Trying to promote a healthy day for the residents of her state, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm has drawn fire for declaring March 20, 2010, Michigan Meatout Day.
“In observance of this day, I encourage the residents of this state to choose not to eat meat,” proclaims the governor. “Eating a healthy diet can be fun. Explore the different recipes that can be created by using fresh ingredients and by having a sense of adventure.”
In her proclamation, Granholm cites the benefits of a plant-based diet—promotes good health and reduces exposure to infectious bacteria— and acknowledges that the numbers of those choosing a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle has increased.
The decision to advocate a statewide meatless day caused state officials to feel the rath of the Michigan agriculture industry prompting the Senate to pass a resolution calling for the Governor to rescind the proclamation. (The vote was supported by 22 Republicans and 3 Democrats.)
Instead of abiding by the vote, Granholm issued a separate proclamation also naming Saturday as Michigan Agriculture Day saying, “I urge all Michiganians to join me in recognizing the importance of our agricultural industry, from farm to fork, and to help celebrate this day with meals made with a variety of local Michigan ingredients, including but not limited to meat, vegetables, and dairy products.”
So what is it Chief? Meat out or meat in?
While it is a fact that meat-eaters typically win 365 days of the year, it appears that Big Ag couldn't spare one day away from the mass ingestion of cow burgers or pig roasts, once again causing another politician to cave to the whims of the industry.
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