Yesterday’s Old Virginia Blog post by Richard G. Williams, Jr., has a couple of great quotes that get to the heart of the Southern Agrarian movement.
“Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bands.” ~ Thomas Jefferson to John Jay 23 August 1785
“Bureaucrats hate the quintessential American culture of family farms. The independence-centered, ‘pull yourself up by your boot straps’ emphasis on responsibility goes against everything they believe in. Simply put, people who think for themselves and work hard don’t live off the government . . . Farming is part of our identity. It is our way of life, our heritage, our patriotism, and the foundation of our generational values. Farming is the essence of our loyalty to our families and our God — and there is nothing more sacred than that. That’s why unelected liberal elites don’t want farm kids working on farms.” ~ Josiah Cantrall
Absolutely true and wonderful quotes, especially the second by Josiah Cantrall. Thanks.