“We need a story that’s going to stir the pot!”

An editor of a daily newspaper where I used to work was fond of saying that exclamation. The editor believed it was the duty of his newspaper to publish topics that would cause his readers to debate local issues. Of course, he hoped that his readers would debate those topics within the pages of his paper. And often, they did.

In truth, I believe a newspaper should provide a forum for thoughtful debate of issues that impact its readers. It is our goal that Farm World provides that service.

The design of our Views and Opinions pages, usually pages 4 and 5 every week, is not an accident. Each week, Farm World readers can count on columns by Alan Guebert and Gary Truitt, at least one political cartoon by Gary Varvel, and either Letters to the Editor or Guest Opinions written by those involved in farm policy.

Alan Guebert is a syndicated columnist who has been published in Farm World for many, many years. Guebert represents a more left-leaning opinion. He most often writes from a National Farmers Union or Democratic Party view on agricultural issues.

Gary Truitt, too, has been writing for Farm World for many years. Truitt is a recognized name in Indiana agriculture due to his award-winning farm radio career. Truitt represents the conservative view for Farm World. His opinions most often align with the American Farm Bureau Federation or the Republican Party.

Both columnists produce among the most-read items in Farm World each week. These columns generate phone calls and e-mails from our readers – some in support and many in angry opposition.

Based on conversations that I’ve had with both Truitt and Guebert in the past, I believe that they do not turn off their brains to blindly follow a group’s ideological view. They own the opinions they write.

Varvel ‘stirs the pot’

Gary Varvel, though, probably “stirs the pot” more than any other item in the paper. Varvel is a political cartoonist for The Indianapolis Star, and he is syndicated in many newspapers across the United States.

Farm World began working with Varvel nearly 10 years ago. He penned several poignant cartoons following the terrorists’ attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. At that point, I was looking for a quality, professional political cartoonist to complete my goals for this section of the paper.

Because he most often covers non-agricultural topics from national or international events, I was somewhat concerned if his work would “fit” Farm World. I discussed this with friends of mine at College of Agriculture at Purdue University who offered me this F.A.C.T. – Farmers Are Consumers, Too.
Farmers are not immune to the impact of regional, national, international and political events. Most of us hear these stories on television, radio or perhaps in daily newspapers or national magazines. For me, Varvel’s cartoons allow Farm World to touch on these broader, non-farm stories without stealing too much space from farm stories.

Also, Varvel is always on time and very professional. I have tried to work with many farm-related cartoonists through the past 11 years who could not provide a professional-looking item or deliver it on time. As an editor, that’s important.

Civil discourse desired

In recent weeks, I’ve received many letters, phone calls and e-mails from our readers regarding Varvel, Truitt and Guebert. Some in favor of their efforts, but many are strong-worded replies in opposition to their work.
Some readers reply as if they have been personally attacked, which of course, they haven’t. This is true of Varvel’s work.

We published a Letter to the Editor in our April 27 issue of Farm World written by Michael S. Cooper of Markleville, Ind. (Reader unhappy with Varvel cartoons, page 4) In the letter, Cooper said, “Not all of your readers, if any, are of the ultra-rightwing, Obama-bashing rabble that these political cartoons pander to. If I want bias, I will watch Fox News.”

I published the letter because Cooper didn’t directly critique Varvel, only his work. As expected, though, Cooper’s letter caused more letters.

Tony Cox of Indiana, sent me an e-mail agreeing with Cooper’s views. Cox wrote, “I would like to echo (Cooper’s) feelings on the matter. I, too, am tired of the biased cartoon that endlessly slams our current administration.”
On the other hand, Bill Tyner of Westfield, Ind. wrote, “Each Wednesday I look forward to receiving my copy of Farm World ... The first thing I do is turn to pages 4 and 5 to see what is on Varvel’s mind. Often he does not play favorites, slamming everyone equally.”

I’m glad Tyner noticed. I have a file full of hundreds of cartoons that Farm World published from 2001-2008 that were critical of President George W. Bush, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and other prominent Republicans. The task of a political cartoonist is to question the people in power.

Bill Whitehead of the aptly named Seldom Rest Farms in Muncie, Ind. also enjoys reading Varvel.

He wrote, “As a long-time subscriber and reader of your paper, I especially enjoy the Varvel cartoons, illustrating with humor the facts and thoughts of many of us. I have noted over the years that (Farm World is) not party selective; those representing all parties are fodder-potential for this very entertaining section of your paper.”

As editor, I welcome the views and opinions of our readers, and it is my desire to share those views within the pages of the paper.

The only thing that I would ask is that your letters stay on topic and away from personal attacks on those who offer their opinions for publication.
Any letter that is received that attacks another letter-writer or contributor to the paper will not be published in its entirety. Farm World is grateful to have an engaged and growing base of subscribers, and your views are welcome.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Editor Dave Blower Jr. may write to him at this publication or send an e-mail to davidb@farmworldonline.com