New West Book Excerpt
“Blue Man in a Red State”: An Excerpt
An excerpt from Greg Lemon's new biography of Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer.
By Greg Lemon, 8-01-08
 |
|
 | |
|
New West contributor Greg Lemon is a Montana journalist specializing in politics, and he recently published his first book, Blue Man in a Red State: Montana’s Governor Brian Schweitzer and the New Western Populism (Globe Pequot Press, 150 pages, $22.95). The following is an excerpt from the book, covering the time Schweitzer spent in the Middle East in his mid-twenties. Lemon will discuss his book at the Borders in Bozeman on September 6 (2 p.m.).
Montana’s Gov. Brian Schweitzer knew in college that he wanted to see the world. Given the fact that he was a farm kid from Geyser, Mont., Schweitzer figured his best chance to see the world was through farming. He majored in international agriculture at Colorado State University and earned his Master’s degree in tropical soils from Montana State University. His first job out of college at the age of 25 took him to the Middle East to work as an agronomist on the massive project to farm the desert for the Libyan government.
Even taking into account Schweitzer’s energetic personality, his (college) professor Larry Munn said it was still a shock when he announced that he was headed to the Sahara to grow wheat for Muammar al-Qaddafi. “It was very unique for Brian to take off like he did.”
In Libya, Food Development Corporation was taking on a massive project—farming the desert. In 1980 Qaddafi had been dictator for more than a decade. Given his strained relationships with the West, he feared that Libya was too dependent on foreign food and that this dependence could cost them greatly if international sanctions were instituted against the country. He contracted with FDC to develop a farm in the Sahara, five hundred miles south of Tripoli. The contract was for five years, after which FDC would hand the farm over to the Libyan government.
Henry Kartchner, who started FDC, took up the contract and began hiring. His company eventually developed farms and agriculture projects throughout the Middle East. And while Kartchner hasn’t paid attention to Schweitzer’s political career (he wasn’t even aware that Schweitzer had been elected governor of Montana), his company now has a sister venture, Fuel Development Company, which is developing small biodiesel plants in Texas—a venture right up Schweitzer’s alley.
At the time of the Libyan project, FDC had major farming projects in America. But developing farms in the Middle East was a new venture. No one was really doing it at that time. Along with the agricultural startup, the contract stated FDC had to train Libyans to farm, as well as send one hundred Libyans to college in America to learn agriculture.
The obvious problem with farming in the desert is water.To overcome that, FDC drilled wells a thousand feet deep and installed center pivot sprinklers. The undertaking was enormous. At one time FDC had about six hundred men on the project. “When you went in the desert, there wasn’t anything there so it was like an invasion,” Kartchner said. “We had to ship over everything from toothpicks to D8 caterpillars.”
And the environment was hostile. Temperatures would climb to more than 130 degrees in the summer and drop below freezing in the winter. “Sometimes the wind would blow a whole field away,” Schweitzer recalled. “Forty acres would just move, become a dune a half mile away.” But they could grow crops year around, corn or sorghum in the summer and wheat in the winter. “To farm the desert is completely different than trying to farm normally,” Kartchner said.
“My job was to build and maintain the lab where we did soil and plant tissue testing,” Schweitzer said. “We did it all on the farm. I trained people to work in the lab and then designed the irrigation scheduling and fertility scheduling and pesticide management.” There was little precedent for the work he was doing—the area had no log of weather data to assist in the schedules for sowing or irrigation—so it was like starting with a blank slate.
Other countries sent in companies to farm the region, but they struggled. “Some of the foreign companies had a hell of a time,” Kartchner said. “We were really the only American company in there and we were of course the best.” Despite the challenges the crop yields were good.
“If you can get water to it, the desert is actually a fertile place to farm,” Schweitzer said.
Kartchner remembered Schweitzer as one of his first hires on the project. Schweitzer’s starting salary was $2,000 a month. “I figured that was a pretty good wage, considering I was only making $300 a month in grad school,” Schweitzer said. The men at the farm worked ninety days in country (seven days a week) followed by thirty days at home. The company provided housing, food, and entertainment, usually in the form of movies. They wouldn’t allow women or alcohol. Kartchner had a hard time holding on to men for more than a year: “But that was normal. The Americans really don’t like to be over where there’s no women, whiskey, or song.”
