Cultivators of the Earth

By William DeMille

Thomas Jefferson was quite clear when he stated that the “cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country, and wedded to its liberty and interests, by the most lasting bonds. As long therefore, as they can find employment in this line, I would not convert them into mariners, artisans, or anything else.” I believe that Jefferson understood the link between human nature and human freedoms as much as anyone. This quote shows the principles which link these together. Vigor, independence, and virtue are Georgic elements which channel human nature into nationalism. Without the agricultural producers in a community other ventures of employment are not stable because of the lack of local food security. Many argue that the modern transportation of the last century has changed all this. I maintain that the ancient free worlds who lost their lands, often gave them up freely to those who were willing to work the soil. I see many parallelisms to our day. The big conglomerate farms which are buying up millions of American acres do not have to sell us the grains if they choose not to. This state of blind dependence is not a wise way to live our lives…