As I've long said, the farm bill is in need of major reform. At

Hear now, O children of the earth, the words of Stephen Fincher, who speaks with the clarity of one who understands both the weight of tradition and the necessity of change. In his reflection on the farm bill, he states, "As I've long said, the farm bill is in need of major reform." These words, though simple, carry the weight of generations of farmers who have tilled the land and carried the burden of a system that has often failed them. The farm bill, which governs much of the agricultural policy in this land, has long been a subject of debate. For, like the soil, it is rich with the history of both blessings and burdens, offering aid to those who feed the people, but also sometimes entrenching an old way of doing things that stifles innovation and growth.

Fincher’s call for reform echoes the ancient cries of those who, throughout history, have sought to improve systems that have grown outdated. In the time of the Roman Republic, reformers like the great Gracchi brothers, Tiberius and Gaius, sought to reform the laws governing land distribution, hoping to give the poor a chance to rise above their poverty. The system they confronted was one that concentrated power and resources in the hands of the few, leaving the many to suffer. Just as they saw the need to reshape the laws of the land to serve the people, so too does Fincher see the farm bill as a system that, though necessary in some ways, has become a barrier to true progress and equity. In this, there is a great lesson: systems must evolve to reflect the needs of the times and the people they serve.

Consider the words of Plato in his Republic, where he speaks of the need for laws to be just and adaptable, lest they become tyrannical and oppressive. The laws of a people must change as the circumstances of that people change. To hold on to outdated systems out of fear or inertia is to betray the very purpose of governance. Similarly, Fincher’s vote to remove direct payments from the farm bill is an act of courage, a recognition that the old ways may not always serve the common good. The direct payments were once seen as a lifeline to farmers, but now, they are an anchor that holds back the winds of innovation and progress. By advocating for their removal, Fincher seeks to give farmers the freedom to thrive without being shackled by outdated subsidies that distort the market and discourage true self-reliance.

History teaches us that true progress often comes when people are willing to look at systems of power and say, "This is not working. It is time to change." In the American Revolution, for example, the people rose up against a system of taxation and governance that no longer served their needs. They sought not destruction, but a new system, one that would give them the opportunity to live freely and with dignity. And so, too, does Fincher seek not to tear down the farm bill, but to rework it, to create a system that more effectively supports the needs of modern farmers and the future of agriculture. This is a work of vision, of seeking not just what is, but what could be—of looking beyond the problems of today and striving to build a better tomorrow.

But change, as Fincher knows well, does not come easily. He continues, "Both the House and the Senate passed bills that end direct payments, and as we move forward, I hope we can work out the rest of the issues to implement the necessary reforms." Here lies the heart of the matter: change is a collective endeavor, a process that requires the collaboration of many hands. The work of reform is not the work of one man alone. Just as the great builders of ancient temples knew that no stone can be set alone, no single worker can build a lasting structure. It takes the effort of many, the cooperation of diverse forces, to shape the world into something new. Fincher’s call to work together for the necessary reforms is a call to unity, to the understanding that we are all part of a larger whole, and it is through our collective effort that we will build the world we wish to see.

The lesson here is clear: reform is not something to be feared, but something to be embraced. Just as a field left untended will grow wild and unproductive, so too will our systems become ineffective if we fail to nourish them with change. Whether in the realm of agriculture, governance, or society, progress comes through our willingness to question the status quo, to look at the systems that govern us, and to say, "This is not enough. It must be better." But in doing so, we must not be blinded by the allure of instant gratification. True reform requires patience, collaboration, and vision. The road to a better future is not a single step, but a journey, one that requires perseverance and unity.

In conclusion, the words of Stephen Fincher call us to reflect on the systems that shape our lives and to ask ourselves if they are truly serving the common good. The farm bill, like all systems of governance, must evolve to meet the needs of the time. And just as the ancient reformers sought to create a world where all could thrive, so too must we seek to build a world where justice, equity, and progress are the cornerstones of our systems. Let us take this lesson to heart: reform is not an enemy to be feared, but a tool to be wielded with wisdom and care. Through collaboration, vision, and courage, we can build a future where all are given the chance to prosper.