But they were pioneers, which appealed to Schweitzer. He was on land that no one had farmed, in a country that was in a constant state of political and military turmoil. He was seeing the world, by God. He was helping lead a monumental farming project in, of all places, the Sahara, and he wasn’t even twenty-five years old.
This first tour in the Middle East was a benchmark for Schweitzer. He had set out with a goal and he had succeeded. He was making his mark. “I relish the opportunity wherever it is, whatever I’m doing, to try something that no one ever has—to try and climb a mountain that nobody thought you could. I don’t have a fear of failure. If I try something and give it my best and it doesn’t work, then I say, ‘Well, I learned something from that.’ Some folks aren’t wired that way. I’m willing to go in and try something that nobody else would.”
Excerpted from the book Blue Man in a Red State by Greg Lemon. Copyright (c) 2008 by Morris Book Publishing, LLC. Used by permission of The Globe Pequot Press, http://www.globepequot.com.
Greg Lemon will discuss his book at the Borders in Bozeman on September 6 (2 p.m.).
From the HuffPo: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-zogby/arabbaiting-is-back_b_22829.html
>>>>>>>>>
More dangerous still are the equally demagogic efforts of populist Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer to promote "coal-to-fuel" technology as a petroleum substitute. Using coal, Schweitzer says would free the US from "the sheikhs, the dictators, the rats and crooks around the world who are bent on destroying our way of life." On another occasion, the Governor noted that with the exception of Canada, the single largest source of imported oil, "most of the countries [that export to the US] do not share American values."
This is all especially disturbing since Schweitzer first emerged on the national stage in 1999 with his widely covered rebuke to Montana's Senator Conrad Burns. Burns had criticized US dependency on foreign oil referring to Arabs as "rag heads." In response, Schweitzer, who had worked for a decade in Saudi Arabia began his press conference with "Alhamdulillah, Salam Alaykum" and chided the Senator for using an anti-Arab slur saying "Senator Burns, please quit calling Montana's customers names." Now, sadly, it appears, the Governor has embraced Burns' Arab-bashing ways.
<<<<<<<<<<<<
I guess that 130 degree heat made him a little cranky.
Craig - I am sure you realize alot has changed since 1999 with regard to the middle east. Furthermore, I don't see Brian's comments as bashing arabs as a whole. He is obviously referring to the powers that be in the oil world and the terrorists. There are a lot of other arabs out there who do not fall into these categories.
Comment By Mr. Bob Dubalina, 8-01-08You know, Greg Lemon is a good writer, but his book, in 100-and-something pages, takes the soft gloves on the Gov. It won't get into the coal issue.
If you want the honest, objective glimpse of Brian Schweitzer without the biographical --if compellingly interesting-- fluff, then check out an early chapter in David Sirota's new book Uprising. It doesn't have nearly the historical insight situated within Montana history that Lemon's book has in such volume. But it has absolutely real takes on the Governor from the inside, and these are really illuminating passages.
Again, Lemon's book is good, and in terms of its historical grasp, is really impressive. But Lemon hasn't seen Schweitzer behind the scenes the way Sirota has. He can't capture the political animal that is Brian Schweitzer. Quite an animal indeed.
Having read both, Lemon's book is awesome at talking about Brian Schweitzer's character and who he is (although there's mute silence on the controversial JCORP program that may have funded many of Schweitzer's projects --see Confessions of an Economic Hit Man for a complete take). Sirota, although he doesn't get too into the coal issue either, shows you Brian Schweitzer the politician. It's good cheet mon.
I disagree with Mr. Dubalina. I've also read both.
I thought Sirota's book was actually more engaging on the historical front than Lemon's book. Lemon does a really nice job of laying out the politica/historical context of Schweitzer's political leadership in a very leadership-profile fashion.
Sirota's uprising, I think, is actually way more incisive in terms of its grasp of historical and political trends, and has a really good nack for little details that help signify the importance of certain political trends ie the blueing of the west, the GOP's rhetoric on taxes, etc.
In Lemon's book, I really liked the colorful anecdotes he brought directly from Schweitzer. You get the feeling that Schweitzer's actually a way more complex, sophistocated, and cultured person than he ever reveals to the public. If anything, his public image seems to actually hide his background instead of magnify it, which is rare for a politician. You know his unusual and very significant experiences abroad --the very experiences that qualify him for higher office in some people's eyes-- seem like something he tries to play down, or not draw attention to.
