A self-made man of independence takes his stand

David Jungerman is a 72-year-old Missouri farmer — a rather cantankerous 72-year old Missouri farmer. Not long ago, he hired someone to paint a pithy message on the side of an old trailer.

“Are you a producer or parasite,” the sign reads. “Democrats — party of parasites.”

Then Jungerman planted the trailer on his property along U.S. 71 south of Kansas City, where thousands could see it every day, because he wanted to protest those who “always have their hand out for whatever the government will give them.”

Some didn’t like it. At least one jerk didn’t like it a lot, and tried to burn it down. Twice. Local Democratic leaders have condemned the attempted arson.

But as it turns out, this stalwart champion of personal independence, this stubborn opponent of government handouts, has himself sought out and received federal handouts. And not just a little. Since 1995, the Kansas City Star reports, Jungerman has collected more than $1 million in federal farm subsidies. He of course claims that his case is different. It’s just his own tax money coming back to him, you see?

And now you know … the rest of the story. Good day!

(H/t Zaid Jilani at Think Progress)