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I’ve long since conceded that political policy will fail to team up with intellect when it comes to common sense agricultural legislation.

Those two don’t go together. It’s sad commentary that few n if any - Wisconsin state or federal legislators spew what amounts to little more than verbal manure when it comes to creating policy that helps production agriculture. It’s equally sad commentary that few people choose to publicly speak out against ag policies with a stench comparable to liquid manure.

That’s why I was pleased when my regular Sunday morning channel surfing several weeks ago landed me on Public Television watching Bill Moyers Journal. Moyer’s guest on April 13 was David Beckmann, president of Bread For the World.

According to its web site, Bread for the World is a “collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. By changing policies, programs and conditions that allow hunger and poverty to persist, we provide help and opportunity far beyond the communities in which we live.”

Beckmann has presided over Bread for the World for 15 years. During his interview with Moyers, Beckmann discussed in length the serious issue of world hunger and people in this country who go without food. In what many people arrogantly boast as the greatest nation in the world, it is a travesty that hunger in America exists.

But it was not only Beckmann’s candid statements about failed efforts to feed the world and our nation that I applauded. Beckmann also outlined the hypocrisy of Farm Bill legislation and the sordid relation to farm subsidies. I clearly remember a phrase my Dad repeated over the years when it came to a certain circle of farmers in Lafayette County.

They were held in high regard by those bold enough to label themselves “experts” in farm production. It was a group that included farm economists and Extension agents. I still bristle when I see the term “expert” in the headline of a story in any farm newspaper.

My dad would say that some farmers are experts in “farming the government.” In simple terms, these farmers knew how to maneuver the bureaucratic maze and qualify for farm subsidies that helped cash flow their farms.

Some n not all n but some of those farmers were not shy about flaunting that ability. Some of those farmers are the same people providing legislative leadership in Madison and Washington, DC. Their fields would be tilled with new four-wheel drive tractors. Too often these are the farmers the media will contact to comment on the farm economy.

They paint the glossy picture even though their fiscal survival is fueled by taxpayer subsidies, not their production management skills. People who expressed similar opinions as my dad were largely ignored by media sources. They were considered envious.

It was with great satisfaction that a highly respected journalist like Bill Moyers would give someone the chance to say the same thing on the national PBS stage.

Beckmann was critical of past Farm Bill policy and farm subsidy programs. Beckmann told Moyers that too many farmers with the “big spreads and money in ethanol plants get (subsidy) payments, not the farmers that really need it.”

That simple statement sums up my personal cynicism with our political “lack” of leadership. Beckmann’s message is long overdue and cannot be repeated enough. It is doubtful little will change in the next Farm Bill. Too much self interest, too little common sense. Sorry, my cynical side is flaring up again.

Not sure how to go about it, but I would encourage anyone to try and get a copy of the Moyers interview with Beckmann. His comments are very revealing. Log onto the Bread for the World web site and there is a “contact us” link to e-mail staff members. They may be able to provide a copy.

Bob Kliebenstein is a Tomah resident.