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Topic: National Geographic unfair to North Dakota!!!
| Author | Message |
| carrington | Posted – 1/18/2008 1:35:05 PM | show profile | email poster I sent a letter to the National Geographic in a knee jerk response to an unbalanced and unfair article about my state of North Dakota. I received no response! I am so surprised at the biased and unfair representation of my beloved state. I am a transplant from the San Francisco Bay area, as I married a farmer. I am enamored not only with him, but also with the beautiful state I now call home. This is a haven where you can actually hear silence. I have learned to really enjoy life; here you can be an independent person and actually live. This one person's view is so narrow and leaves out everything that is really happening here. He neglects to show the seasonal changes of the landscape; the fields of sunflowers who turn their heads to follow the sun, the fields of rich brown soil to the emergence of the hard red wheat and the gradual change in color as it grows to maturity, from the green shoots to red golden shafts waving like the ocean caused by the wind, and then you remember one of our national songs where you sing, "and amber waves of grain." Furthermore, the seas of blue flax and yellow canola are breathtaking. Yes, there is corn, potatoes, edible beans, and thank God for the soybeans!!!! Farms are not abandoned. They are now larger farms, and the older farmers are now retired. The next generation is now farming, and through new technology we are feeding the world not only this country. We have ethanol plants, coal, windmills, and provide energy to meet the needs of our population. Not to mention the great strides our universities are making in advancing technological science (i.e. NDSU, one of 5 national universities offering advanced degrees in polymer studies). I still can't believe what has been unfairly stated in your magazine without addressing the positive happenings here. Yes, this article is a serious affront to the state's citizens. Make no mistake about it, any other state's population would also be greatly offended. The National geographic I knew, reported on the landscape and the ways in which people live and thrive in their respective communities. The continuance of many different cultures on the prairie is fascinating, and unfortunately he didn't provide for a fair and balanced representation our state. One last comment; the beauty of North Dakota during all it's seasons is inescapable. It is your responsibility to provide an article with the time taken to meet the people, see how we live, and tell what we are really doing here. I donated a 20 year collection to a friend of mine who wanted them for her classroom. There were too many to travel with; so, I reluctantly parted with them. I have also given subscriptions as gifts. After reading this article, I will never read, recommend nor purchase your magazine again. This unknown state full of amazing people takes education and the well-being of their youth very seriously. There are many talented children. There are many terrific teachers, who wear many hats because of their dedication and love. I am baffled that an article such as this could possibly have been published. Such irresponsibility from a world renowned magazine is shocking to me. National Geographic and all it's prestige is now at the level of the "National Enquirer". As far as I am concerned, your magazine published an irresponsible author, who trashed our nation's heartland whose people have great heart. Our state is not in a recession, we are growing and expanding at all levels; economically, agriculturally, educationally, and scientifically. Sincerely, Meredith Frost |
| foto | Posted – 1/18/2008 2:01:36 PM | show profile Yeah, nobody ever has a good thing to say about the midwest. |
| sue ellen mischke | Posted – 1/18/2008 3:13:37 PM | show profile Perhaps if you would have included some relevant stats instead of an emotional argument, they would have responded. |
| carrington | Posted – 1/18/2008 3:31:20 PM | show profile Donna Chang In case you didn't notice there were some relevant examples of growth in this state, but if you want to look up some stats for me it would be greatly appreciated! Meredith from ND |
| wineaux | Posted – 1/18/2008 7:12:20 PM | show profile A lot of people who aren't intimate w/ the unique type of growth going on in agriculture, and in this case the U.S., don't understand that the farmer is having a fantastic resurgance that has been set in motion quite recently. In particular, in the organic arena. I know many organic and/or sustainable, and/or boidynamic farmers/growers who are really revolutionizing the way we eat. The wheels have been in motion for some time, and discounting the Midwest, when that is where the majority of the world's wheat, soy corn us grown, is short sighted, or maybe just fairly uninformed. Or, maybe it is such a huge topic in and of itself they chose not to tackle it in one article? The buyer has become more and more savvy about food that is more healthful and isn't loaded w/ additives,pesticides and Lord knows what else. People want to purchase things that have been grown as close to where they live as possible, and seek it out. The market is adjusting to this, and more people will take notice that the part of the country where you live, in particular, is the largest producer of the crops that will help to get this country back in the Green arena's good graces. I liked that your letter was heartfelt. I read and have to deal w/ so much on the other end (the nitty gritty food safety end) that I would think a publication like NG would appreciate something a little more emotional, especially from a grower. Particularly from a reader, too. I may be a resident of Nebraska within the next few years, since my family and I are in the organice food production business, so maybe I'll be apart of the fight with you sometime soon. Keep up the very important work you are doing, and don't worry about the lack of response on their part. I think the world will notice a change in the tide sooner, if not later. And, what better than to be as passionate about your livelihood as you are? That's the kind of person who usually is happiest and most successful, I think. |
