Moreover, the phenomenon of the engaged farmer has long been true here in Midwest USA.  Both of my grandfathers were farmers.  Both were extremely well-read.  One played cello in a string quartet and two of his children sang in Bach Societies.  The other organized producer cooperatives in four languages.

Farmers are not isolated in some BS academic sense.  They are isolated because they are economically vulnerable.  Ripping off farmers is the oldest game in recorded history.  The lie of the stupid farmer helps the Predators feel better about themselves.

The time has come to stop telling ourselves that because farmers now constitute less than 2% of the population, they are unimportant.  In fact, because agriculture is necessary, those 2% are probably the most critical professionals the society has.

"Remember the I35W bridge--who needs terrorists when there are Republicans"