[NLA] ACTION ALERT - FY03 Appropriations

[Nashansen@aol.com]

To the List:

I thought of you all and the conversation that has transpired here over the 
past week, including that of Jon Randall encouraging contact of elected 
officials.

Last evening, as news footage rolled on our local television station, they 
showed a view of the news anchor, whose voice over could be heard as the 
camera rolled.  He was inside a very small aircraft, seated behind two men -- 
well-known to our area by their presence and title -- Senators Tom Daschle 
and Tim Johnson of S.D.  

The two had been criss-crossing the state, listening in Community Forum 
environments to the anxious cries of our rural community -- farm families 
under seige by the rain-less skies.  What they were broadcasting was the 
dismal message that drought will destroy the chances that farmers with cattle 
and dying crops will survive this spring/summer.  

The remark that struck me as related to the message spouted here was this:  
According to the news anchor, Senator Daschle said that the citizenry in the 
state of South Dakota has to remember that there will be little that "two men 
can do" in Washington DC regarding emergency financial help for the farmers.

We as an adult education community should remember there is little that small 
state state representation can do to influence the whole - unless the elected 
representatives hear it from the multitude across the country.  There are 
many in America with needs, such as the farmer - you likely can name those in 
crisis in your own areas.  

We as education providers are not alone in the desire to be heard.  A unified 
effort surely is needed.  What is the good that we ARE providing should be 
our message.  How much more and *what* could be accomplished with more $$.  
Come see and meet us.

N Hansen, ex. director
Sioux Falls Area Literacy Council
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