Straight
Talk
with Mike Deering What We’re For I am for standing your ground. I am for having faith in something that hasn’t happened yet. I’m for the underrated and the shy kid in the corner. I’m for loyalty and would drive 10,000 miles to help a friend. I am for soaking up wisdom when an old man speaks his mind. I am for the innocence of a child. That is a snippet of what I am for as a person. Notice how I never once mentioned what I am against. Give it a try. People are generally quick to take a stand against something. Just take a look at Facebook. It is so easy to be against something and it gives a certain satisfaction to blow off some steam in a feisty rant. I get it. I am guilty. It is not as easy to take a stand for something. It is sometimes difficult to go against the grain and to stand for what you believe is right even if you are standing alone. It is one thing to say you are opposed, but it is uphill when you have to fight for what you are for. It takes courage.
OCTOBER 2020
We need to spend more time talking about what we stand for than we do ranting about what we are against. If people know what we are for then they will never have to guess what we are against. It will be made abundantly clear. That is the point of the policy survey on pages 9394, which will also be distributed electronically. We need feedback to ensure this organization is functioning as a member-driven organization. The grassroots process is a fairytale without your voice.
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I understand it is easier to sit back and not engage in the policy process by filling out the survey, sending in ideas
Executive Vice President for resolutions or attending the policy and resolutions session at our annual convention. It is easier to complain about a policy position taken by this association when it is too late than to ensure your voice is heard during the process. I am not being critical as we are all guilty of being silent until something happens that causes us to react. With that said, silence is compliance and I sincerely urge you to engage and to take ownership of our policy positions and of this association. If you or your respective affiliate have ideas for new policy or amendments to existing policy, please send those to the MCA office or to your regional vice president. All expiring policies and new policy proposals will go through the association’s policy and legislative affairs committee and then sent to the general membership at the annual convention on January 8 for consideration. Speaking of convention, yes is the answer. We are absolutely, positively hosting the 53rd Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show January 8-10. To learn more, visit pages 96-98. Together, we will navigate the future and make clear what we are for as an association.
