"People don't understand rural America. Sixteen percent of our population is rural, but 40 percent of our military is rural. I don't believe that's because of a lack of opportunity in rural America. I believe that's because if you grow up in rural America, you know you can't just keep taking from the land. You've got to give something back"

This quote by Tom Vilsack talks with the importance of rural America and individuals who live there. He explains that although just 16% of the populace is country, 40% of the armed force is country. This suggests that country Americans have a strong inner voice and also nationalism. Vilsack believes this is not because of a lack of chance in rural America, however rather because country Americans recognize the relevance of repaying to the land. This quote highlights the importance of rural America as well as the people that live there, as well as the demand to recognize and appreciate their contributions to society.