Convention Update

Something exciting and important just happened in Colorado Springs. OCM and our co-organizers National Farmers Union and American Corn Growers Association showed the utility of working together on our mutual interests. We held a conference; “Free Trade and Globalization; American Opportunity or Risk to Economy and Security?” November 15 – 17 at the scenic and excellent Glen Eyrie Conference Center; and what a conference!

Tom Mullikin and his crew from Moore & Van Allen and our secretary, Pat Craycraft handled the many details that resulted in this conference being a class act.

Even though the lame duck session of congress denied us some of the participants we wanted, we had some fifty energized, prominent and astute participants and observers. There was enthusiasm, concert and harmony such as is rarely seen. Our high expectations were exceeded.
John Dittrich designed the conference to answer several questions. These were given to four breakout groups who returned stinging indictments of current globalization and trade policies.
“Multinational corporate-controlled globalization is undermining the well being and prosperity of farmers and rural America, working families, domestic manufacturers, and the service industries depending upon them.”

“Existing trade agreements have caused tremendous trade deficits, harmed future American innovation prospects, resulted in tens of thousands of manufacturing company closures, and eliminated millions of manufacturing jobs. They have also compromised national security and undermined national sovereignty.”

While conferees acknowledged that trade can be useful and mutually beneficial, they were in solid agreement that current trends must be reversed.

We had hoped that the conference would give credibility to our contention that current trade policy was causing great harm to our citizens and our country, but the result was much more significant. This conference has sparked a prairie fire of opposition to current policies and a resolve to bring about constructive change.

There was strong support for immediate follow-on activities to bring about a coalition of the ubiquitous interests that have been harmed by present policies. At the suggestion of Keith Mudd, the conferees adopted the slogan; “Taking It Back”. Based on my contacts and conversations since the conference, I anticipate the formation of a broad and powerful alliance with the will and resources to take “it” back.

A small planning group will meet in Charlotte, NC, December 14th and 15th to plan “continuing the march”. OCM will remain the prime mover and facilitator. In concert with our old and new friends, we will develop core principals, a coalition structure, a decision making mechanism and a plan of action. In keeping with the clear mandate from the Colorado Springs conference, we are aggressively moving ahead with plans for a new force that will have much to say about our future trade policies. While member organizations may not agree on all issues, they are in solid agreement on this matter; and are committed to working collectively, harmoniously and effectively. They are determined to bring about new policies that will stem present harm and bring benefit to our citizens and our country.

The recent elections have given us new hope that this mindless current trade agenda can be brought to a halt; that more sensible deals can be struck and enforced. While both political parties have been complicit in bringing about the present dire situation, there are now a significant number of new faces in congress. Many of these ran on a fair trade agenda; “fair traders” who have replaced “free traders (traitors?)”.

There is clearly now a window of opportunity, but we must move promptly lest the Transnational Corporations regain control of the agenda. You should anticipate prompt and vigorous actions from OCM and our rapidly growing group of allies. We’re going to “Take It Back”! Stay tuned.FS