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July 29, 2010

Anonymous The Kokomo Tribune Thu Jul 29, 2010, 07:55 PM EDT

—

Looking out across his 1-acre garden, Shawn Clements saw green beans, tomatoes, squash and a dozen other vegetables. What he didn’t see was politics, and we didn’t see it either.

Nestled on the property of the Dunham House just south of Kempton in western Tipton County, Clements’ garden has connection to the Obama family, just like the house itself.

The property that once belonged to President Barack Obama’s ancestors is now home to what Clements hopes will become a growing source of fresh produce for area agencies who feed the hungry. He got the idea from first lady Michelle Obama’s push to end childhood obesity.

So far this year, volunteers have picked almost 800 pounds of vegetables. He is aiming to harvest at least 2,000 pounds before the season ends.

He’s already delivered some produce to a domestic violence shelter in Indianapolis. He also plans to donate produce to the Kokomo Rescue Mission, where development director Bebe Dorris is ready and waiting for the extra food.

But some agencies in the Kokomo area are not so enthusiastic, with some even turning down the fruits of Clements’ labor.

He credits the refusal with the homestead’s connection to the Democratic president.

“If your issue is with politics and not with helping hungry people or with history, then your problem is not with me. It’s with yourself,” Clements said.

We couldn’t agree more.

We’re not talking about politics, we’re talking about people. Hungry people who depend on food pantries for their family’s survival.

Area food pantries are struggling to keep up with the demand. Responding to the growing need, groups, organizations and individuals have put on food drives and raised thousands of pounds of food. We’ve never heard of a donation being turned away. Clements’ donation should be no different.

Regardless of which side of the political aisle it was grown on, a tomato tastes the same.

Politics need to be set aside and our focus needs to be redirected to what’s best for our neighbors.

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