Something to Think About
Don Michael, WVFB Director of Governmental Affairs
Do You Believe in Magic?
of Democrats, Republicans and Independents
Magic, as defined in my
working in a very cooperative manner, putting
Random House College
politics aside and letting common sense prevail
Dictionary, is the “art of
while focusing on two of America’s greatest
producing a desired effect
strengths – agriculture and the Constitution of
or result through the use of
the United States. One of the shared topics/
various techniques . . . any
concerns addressed at both meetings was the
extraordinary or irresistible
influence, charm, power etc.” federal overreach of state education programming
via Common Core. A resolution detailing Farm
Merriam-Webster describes
Bureau member concerns was approved by
magic as “a power that allows people (such as
those participating in the policy development
witches and wizards) to do impossible things
process and forwarded for consideration by the
by saying special words or performing special
voting delegates at this month’s WVFB Annual
actions.” Do these definitions ring a bell when
you think of the political processes associated with Meeting. The resolution will also be submitted
for policy consideration by the American Farm
Congress, our State Legislature, Farm Bureau,
your local board of education, or even your church Bureau Federation. Given the increasing concern
expressed by many states about this federal
business meeting – producing a desired effect/
intrusion in education through Common Core,
result through influence, power, saying special
words or performing special actions? They do for perhaps it would be more appropriate to identify
the initiative as Common Sore!
me. Let me share some recent examples of such
magic.
Politically speaking I would offer a revised
definition of magic – “the art of producing a
Last month my wife and I joined a crowd
desired effect or result through an extraordinary
of 800+ participating in the “Rally Around the
process of integrity that crosses party lines and
Lakes.” There was certainly magic in the air –
is driven by the common good and common
positive testimonies at the rally, coupled with the
sense.” Do I believe in that kind of magic in
many contacts made by numerous stakeholders
political circles? You bet! But it doesn’t reveal
to inform education leaders and decision-makers
itself nearly as much as it should. One of the best
at all levels, resulted in some encouraging
environments for witnessing such magic is our
developments in the short term: Cedar Lakes
45+ member House Rural Caucus, led by Delegate
staff have been given the green light to schedule
Bill Hartman (D-Randolph).
activities for the coming year; consideration is
being given to a slight increase in fees to improve
In closing I reflect on the Lovin’ Spoonful’s
the revenue picture; the Cedar Lakes Foundation
1965 hit tune entitled, “Do You Believe in
has been expanded to include local legislators,
and given the task to develop a future plan for the Magic?” It started with the words – “Do you
Lakes, including the expansion of stakeholders . . . believe in magic, in a young girl’s heart” – Again,
you bet! With Thanksgiving approaching I am
stay tuned!
thankful for so many blessings, among the richest
being that magic from a Ritchie County farm
In October I joined Farm Bureau members
girl’s heart . . . for 44 years and counting. Until
and friends in two other significant events
next time, here’s wishing you and your loved
where positive magic is always in the air – Farm
Bureau’s Resolutions/Policy Development Process ones God’s richest blessings for an enchanting
Thanksgiving and CHRISTmas Season ahead –
and the Constitution Advocates’ Annual Dinner
KEEP SMILING FRIENDS.
Meeting. In both cases the participants consisted
West Virginia Farm Bureau News 5