Lemon's book does a really nice job of pulling these stories out. They're actually quite incredible. The passage here in the exerpt, and another one discussed in a recent Missoula Independent review both reflect what you'll get out of the book: really colorful and kind of spectacular stories about Brian Schweitzer. They're stories you just never would have imagined I guess.
Elf, a lot has changed. The NRA loves Schweitzer and Schweitzer loves the NRA. See: http://brianschweitzer.com/images/NRA.pdf
>>>>>>>>>>>
For Immediate Release: May 27, 2008
National Rifle Association Endorses
Governor Brian Schweitzer
Schweitzer Earns “A” Rating
Billings, MT - This morning, the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF)
announced its endorsement of incumbent Governor Brian Schweitzer for re-election.
Announcing the NRA-PVF endorsement at a press conference in Billings, MT, NRA Executive
Vice President Wayne LaPierre stated, “Governor Schweitzer is a strong advocate for freedom
and for preserving the rights of Montana's gun owners, hunters and sportsmen. He has dedicated
his time as governor to ensuring the preservation of Montana’s great outdoor traditions for
current and future generations. He has earned the endorsement of NRA’s Political Victory
Fund.”
“I’m proud to have the support and endorsement of the NRA,” Schweitzer said. “Gun ownership
and responsibility are values that get passed down from one generation to another in Montana.
No Montanan will forget the days learning gun safety from then father, their mother, or even
their uncle.”
An enthusiastic outdoorsman, Brian Schweitzer has worked to promote access to public lands,
preserve places to hunt and shoot, and has emphasized the importance of habitat protection.
During his first term, Governor Schweitzer provided $10 million for a new public land access
acquisition program that secures key sites for state parks and access to large tracts of public land
for hunting and other outdoor activities.
In addition, Schweitzer reinstated Montana’s buffalo hunt after a 16-year moratorium, increased
funding for shooting ranges in Montana by 500 percent, and made Hunter Management and
Block Management programs permanent in Montana.
Last year, Governor Schweitzer signed Montana’s Emergency Powers Protection Act into law.
His steadfast support for the Second Amendment has earned Brian Schweitzer an “A” rating and
endorsement from NRA-PVF.
“I urge all NRA members and Montana gun owners to vote for Governor Brian Schweitzer,”
Wayne LaPierre concluded. “People in Montana value their freedom, and Brian Schweitzer is the
best candidate to serve them.”
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and
sportsmen's group. Four million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second
Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce
crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for lawabiding
gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services.
<<<<<<<<<<
I just have to respond to this because I feel our beloved Governor is/has not being totally honest and I believe to trust anyone,they have to be honest.Honesty in Govt. is a very extinct word because Govt these days have to scratch each others back,so to speek, to survive.But I also like to judge people/politians with the company they keep.Excellent for judgement.But this Governor since day one has been trying to sell his coal idea to we the people.Don't matter what gets destroyed as long as coal/money fuel this lie.And when this Governor can sleep in the same bed with these people who knowingly kill people, well, all I can say is this Governor is just as guilty as those who continue to kill people by the lies being told to sell Libby Mt as a safe place to live and raise a family.WR Grace and this Governor are in the coal business and this is one reason this Governor has done nothing to stop this deadly continued exposure since 1999 by allowing Libby to be sold as safe.Wake up you sheeple of Montana.Ask this Governor why he has not said to people of Montana/Country, to stay away from Libby as Libby is not safe? He too is killing people/families.He sure ain't saving anyone.Ask him why? Called WR Grace.
Comment By Mike Crill, 8-04-08And that goes for Sen.Baucus,Sen.Tester,Rep.Rehberg,EPA Steven "waste of skin" Johnson,etc etc. who also have done nothing to stop the killings by the lies being told to sell Libby as safe.Knowing this and doing nothing makes all of you guilty for allowing this deadly exposure to continue,even if it kills people.Heartless cold blooded people you all are.Atleast I tell all to stay away from Libby.
Comment By ad-hominem, 8-04-08Yo Mike Crill, yo totally suck!
Your argument sucks because you sound like a loser. I see posing in your schtick because you are a POSER. Mmmkay.
