Governor Faces Fall Out from Michigan Meatout

The manure really hit the fan in the office of Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm today as media reports picked up on protests over the governor’s proclamation of Michigan Meatout Day. While the governor herself has not commented on the situation, explanations from her press secretary did not improve the situation with agriculture interests.

According to spokesperson Liz Boyd, “We did not see the proclamation as belittling” to farmers, hunters or meat-eaters. Seriously? Boyd explained that the governor receives so many requests to make proclamations that she tries to accommodate as many as she can. This one came from the Michigan director of the Great American Meatout. I wonder what she would say to a request from Michigan Right to Life for a Celebrate Life Day in the state – I’m guessing it would be rejected without even serious consideration.

The backlash over the proclamation has come fast and furious throughout the day, from being blasted by the Michigan Agri-Business Association and Farm Bureau, to the state senate now calling on the governor to rescind the proclamation.

In response, the governor’s office hastily put together a proclamation making March 20 Michigan Agriculture Day, to recognize all of agriculture in the state, including meat – a proclamation that totally contradicts Meatout Day.

“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.”

It seems that the governor and her staff were honestly shocked by the reaction they received regarding the proclamation, but I find that incredibly hard to believe. Hopefully, they will think twice about it in the future.