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National
Grange Adopts Resolutions Supporting
Homeland Security Department and Trade
with Cuba Portland,
Ore. – Delegates to the 136th National Grange Annual Convention adopted
several resolutions on issues of national significance in support of a Homeland
Security Department and trade with Cuba, and went on record about the recent corporate
scandals. Delegates
to the annual convention, held this year in Portland, Ore., unanimously adopted
a resolution supporting the creation of a Homeland Security Department and sent
postcards to their U.S. Senators urging them to pass the Homeland Security bill.
The National
Grange also encouraged such an agency to develop educational information so the
public can be better prepared in the event of future chemical, biological or nuclear
attacks or exposure. In
other action, citing the belief that the 40 years of sanctions against Cuba has
never proved effective in changing the country’s form of government, the
National Grange recommended a policy to remove trade, financial, and travel restrictions
to Cuba. After
expressing anger and disappointment over the recent corporate scandals, Grange
delegates voted to support action by the US Attorney General to actively prosecute
corporate or cooperative executives and others suspected of illegal actions resulting
in bankruptcy. The Grange further urged the US Justice Department to confiscate
and return illegal gains to employees and shareholders. The
National Grange is this nation’s oldest general farm and rural public interest
organization. Founded in 1867, today the Grange represents nearly 3,000 local,
county and state Grange chapters across the country. ### | 
