Cheney deplores administration attack on farm/ranch life

By SANDRA HANSEN

Ag Editor

TORRINGTON, Wyo. -- Liz Cheney left no doubt of her rejection of  the Obama Administration's attack on family farmers and ranchers. During her visit to the recent Goshen County Republican Party annual Lincoln-Reagan Dinner, she blasted the past year's attempts to eliminate on the farm/ranch training for children who are raised on those operations.

 

"It is unbelievable," Cheney said of the Department of Labor's attempt to prevent farm and ranch youth from learning those skills necessary to become successful producers. "It's offensive that those people who have never been on a farm or ranch sit in Washington and tell farm and ranch families that they can't work as they have done from generation to generation."

 

She said it is an example of the Administration's attitude toward American families. "It shows to what extent the government wants to reach into a sacred structure. It's indefensible."

 

Cheney cited a recent television program that featured an Administration representative discussing the issue. A comment was made that farms are not the same as they were 30 years ago. Someone called in and said, "No, they aren't the same. They are now run by the children who grew up on those farms and ranches."

 

“This victory is a testament to grassroots action,” said Kerin Clark, Goshen County, Wyo., mother of two elementary school age children. “The work of farmers and ranchers everywhere, speaking up and telling their story. Nobody cares more for the safety of their children than parents and other family members.

“ Working in agriculture is a great way to develop good work ethic, values of hard work, and grow up appreciating opportunities. As my 10-year-old says, ‘Helping out is also awesome and fun!’”