Republican Senate candidate Deb Fischer and her ranching family lease nearly 12,000 acres of federal land in north-central Nebraska. For use of that land to graze cattle, the Fischers pay $4,700 for seven months.That fee is considerably less than the market rate for private land leasing in Cherry County, a disparity that has become the central issue in a barrage of negative television commercials launched by Democrats.
The theme of the commercials is predictable — wealthy rancher eagerly collects government “welfare” at taxpayer’s expense — but only minimally accurate.
What is not pointed out in the ads, of course, is that by leasing the federal land, the Fischers shoulder costs for ongoing maintenance that other private pasture renters typically don’t face.
Furthermore, the Fischers didn’t establish the federal leasing program, nor have they pulled strings to get their rent discounted. No, they simply are participating in an established federal program — open to other ranchers as well — and paying the established rent.
Contrary to the theme and snarky tone of the commercials, the Fischers are not doing anything illegal or immoral. Rather, they are following the rules that have been long established for federal grazing land.
Playing point in the attack on Fischer is Ben Nelson. The good senator has been in a position of influence for 12 years but only now discovered that taxpayers are getting ripped off by wealthy “welfare ranchers” right here in our own back yard.
Making up in righteous indignation what he lacks in alacrity, lame-duck Nelson just recently introduced in the Senate a plan to increase federal grazing fees.
Yes, the timing does seem a bit opportunistic. But when political points can be scored, it’s always better late than never.
Nelson “welfare hunter”?
If Sen. Nelson’s sudden enlightenment on federal grazing fees seems to be a shameless political ploy, we shouldn’t be surprised.
After all, it was only a few years ago that Nelson sought special tax-favored greenbelt status for 90 acres of hunting property in Sarpy County.
In politics, what passes for both shame and “welfare to the rich” are in the eyes of the beholder.
What is not pointed out in the ads, of course, is that by leasing the federal land, the Fischers shoulder costs for ongoing maintenance that other private pasture renters typically don’t face.
Furthermore, the Fischers didn’t establish the federal leasing program, nor have they pulled strings to get their rent discounted. No, they simply are participating in an established federal program — open to other ranchers as well — and paying the established rent.
Contrary to the theme and snarky tone of the commercials, the Fischers are not doing anything illegal or immoral. Rather, they are following the rules that have been long established for federal grazing land.
Playing point in the attack on Fischer is Ben Nelson. The good senator has been in a position of influence for 12 years but only now discovered that taxpayers are getting ripped off by wealthy “welfare ranchers” right here in our own back yard.
Making up in righteous indignation what he lacks in alacrity, lame-duck Nelson just recently introduced in the Senate a plan to increase federal grazing fees.
Yes, the timing does seem a bit opportunistic. But when political points can be scored, it’s always better late than never.
Nelson “welfare hunter”?
If Sen. Nelson’s sudden enlightenment on federal grazing fees seems to be a shameless political ploy, we shouldn’t be surprised.
After all, it was only a few years ago that Nelson sought special tax-favored greenbelt status for 90 acres of hunting property in Sarpy County.
In politics, what passes for both shame and “welfare to the rich” are in the eyes of the beholder.
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