The farmer’s vote

With the passing of the elections, the maps printed by the Spokesman say a lot.

If you can remember, the 5th District looks like a red zone. It appears to me that the rural areas or farmland along with the Spokane Valley is a sea of red. I wonder why all farmers and rural folk always vote Republican. As a follower of the American political landscape, I always wonder why. Is it because Republicans provide a better food production safety net for farmers? Is it because most farm workers can’t vote? Is it because farmers get paid more by Republicans to keep a field fallow?

As a blue-collar worker I don’t know all of the state and federal programs that help and support the farming industry. I do know a couple things. When I get apples at the store I don’t know if they are grown locally … you can say that for the whole produce section. It also seems unfair that a grain farmer can trade all of its yield to Cuba and we Americans can’t enjoy the beach in Varadero. It seems like we give farmers a lot … why can’t we give the homeless food, clothing, health care and shelter?

James T. Depaolo

Spokane