> Farmers are an independent group...who receive billions in federal subsidies.
> They are used to relying on their own skills and hard work
Almost universally using machines and seeds designed by engineers and scientists in "The City". (excluding Amish farmers, in which case, my sincerest apologies for the skepticism.)
> I think it is an overreach for John Deere and other manufacturers to control what I do with my (my!) devices. I really hope this law gets passed to prevent companies from doing this.
Agreed. And in return for that legal protection, farmers should concede their subsidies.
> I think they picked a fight with the wrong people.
Definitely. Not because farmers are rugged individualists, but because they have extremely effective lobbying organizations and are very well-connected in DC.