| carrington | Posted – 1/18/2008 11:08:22 PM | show profile | email poster wineaux Thank you for your response. Someone gets it. It restores my faith in people. We are not alone. This is a part of the country I would read about when I was growing up. I was fascinated by Laura Ingalls Wilder's stories of life on the prairie. Never did I imagine that I would one day marry a man who was living the life I romanced about. And here I am. Life could never be better. The way the economy is going in the rest of the country I feel fortunate to be here. Growing food for the world is an important way to spend your life. I am proud of what we do and love every aspect of farming. It is hard work but more satisfying than anything I have ever done. We eat foods without additives, preservatives, and artificial coloring. I use herbs that I grow to season food in place of salt. I grow, can, and freeze most of the food we eat. I make my own bread and baked goods. There is no better flour in the world than our red spring wheat. Many of the vegetables I grow are heirlooms and the difference is remarkable. I raise free range chickens and turkeys as well. They are tender and juicy and I know what they eat. I also have layers and the eggs are fresh. Before living on the farm I don't think I ever had a fresh egg. Now I know the difference. I don't use pesticides in my gardens. I use trap and repellent plants. They do work and our food is chemical free (ie. potato bugs hate marigolds, works like a charm). My husband and I also make elderberry and grape wines and we never get a headache as we did with the commercial wines. We are a healthy bunch and longevity prevails here. It's the good living in North Dakota. Meredith Frost |
| writesonwater | Posted – 1/19/2008 11:37:36 AM | show profile Hey Meredith == read your note with interest. I have roots in North Dakota - my grandmother's family went there from Norway. My brother in law is a principal there, and the schools are great. And my in-laws moved there from Minneapolis, and they said they wished they'd gone years ago. Having been there/driven through many times, I can also say that for an ag state, it smells way better than Iowa! ;) As states go, North Dakota is definitely underappreciated. I wish I was close by enough to schmooze over some of that homemade wine, and to break some of that good bread. And thanks for growing our food! ;) |
| wineaux | Posted – 1/19/2008 11:42:30 AM | show profile Meredith, that sounds like absolute heaven! We have a lot in common. Well, I don't have a farm in the midwest, but a lot of what you do is what I'm interested in and what my husband does for a living. And, I'm with you about American wines and sulfites. I can't drink much of it without a pounding head, and used to write and review about American wines exclusively. I really wish there was more of a push in the U.S. for organic wines. There is nothing in the world like a fresh egg. In my part of the world, that is a luxury. I did some writing for a local non-profit that also ran a farmer's market, and my top priority was buying eggs from a local chicken farmer that was totally organic. $8 for a dozen of eggs that was worth every penny. I can't wait until spring! |
| carrington | Posted – 1/19/2008 11:59:45 AM | show profile | email poster Should be of interest to National Geographic I think it would have been far more news worthy to the readers of their magazine to have covered the state of North Dakota's wind energy. We rank first in the nation in wind resources. I guess little is known about Edgely, ND where ND II is located; the states second largest wind farm; the largest generator of wind energy in our country. The 14 - 1.5 mega watt wind turbines produce 21 megawatts of electricity. This is enough energy to power more than 5,000 homes in our state. We do still get most of our electricity from coal, but we are taking great strides toward a future in wind energy; a clean energy source, another very important product of Norh Dakota. We have the wind and it is renewable. Soon with advancing technology our state will be the green, clean, cost effective suppliers of wind energy to not only our state, but our neighbors; South Dakota and Minnesota. Yes, we are on the map. Now everyone knows of the importance of Edgely, ND. There is so much more to say about the great state of North Dakota, my home. Sincerely, Meredith Frost |
| carrington | Posted – 1/19/2008 12:57:10 PM | show profile writesonwater Roots are so important. It's a big part of who we are and where we are from. They give us strength and support no matter where we may travel. They add flavor to a great conversation. Maybe one day you and your family will return. There is a saying here that seems to hold true. "Our children will leave to see the world, but we know they will return." The memories of kinship, friendship and love of the land is imprinted in our children's' hearts and stays there as a gentle reminder of what is truly important in life. The desire for freedom and peace of mind is also a huge draw and hard to resist. Once we get you here it will make you spellbound. I have seen it happen. It happened to me. I may even know your family! Everyone knows everyone here and it is very comforting. I used to love my anononimity in CA., but that was grossly overrated. Now I see someone I know everywhere and there is always a warm exchange. I realize now that I smile more and feel happier. I see people who know me and greet me with such warm and sincere friendliness. What was I thinking when I thought I enjoyed being anonymous. I encourage you to come and stay for a while; you will be enchanted too. You won't want to leave. Sincerely, Meredith |
| carrington | Posted – 1/19/2008 3:09:26 PM | show profile Thanks for the supportive responses. There are some things that need to be said. I'm glad I spoke for my state. And I truly appreciate the support of everyone who responded. Until the next time. Sincerely, Meredith Frost |
| foto | Posted – 1/20/2008 1:07:45 AM | show profile I believe the National Geographic article made a minor mistake, they were actually talking about SOUTH Dakota! |
| carrington | Posted – 1/20/2008 1:43:03 PM | show profile foto Well, no one can say that the people of South Dakota don't have a sense of humor! In that case though, the author should really do some traveling other than by plane. Much better way to take photographs and really find out what is going on and maybe actually take some time for discovery. I think South Dakota is magnificent by the way. Sincerely, M. |
| foto | Posted – 1/20/2008 2:33:42 PM | show profile Meredith, please tell me the differences between North and South Dakota, historically, culturally, economically, culinarily, etc. Why are there two of them anyway(is it like north and south korea?) What do North Dakotans think of South Dakotans and vise versa. |
