Letter to the Editor: 'Meatless' Leads to Gutless

To the Editor:

Further evidence of the dominant nature of special-interest politics which does harm to the general public is the virulent negative reaction to a United States Department of Agriculture memo suggesting that its employees enjoy "meatless Mondays."

The national Cattlemen's Beef Association struck back with the following editorial hysteria, that this initiative is "an animal rights extremist campaign to ultimately end meat consumption." Not to be outdone, Texas agriculture commissioner Todd Staples called for the USDA to “fire the ones responsible” for these “appalling endorsements” and “treasonous comments.” Cattle country U.S. Sen. John Thune took umbrage as well, asserting that "South Dakota farmers and ranchers deserve an ally in the Department of Agriculture, not an adversary. USDA should be committed to policies, both internally and externally, that support our nation’s food and livestock industry."

In predictable fashion, the USDA responded to the high-powered criticism by retreating with its tail between its legs, stating that the initiative was a "mistake" as it was rescinded.

Heaven forbid that the American people would enjoy a healthful, vegan meal once in a while rather than one whose central feature is meat, a product which has been linked to obesity, heart disease, and a host of other life-threatening conditions.

I hope the USDA has learned its lesson, that the Davids who seek to instill good health habits in the American people will be crushed by the Goliaths who know what is best for us.  We Americans are defined by our beef, something we have always enjoyed and shall always enjoy.  Keep your hands off of it, USDA!

Oren Spiegler
Upper St. Clair