There was a time when a rural township with a large amount of land was threatened by one of their neighbors in a most unusual way. It was at first a subtle threat, an undercurrent of incredible dimensions.

The threat came, very surprisingly from the township’s own of landed gentility, a solid and respected farmer with a century of landed property. There seemed to be nothing behind the threat except a thirst for money. Incredulously, the people began doing the only thing they knew how to do. They prayed, they read the scriptures and met in their homes and church’s to see what the Lord was saying to everyone. Some folks began pointing fingers with gossip about that farmer in spite of the Lords gentle but firm commandment not to do so.

I was led to visit that farmer and that usually wasn’t done as he was busy managing and being an appointed chairman of the large township. It was a lonely and somewhat frightening experience for me. That chairman was known to be a man of explosive temper. Still, I was accepted as I knew his father as a close neighbor from a half century ago and a conversation began. It was made clear I respected him and that character assassination and gossip was not on my agenda. It was my plea for honor to prevail.

Much talk of earlier times took place and even a bit of laughter about that man’s humorous and friendly father. But after a misunderstanding between them upon a second meeting, a phone call with bad language and cursing my faith came forth. Surprised, still persisted.

I brought a tonic of elderberry juice prepared by my wife. On my first visit I saw a persistent cough. I never got the empty jar back. On my fourth visit, I brought raspberries . this gift was dismissed as he told me he had them in his garden. ” Give them to my son” who was standing nearby at the machine shed. Now, legal battles between that that chairman and the people began to get unpleasant and expensive.

Billboards, lawn signs and legal briefs of all sorts. We have an attorney who lives here and donates his time.

The courts move slowly as most courts do and there seemed no way to go back to the pleasant life of all who live here. There are many lakes and cottage owners that use them in the summer. At a town hall meeting the ex chairman shouted ” The lake is dying!” It was over the top of arrogance from a man that was assumed a steward of the land. His home and hundreds of acres of land are not located near any of the lakes. He must have a really efficacious hvac system on his shopping list.

The battle between him and our neighbors continues even though it seems hopeless. Our legal battle for his opening the gate and selling 40 acres to the hog farm developers removed his chairman’s position and resentment continues to grow.

Whatever the courts decide and the underhanded and stiff necked way the former chairman acted and talked are going to be remembered like a forest fire . That memory will linger long afterwards. The family name is now tarnished. In no uncertain terms I told him there were three options available. Keep pressing in and succeed and your family name will be despised. Keep pressing in and loose the battle and the same result will occur. Third choice. Publicly announce that his plan was not good and he would most likely be voted back in as township chairman. He did an excellent job before.

There are celebratory events now over the near miss but the he is now in a jail of his own. It could have been much better for him. Wealth is seductive and destructive and that man is despised by his neighbors but his sons are viewed with suspicion as to what may come next.

Another farmer also is a political figure is another county south of ours, and also closed his fields for snowmobile traffic He was angry that the bad publicity would thwart t his plan to do the same thing in his township. A child’s behavior indeed. Another family name that is tainted.

The original plan is now being challenged by all enjoined people and the plan itself is being brought to light as even more insidious as first appearances were. Pollution of a well used and known river in the watershed threatened.

The foreign country, China, is well funded and connected to the state legislators that seduced my neighbor is working their way to still possess and exploit beautiful country side. It has already gained foothold in neighboring states.

The whole countryside is being destroyed by the high powers and it seems there are not many ways to stop this disaster. Parts of Iowa are in a no breathe zone and western Minnesota people cannot have outdoor picnics, dry laundry or even keep their windows open. Hog manure from huge factories have already ruined the air and water down south from North Carolina.

It’s a need for pork for China and the butchered carcasses are shipped in refrigerated containers to them. 25 thousand hogs on 40 acres with 8 million waste pools is normal for these ‘farms’ It is a foreign invasion of sorts and the ‘profits’ of the exploitation are motivated by Chinas need for the resources of our county. The state legislators are bought by well funded lobbyists with campaign funds.

“Get big or get out” creates a farmers dreams of fortune and dazzling profits. It’s seemingly unstoppable but there is one far above everything and everyone that owns everything anyone can see. He owns the the cattle on all hills and He owns the hills too. By the way, He owns the planets and stars. After all, the Lord made everything that has been made.

Petitions have been given in various ways to the Lord and it is known that He Hears and responds to each and every one. The response is up to Him and the people to then listen. The world once again awaits awesome revelation and direction. At one time, the God was asked which beautiful name would be given to the people to call upon Him. He answered, “I am”.

Jack Gator