Read an article the other day about a fellow North Dakotan who wrote a song to the music of “Sixteen Ton.” I couldn’t resist so I wrote a verse of my own. It goes as follows:

Someone might tell you a farmer is nice. Others might say he doesn’t need a price. Some would say his production causes harm. And the government gives him the Freedom to Farm.

Now that last line could start a real debate! We have several state and federal groups trying to impose their ideas on regulators. The favorite words are “function” and “value.” North Dakota law, passed in 1981, states that ag land should be taxed as tillable or non-tillable ag land. The primary function is ag production with a value placed on that production. A part of that law refers to soil type based on soil science and a capability rating. Any change will impact the education of our youth. Private property is still the tax base for education.

The attempt to change primary function and value is a threat to private property rights and attacks the very base that has sustained this great state for over 100 years. I think we need to charge these outside interests with the responsibility of paying their own way.

Another issue that has been on my mind lately impacts many people in many countries. We have heard the phrase “man bad, nature good.” Self-appointed do-gooders get along fine during fair weather. Along comes the great flood and they look for someone to blame and government money to make repairs. Let a hurricane roar through the backyard and they need help from the “bad man.” As we listen to the news it would seem there are those who are having a bit of a problem with “good nature.”

Did you even wonder how the regulator determines what to regulate or when to impose the regulations? Then there’s the problem of funding the regulator. Could it be time to study the function of the regulator and the true value of his regulation? Give it some thought.

Until next time, have a great fall.