Perspective

Why Not?

By Michael Kelsey

One of Robert Kennedy’s most notable quotes is actually him quoting George Bernard Shaw in his play Back to Methuselah, “You see things and you say ‘Why?’  But I dream things that never were and I say ‘Why not?’”

Which do you ask more often than the other?  “Why?” is a favorite of my children.  It is usually brought on by a statement of fact or a general question.  “[Child’s name] did you clean your room?” … “Why?”  “[Child’s name] you need to eat your vegetables.” ... “Why?”  Does this sound familiar in your household?  (I should note that I was never satisfied with “Because I said so!” as a child and I can’t imagine that my own children are satisfied either.  If I claim any intelligence, I will provide – often with intense labor I must admit – a more clear and adult answer.)

At a recent NC Membership Summit, one question discussed was “Why should I join NC and NCBA?”  We agreed quickly with Mr. Kennedy … That is the wrong question.  The real question is, “You are not a member of NC and NCBA. Why not?”  For the rest of the summit, we focused on strategies to share NC and NCBA’s story in an effort to build pride in membership.  

As an answer to “Why not?”, I continue to find it interesting that most of the responses center around one issue and/or a stack of misinformation.  My friend Joe Neil, who served as president of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association several years ago, shared with me a very interesting concept. After a contentious NCBA meeting in which he was in the minority, I was discussing with him his thoughts of fairness, openness and the association’s ability to represent all members. He made a very profound statement. “NCBA works on all issues for cattle producers and we realize that we don’t always agree, but I find that about 85 percent of the time we do. That’s not bad when dealing with an industry as large and complex as ours.”  He went on to add that he has a fantastic marriage and yet he agrees with his wife less than 85 percent of the time. If he stays with her, why would he leave the association?  I learned a lot that day!

If you discuss with folks who use one issue as a reason for not joining NC and NCBA, then I would suggest trying to find the probably hundreds of issues that you both find in common.  Property taxes are too high. Agreed!  Government can get too big (and arguably is) and wants to know too much about our business. Agreed!  Our children need a good education. Agreed!  Beef is good for you and fits well into a healthy diet plan. Agreed!  I could continue for many issues, but you get the point.

Clinging to false information can be nothing but detrimental to both the individual and the association.  One of the primary lessons in graduate school is to test theories and hold an open mind to new information.  We would all do well to heed that creed.  “Mouth closed and ears open,” is a great habit my parents taught me that will build wisdom and experience.  The apostle James put it best, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (James 1:19)

So which will it be?  “Why” or “Why Not?”  NC and NCBA are organizations that ask “Why not?” on a daily basis.  We are working and will continue to work for a better beef business climate while holding to the mission that calls for leadership in the cattle industry here in Nebraska, in the United States and around the world.  That might not be such a profound statement but in terms of philosophy, “Why not?”  Y Michael Kelsey is executive vice president of Nebraska Cattlemen.  He can be reached at mkelsey@necattlemen.org.