By J. Dudley Butler
When Obama made grandiose promises about protecting farmers’ rights
Many farmers were hopeful and saw a glimmer of light
They turned out and supported Obama in his time of need
Obama appointed Vilsack and Holder and told them his words to heed
They gave grand speeches and promised big change
But in the long run it was just more of the same
Vilsack appointed Butler who knew the law and the facts
But Vilsack was too naïve to prepare for the vicious attacks
He continued at first to promote farmers’ rights
But he was too weak to handle the way big business fights
And there were those inside USDA who cared not about farmers’ rights
MacMillan’s and Glauber’s futures lay in leading the corporates’ fight
Vilsack ran for cover and left Butler along with farmers on their own
While he cowered, made excuses and tried to atone
And where was Holder the President’s lawyer in chief
He who made all the promises to rid farmers of their grief
He made bold promises to correct the corporate antitrust evil
But the only rights he was focused on were after the word civil
Yes they were nowhere to be found while Butler continued to fight
You see they had slipped away like thieves in the night
And Obama stood aside because he didn’t want to rock the boat
He was running for re-election so he needed big money and their vote
So the donations were gobbled up by politicians on Capitol Hill
That gave the corporate lobbyists the green light to go in for the kill
And meatpacker minion, Pat Roberts, was so excited he was hard to restrain
So I nicknamed him “catfish” because he has big mouth and tiny brain
We hope they soon will all be gone and it’s good riddance for sure
But the farmers and their friends will endeavor to endure
Yes the old politicians made their promises and gave their solemn vow
But farmers are left to beg for help from the new politicians now
The time will go on because it is a never ending game
The politicians will change but the story is the same
They will make big promises, strut around and give their talks
But big money always prevails and the farmer just walks
Many farmers have gone back to the country to wonder what could have been
If Obama, Vilsack and Holder had stood strong like genuine leaders of men
J. Dudley Butler
Butler Farm and Ranch Law Group PLLC
