SEGMENT: GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
Charles Shuman>UIS Collection S>UIS Collection S, Segment 17
| Next Segment-> |
- GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
- Gives character sketches and methods of operations of several presidents and secretaries of agriculture that he knew from his presidency of the American Federation of Farm Bureaus. Harry Truman was a city machine politician who accommodated to the greatest pressures, but said what he thought. Charles Brannan was an interventionist, a socialist, stubborn, but forthright. Clashed with Allan Kline of FB. Dwight Eisenhower was a military strategist and administrator who believed in staff sorting out a policy and he would yes or no it. He lacked directions, but supported Benson. Secretary of Agriculture Ezra Benson was a former executive secretary of National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and a Mormon. Shuman notes the religious fervor of his positions. He held line on government management of agriculture. Jack Kennedy was personable, charming, but avoided issues. Orville Freeman was likeable & good politician who knew how to deal with opposition. He kept promises but needed reminding. Lyndon Johnson was a machine politician & some around him were crooks, but he would not support those who got in trouble. Orville Freeman continued in office. In latter campaigns, farm issues not important. Hubert Humphrey got no mileage out of Agricultural issues. Farmers just wanted payments, not government interference. Nixon administration hoped farm issues would go away. Cliff Harden had AG background at universities, but did not know issues or people involved. His goal was to not rock the boat. He was not popular & left for Ralston Purina, who sent another board member to be Sec. of Agriculture, Earl Butz. Earl Butz was an outstanding success, letting farm programs become less significant, perhaps to die a natural death.
