FARMERS are not usually an agitated bunch.
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Today, however, we have seen that plenty is happening to make them angry.
As the skies stay clear and blue, cattle graze on the roadsides and Keepit is down to 4 per cent, it must feel like the whole world is against them.
Add to this the mega-mines on their horizon and the immoral opportunists who are knocking off gear from their properties, and it no doubt feels like their prospects are shrinking.
Today, farmers joined those marching down Conadilly Street in a desperate plea to stop the Shenhua Watermark mine from going ahead.
Further down the street, farmers fed up to the back teeth with people stealing from properties were meeting to listen to police.
Whether you and your family are making a decent life out of the mining industry or not, it’s hard not to be moved by the hurt of these farmers.
Farming isn’t an easy way to make a dollar. It’s hard, dirty work done by people who are, for the most part, stubborn, persistent and passionate about their land.
Today recalls the slightly baffled air of George Clift, who has just passed away, fighting the BHP Billiton mine on one side of the family property, and the Shenhua Watermark mine on the other.
These are massive mines. They bring with them massive opportunities and massive hurt, employment and loss.
Wherever you stand on this crossroads, look across at who is on the other side and try to understand.
Not all people who fight mines are imported from the city, and not all who work there are money-hungry.
We are all just people trying to make a quid.
Today, farmers are standing up to defend the only castles they know.