The Moultrie Farm Bureau has a set aside day for lobbying efforts at the State Capitol in Atlanta (Feb, 12). A welcome mat is spread openly for all to observe. I have written articles on the unfairness of the lobbied “GATE” (Ga. Ag. Tax Exempt) status awarded to farmers and hobby farmers alike.

The Georgia Farm Bureau lobbyist group are omni-present at the Georgia State Capitol, the latest complaint slow payment on Hurricane Michael damage to the cotton crop — $800 million — this notice served by the Ga. Cotton Commission in Perry, Ga. My point is this: Their $800 million loss is no more or less important than myrid losses by non-farm enterprises who suffer without benefit of lobbyists. Note: Family farms are in the minority; it’s corporate farming today. This farm group understands well loss setbacks — their only real concerns are in the form of international trade agreements — and lobbying the public to continue to purchase low quality beef and tasteless pork run through feed lots. “Wake up, America.”

Now to the crux of this article: My group, us Georgia veterans who answered the Georgia summons to serve at the pleasure of our Federal Government in military conscripted service. (No complaints there, I served because of national interest for survival of this great country.) Upon release from active duty in the U. S. Army, my Georgia State Legislature saw fit to pass legislation awarding me a Georgia driver’s permit at no charge. (Later on they asked me for 50 cents for my picture on the permit.) My federal government offered myrid benefits and later on health-care benefits for all qualified veterans. If Georgia veterans need transportation to the distant VA facilities, they depend on local donations.

I am lobbying a need for “Georgia Veterans Association” to be represented with spirited representation in our Georgia Congress. I find the finite representation of our Georgia farmers throughout state government disgraceful by comparison.

Tom Rogers

Moultrie