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Ranchers.net

NCBA supposedly represents U.S. cattle producers. But producers wonder why the group fights fair markets for producers in favor of meat packers. More pointedly, why do they lie? Indeed, can you remember when NCBA has ever taken a position contrary to the American Meat Institute?

Alan Guebert gives the answer:

For example, the NCBA's "Allied Industry Partners" list (as noted at http://www.beefusa.org/affialliedindustrypartners.aspx) is a virtual who's who--other than cattlemen, of course -- of the red meat industry: Cargill, Tyson, Elanco, etc., etc.

And, as the Web site notes, one only lands on the list via the company checkbook. "Gold level sponsors," the NCBA helpfully explains, must make a "minimum $100,000 investment" in -- wait for it -- the NCBA.

Investment is a very pleasant word to describe what the loot actually buys. Influence, credibility and lobbying cover is a less pleasant, more accurate description what the relatively puny corporate cash really buys.

And Guebert artfully shows how the prostitution dynamic works:

The sell-out of these commodity groups brings to mind a story Winston Churchill loved to tell about how he once asked some comely partygoer if she would allow him "favors" in return for a large sum of money. She quickly agreed. Churchill then asked if he would receive the same favors for a fraction of the earlier sum.

Sir, asked the now-indignant lady, what do you take me for?

"Madam," Churchill coolly replied, "we've already established what you are. The question we're presently attempting to answer is price."

The price is apparently $100K, but I suspect there can be discounts.
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