Letters from a Farmer in Indiana #5: Reflections on Independence Day

As we celebrate Independence Day, I find myself thinking about the issues that faced our nation's founders and how those concerns echo in our lives today. I’ve also just completed reading “A Revolutionary Friendship: Washington, Jefferson, and the American Republic “...so this is fresh on my mind. Growing up, I always heard that small businesses were the backbone of America, that 80% of all jobs came from small businesses, etc… That has faded in the shadow of large corporations. So today, I want to share some thoughts about Thomas Jefferson's concerns a our founding, and how we can take personal steps to address them. Thomas Jefferson disagreement with Washington centered on the extremes of Federalism and Republicanism. He had a vision for America that centered around independent, self-sufficient farmers. He worried about the dangers of a strong central government and the influence of financiers and corporations. His fear was that power and wealth would become concentrated in the hands of a few, leading to corruption and tyranny. Unfortunately, looking around today, it seems many of his concerns have come true. When Jefferson talked about the risks of federalism, he was arguing for the importance of a decentralized government. He believed that by keeping power closer to the people, we could prevent it from becoming distant and unaccountable. Fast forward to today, and we see massive corporations with significant influence over our political system. This concentration of power can make it feel like ordinary voices are drowned out by those with money and access. Jefferson also championed the idea of economic independence. He envisioned a nation where small, independent farmers were the backbone of the economy. But now, large multinational corporations dominate agriculture and our food systems. They control everything from our food supply to the inputs their agricultural systems require. One of Jefferson's biggest fears was the influence of banks and financial institutions. He worried that a national bank would concentrate wealth and power, influencing government policy to favor the elite. Today, we see the impact of this through the growing influence of money in politics. Jefferson's vision of a decentralized, agrarian society with a limited central government stands in stark contrast to the current reality of a highly centralized economic and political system influenced by powerful corporate interests. While technological and societal advancements have brought many benefits, they have also highlighted the challenges of maintaining a balanced and equitable system of governance and economy. This context emphasizes the importance of consumer behavior to ensure that democratic principles and the common good are upheld. I’m currently reading Crunchy Cons. (https://www.nationalreview.com/2005/05/crunchy-cons-rod-dreher/) The author’s reminded me of an important principle: while we can't easily change society, we can change ourselves. This idea is about taking personal responsibility and making choices that reflect our values. At Tyner Pond Farm, we're committed to sustainable and regenerative agriculture. We believe that by focusing on local, ethical farming practices, we can, in a tiny way, push back against the industrialized, corporate-dominated food system. Every choice we all make matters. Supporting local businesses, choosing sustainably produced foods, and building strong community connections are all ways we can contribute to a healthier, more balanced society. These small, personal decisions, by a lot of individual families, can add up to significant changes over time. On this Independence Day, let's honor Jefferson's ideals by making conscious choices in our daily lives. By doing so, we can help create a society that values individual liberty, economic independence, and sustainable practices. True freedom is about having the power to make choices that reflect our values and support our communities. As we celebrate our nation's independence, let's commit to making the personal choices that can help us build a brighter, more resilient future. Together, we can address the challenges Jefferson foresaw.. Wishing you all a relaxing and meaningful Independence Day. Sincerely, Chris Baggott A Farmer in Indiana