Hartlzer Still Reluctant to Talk About Her Huge Farm Subsidies With Constituents

The Star prints the following letter from Carl B. Foster of Warrensburg about a recent tele-town hall conducted by Vicky Hartlzer.   As you read this, remember that Hartlzer is one of the very top farm subsidy recipients in Congress -- her farm collected $774,489 in federal subsidies from 1995-2009. 

About 8 o’clock one night I received a phone invitation to participate in a live teleconference in which I could ask U.S. Rep. Vicky Hartzler a question about any concerns. I indicated my interest and was told that I would be called on soon. After a half-dozen or more questions from some very supportive participants, I was asked for my name and question.

“I have to tell you my question before I can talk to Hartzler?” I asked. The reply was a firm yes. So I gave her my question:

“Why does Hartzler rail against government intrusion into our lives and government spending when her family has received thousands of dollars in federal farm subsidies? Isn’t that a bit hypocritical?”

I then heard, “He wants to talk to you about your farm subsidies.” Another voice, I assume Hartzler’s, replied, “I’ll deal with that later. Go to the next caller.”

My question opportunity disappeared.

If this happens again, I will have an innocent question ready, and when we go live, I’ll fire my zinger.

Frankly, I don’t blame the Hartzler camp. I wouldn’t let me on their program either.

Emphasis added.

If I'd just voted to eliminate Medicare and slash all sorts of other important programs, I'd be reluctant to talk about how I'd collected almost a million dollars in taxpayer subsidies too.