You take at shots a brian schweitzer because you have problems gaining the maximum trajectory on the upstrokification. No what I mean?
You call Tester, Rehberg, the EPA, and errrrybody else of being a liar.
You are wrong because you, my friend, are a liar.
You know what, I bet you're a lobbyist! You're a paid lobbyist!
You're the heartless cold blooded one... your mom used to dress your ass up in funny clothes. Mmmmkay?
We all know brosef.
PS: You're a total punk Mike.
ad-hominem, you are a coward as you hide behind a nom de guerre. According the the State of Montana, Mike Crill is a hero. See: governor.mt.gov/heroes/hero.asp?id=1053
>>>>>>>>>>>
Mike Crill
Hometown: Libby MT
Rank: PFC
Unit Designation: 15th Maintance Co
Branch of Service: Army
Years of Service: 3
General Location of Service: Fulda, Germany
After serving his country, Mike came home to Libby and in 1999 he was diagnosed with asbestos along with most in his town. Mike has continued to serve his country by informing, warning and protecting its citizens from something that kills you as it is killing Mike. Since 1999 Mike has saved thousands of people by telling them the truth that Libby Montana is not a safe place to live and raise a family and to stay away. Mike is a hero.
<<<<<<<<<<
Fact is the real liers are the liers who say I am a lier because they don't know the truth, even if it kills you. But you know the truth,most are dying from this truth,most have friends and loved ones sharing this truth.This truth is all around all you liers and yet you are soooo blind to the truth,the pain and suffering,and yes, even death.Instead of telling the truth, you all have chosen to lie,which will result in the same pain and suffering that all you liers say don't exist.You people truely make me sick...Stay away from Libby Mt as Libby is not safe to anything that breathes.How can you all lie about that?????WHY???
Comment By mountainmover, 8-05-08FYI Mike Crill, you might want to check out your mention on ad-hominem's blog: http://superadhominem.wordpress.com/
He apparently hit bobonbeckwith's blog yesterday too.
Mr. Ad-hominem; your departure from traditional rhetorical substance is concerning.
Today it is believed that over 400 properties cleaned in the last 7 years at a cosy of hundreds of millions is now found to be MORE contaminated with asbestos than what was taken out. Epa said they tested each yard prior to giving the home owner a clean and safe bill of health.People are really mad because their children for sure have been exposed to Tremolite asbestos.When are these people going to go to jail for continueing to kill people by the lies they(EPA.etc) are telling people.Libby is being sold as safe.And now all those yards will have to be redone...One thing we must not forget is the magnatude of asbestos exposure on the people/town by what was done...AGAIN.Each dump truck that drove through town and dumped each deadly load, exposed and re contaminated everything in town.EVERYTHING including all human beings and things that breathe.When is this deadly murderous nitemare going to end.It's been going on since 1999 and began in 1963.Today it is Aug 2008. Over 250 people/families have moved to Libby since 1999 only to be exposed to suffer and die as I and the town. Someone please stop the killings of innocent people.Tremolite asbestos kills you. Libby Mt kills you.Stay away from Libby as Libby is not safe to anything that breathes.Thank you
Comment By MontanaMike, 8-29-08You might want to take a look at:
http://www.eaglesvoice.com
Under "community Forms" > Libby-EPA,Asbestos,LATAG,CAG
Then hit "deadly Ignorance/Stupidtiy"
Apparently he is not thought of very highly in his own community
I AM, liked by few and a few, I like and I like it that way.TOO many Aholes out their to be concerned.I can't help it if I am out numbered by all you jerks out their. To me it doesn't really matter because you don't matter. What matters is what I say and why I say what I say to those who listen and learn the truth which will then save them/ human lives/children from a asbestos fiber called Tremolite that KILLS YOU in a TOWN that has already killed THOUSANDS since 1963.Thousands of people/ entire families wiped out. COMPLETE Generations of family WIPED OUT. This is worse than the plague because the killings continue by a Govt/EPA that lies and tells the people all is safe. A Deadly lie.Doesn't THOUSANDS of LIVES mean anything??? A Whole town for over 40 years. Stay away from Libby Mt.No Children...
This article was printed from www.newwest.net at the following URL: http://www.newwest.net/topic/article/blue_man_in_a_red_state_an_excerpt/C39/L39/