Just Say "No" to Vilsack!

I really am sorry that this blog has become so negative recently. I am looking forward to the coming years when there will be wonderful positive things happening. But we aren't there yet!

First of all, Obama has nominated Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture. Here is part of a couple of emails I received from Organic Consumers Association about Mr. Vilsack and this job:

President-Elect Obama's choice for Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, will be responsible for directing the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its $90 billion annual budget, including the National Organic Program, food stamp and nutrition programs, and agriculture subsidies. But you can help stop his confirmation. . .

Far from representing the "Change" which Obama has promised, Vilsack has a disappointing record of promoting controversial genetically engineered foods, biopharm crops, and animal cloning, as well as cheerleading for unsustainable biofuels derived from corn and soybeans. In addition Vilsack has come under fire for aiding and abetting chemical and energy-intensive industrial agriculture, including Iowa's infamous Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). . .

Please join the Organic Consumers Association and help us stop Vilsack's Senate confirmation and lobby for a Secretary of Agriculture that reflects our organic and social justice values. Urge your friends and family to take action today: http://www.stopvilsack.org/

I just found an AP article about Vilsack online which implies that there has been "little opposition." We must make sure that the opposition to him is heard!

Vilsack confirmation hearing set for next week
By MIKE GLOVER Associated Press Writer, 11:30 PM CST, January 5, 2009
DES MOINES, Iowa - U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin says the confirmation hearing for former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack as the nation's next agriculture secretary will be on Jan. 14. President-elect Barack Obama chose Vilsack for the post. Harkin, an Iowa Democrat who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, predicts an easy confirmation for Vilsack.

Since leaving office, Vilsack has taught at Drake University's law school in Des Moines and has been a consultant with a variety of clients. ... Though Vilsack hasn't had a broad history with agricultural issues, his appointment has stirred little opposition and his confirmation is likely to be routine. If he wins confirmation, close attention will be paid to who he selects from Iowa to help him run the agency.

At fooddemocracynow.org you can read about their suggestions for Under Secretary of Agriculture, who will have to be very strong to stand up to Vilsack's friends in companies like Monsanto.