WOW! I just read Obama's rural development plan and I am totally blown away! I have NEVER in my life seen such a detailed plan at any stage of any campaign.
It's very long but I URGE you to read it all:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/ruralplan/
I. |
ENSURE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY FOR FAMILY FARMERS
- Strong Safety Net for Family Farmers
- Prevent Anticompetitive Behavior Against Family Farms
- Regulate CAFOs
- Limit EQIP Funding for CAFOs
- Establish Country of Origin Labeling
- Encourage Organic and Sustainable Agriculture
- Encourage Young People to Become Farmers
- Make Disaster Assistance Permanent
- Support Local Family Farmers with Local Foods and Promote Regional Food System Policies
- Maintain our Export Competitiveness
- Improve Food Safety
- Partner with Landowners to Conserve Private Lands
- Encourage Farmers at the Cutting Edge of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
- Protect the Rights of Sportsmen
- Reduce Air Pollution
- Combat Water Pollution in Rural America
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II. |
SUPPORT RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
- Small Business Development and Value Added Agriculture
- Support Payment in Lieu of Taxes
- Connect Rural America
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III. |
PROMOTE RURAL AMERICA’S LEADERSHIP IN DEVELOPING RENEWABLE ENERGY
- Invest in the fastest, cheapest way to energy independence: Energy Efficiency
- Make Federal Buildings More Efficient
- Build Biofuel Distribution Infrastructure
- Develop and Deploy New Renewable Technologies
- Invest in Rural Lands and Reduce Carbon Emissions by Promoting Carbon Sequestration
- Ensure Heating Assistance
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IV. |
IMPROVE RURAL QUALITY OF LIFE
- Combat the Scourge of Methamphetamine
- Improve Health Care
- Improve Rural Education and Attract and Retain Young People in Rural America
- Expand Research at Land Grant and 1890 Schools
- Support Community Colleges in Fulfilling their Mission in Rural America
- Protect the Financial Security & Health of Seniors
- Upgrade Rural Infrastructure
- Create Fund to Help Homeowners Avoid Foreclosures
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Here is Edwards Rural Plan, it does not compare in scope or specificity:
http://johnedwards.com/issues/rural/
Rural areas have languished long enough, Obama really steps up the plate and delivers, more than any other candidate in history.