We’ve lived so long under the spell of hierarchy—from god-kings to feudal lords to party bosses—that only recently have we awakened to see not only that “regular” citizens have the capacity for self-governance, but that without their engagement our huge global crises cannot be addressed. The changes needed for human society simply to survive, let alone thrive, are so profound that the only way we will move toward them is if we ourselves, regular citizens, feel meaningful ownership of solutions through direct engagement. Our problems are too big, interrelated, and pervasive to yield to directives from on high.
—Frances Moore Lappé, excerpt from Time for Progressives to Grow Up

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

United Farm Workers: “Take Our Jobs” [4:18m video]

from Crop to Cuisine. The simple fact is that these farm workers are exploited workers who bring big profits to farmers, agri-businesses, meat packing plants, etc. and provide cheap food for US citizens. It's another way that capitalism works.
Farming is some of the most challenging work available. You wake up before the sun rises, and often finish your day after it sets. It takes dedication and a work ethic rivaled by most.

And the need for healthy food is ever growing.Yet despite a national unemployment rate of 10%, the population of farm workers in this country is overwhelmingly made up of immigrants. 85 percent are born outside of the United States. And we haven’t seen that number change much since this recession began. Clearly many of us aren’t rushing to the chance at weeding, plowing or irrigating our farm land.

Thats the premise behind The United Farm Workers new national campaign, entitled ‘Take Our Jobs’.

The campaign is challenging U.S. Citizens to replace the immigrant communities responsible for the seeds sown and the crops harvested throughout the country.

Arturo Rodriguez is the UFW’s President, and speaks with Crop To Cuisine about the issues surrounding immigration, farming and the nation.
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