business giants find politicians invading their inner most profit sanctuaries, control and cost of control is the universe. The closer one stands to the guillotine, the higher the purchase cost. The longer one’s hand is on the rope, is even better.
Mike Johanns, politicking in Nebraska, was elected governor in 1998. His millions for election funding came from interesting names such as ConAgra Foods, Farm Bureau, Kellogg Co., Tyson Foods, Monsanto Co., Archer Daniels Midland, and Cargill Inc. When President Bush was advised to tapped him for US Secretary of Agriculture his big donors from the agriculture world were pleased. He was already a “friend.” In less than four years he abruptly walked away from the cushy head job at USDA to campaign and become a Nebraska Senator. When Cargill contributes to a Johanns campaign, it may be a good buy, but also has proven to be a moving and unpredictable target.
Johanns left USDA and was replaced by Ed Shafer who served only a year. The Obama appointment, Tom Vilsack hasn’t lasted a year yet. With one bad call the top man’s head can roll and a new shirt fills the throne. As agriculture giants like Perdue, Allflex, and Monsanto consider “contributions” the lack of longevity is an investment decision issue. No matter how influential the “gift” it is not a wise purchase if the recipient heads out of Dodge for greener pastures the first time his feet touch the fire.
Neil Hammerschmidt, Coordinator, NAIS, USDA/APHIS Enforcement Services has placed his Kansas boots on the USDA marble halls since Nov. 2003. Prior to APHIS he was Executive Director of Marketing & Dairy Herd Services for the Holstein Assn. of the USA. He was with the Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium starting in April, 2002 where he received from USDA a research grant for $653,000. He has also retained “business” connections with the Angus Association since speaking at their National Conferences.
When Hammerschmidt was employed at APHIS his excellent recommendations and resume from previous jobs was a compelling factor. Once he was on the job, the Holstein Assn. USA Inc. received over $1,754,400 in special grants from USDA. The National Milk Producers Federation, “udderly connected” was kindly rewarded with $1,027,000. Wisconsin Identification Consortium and the Wisconsin Dept. of Agriculture divided up a sweet $10,223,995 grant. After he spoke at the American Angus Assn., that organization was also provided a $594,585 grant from USDA to help with premises enrollment in NAIS.
A trend is now in place. Established bureaucrats are a better investment than those who may evaporate with the next election. Bureaucratic bean counters can be bought for less money and have proven to provide more longevity for muscle organizations. And, how convenient, the hired help doesn’t have the election fund raising oversight requirements. Their career forges on from Republican or Democratic control, training newly elected novices, writing speeches for the appointed leaders and continuing the global plan. The bureaucratic team must hold down the fort while those with the uncertainty of four year jobs spend their waking hours working on reelection funding.
A good purchase would be Jerry R. Gillespie, DVM, Ph.D. (Unlike many USDA veterinarians, he spent a full year in veterinary practice.) He was tapped for the U. S. House of Representatives to testify about the positives of NAIS, May 5, 2009. He was one of five hand picked DVM’s financially prepared to shellac the suited elite with high dollar quasi barn yard verbalization well above their heads. His lifetime career of administering millions of dollars in grants through Kansas State University, and University of California at Davis could be near the top for federal money rivers. His authority of dispensing Homeland Security coins in over 34 states may be a record. His current lair, U of C has enjoyed grants of more than $5,000,000 direct from the NAIS budget of USDA. Kansas State has enjoyed more than $4,000,000, with almost no oversight. With two years of his indoctrination spent in USDA world headquarters, he has been a target investment for years. When ask to leave U of C and fly to Washington for a Congressional briefing, he was obligated to oblige.
The first USDA listening session on May 13, 2009 was observed by L to R. Neil Hammerschmidt, Jere Dick and Dr. John Wiemers, all staff of USDA. Their lack of appreciation of over 95% of the speakers in opposition to NAIS mandatory was obvious.
Other “connected” ones are a cast of thousands: Dr. John C. Wiemer, Dr. David C. Smith, Dr. John Clifford, Tom McGinn, Jere Dick, Dr. Ron DeHaven, Dr. David Morris, etc.
As NAIS funds were “invested” now totaling more than $150,000,000, they were sanitarily named “cooperative agreements.” USDA’s trusted staff cut deals with states, tribes, universities, associations and state government branches to enroll regional NAIS premises with the utmost fervency. Many of the above mentioned employees “did the deals” and passed out millions like a Vegas dealer would shuffle the cards. Could this picture resemble hungry dogs watching other dogs eat chickens—with no master in sight?
Federally speaking, some things just don’t make sense? In that case, there is hidden money involved. What is it worth to the world’s leading ear tag manufacturer for the USDA to force NAIS mandatory and a hundred million cattle would be, by law, required to wear a $3 tag? What would the manufacturers of NAIS compliant computers earn if it were the law for over four million livestock facilities to purchase a computer, and readers, and programs? Then, after the USA sets the example, the whole world would have to follow; more purchases around the world?
Is it time for a self defense recommendation? The restaurants have a proven method that works. Start now, and hire bureaucrats, Senators and Congress members for $1 per hour…..plus tips!
More on NAIS, www.naisSTINKS.com.
