National Grange President Says Obama Touts Willingness to 'Overstep' Presidential Authority

Maybe Mr. Obama should walk across Pennsylvania Avenue, through Lafayette Square and to our Grange Headquarters to learn what the role of a president is rather than tell lawmakers that he alone will attempt to solve problems without their consent.

Edward L. Luttrell, National Grange President

(WASHINGTON, DC) - National Grange President Edward L. Luttrell, on Tuesday evening, reacted to President Barack Obama's fifth State of the Union Address, saying "this President has overstepped the authority provided to the office by the Constitution, and tonight he presented a platform that runs in many ways in direct opposition to fundamental principles of our democratic republic."

The Grange, America's oldest standing agriculture advocacy organization, has since its founding in 1867 been a nonpartisan voice for rural Americans and farmers.

"The Grange's structure is similar to that established by America's forefathers. Delegates represent the members of their state and from the concerns of those members and their own conscience, determine our policy, our laws. The president does not make them but instead carries out the will of the people," Luttrell said. "Maybe Mr. Obama should walk across Pennsylvania Avenue, through Lafayette Square and to our Grange Headquarters to learn what the role of a president is rather than tell lawmakers that he alone will attempt to solve problems without their consent. Mr. Obama, you are welcome anytime at a Grange meeting - all of which are conducted in nonpartisan fashion and tolerate open debate - where we teach young and old about their role in our democracy, and we would be happy to the roles of citizens and elected officials in our government."

Established in 1867, The National Grange, a nonpartisan, nonprofit fraternal organization, is the oldest agricultural and rural community service organization. With more than 2,100 local chapters, the Grange has evolved into the nation's leading rural advocacy organization and a major benefactor to local communities. There are more than 160,000 members across the United States. For more information on the National Grange, visit our website at