Wednesday, December 17th, 2008

A Look Ahead – Obama’s Cabinet

Vilsack might not be a bad choice for Secretary of Agriculture after all. According to Michael Markarian (featured through Wayne Parcelle’s Blog of The Humane Society):

Vilsack has a solid record on animal protection, and he was the top choice of HSUS and HSLF to lead the USDA, the agency that oversees our federal laws on animal welfare, humane slaughter and transport, horse protection, animal fighting, and others. Nearly 90,000 animal advocates contacted the transition team through our website, expressing how important it was to pick an animal-friendly Agriculture Secretary and recommending Vilsack as an excellent choice. The Obama Administration listened to your views, and this appointment demonstrates what an important voice animal advocates can have as a political constituency.Read more here.

And, according to the Washington Post… Vilsack pledged that the agriculture department would play a role in “providing American leadership on climate change and making America a nation truly dedicated to health and nutrition.”

I’m relieved he’s animal friendly – that’s for sure. I just hope he smartens up about organics, too. It’s his job to follow Obama’s lead, which according to his campaign – Obama is pro-organic!

WE WON! NO VILSACK FOR SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE!

by Kristen in gmo, obama, organic, vilsack

Last week I blogged about President-Elect Obama considering Vilsack for Secretary of Agriculture. Well…

WE WON!
WE WON!
WE WON!

CHECK IT OUT!!! Here is what Organic Consumers Association reported:

In last week’s Organic Bytes, the OCA alerted readers that President-elect Obama was considering former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack for USDA Secretary of Agriculture. Vilsack has been an ardent supporter of Monsanto, genetically engineered crops, and corn and soy-based biofuels. Thanks to vocal opposition from thousands of you in the OCA network, Vilksack’s nomination has now been withdrawn. Although Vilsack told the Des Moines Register he didn’t want to comment on why he had been sacked, sources at the Obama transition headquarters reported “a flood of calls and emails” from organic consumers opposing Vilsack’s nomination. Thanks to your participation, the OCA office in Washington, DC is submitting a petition with 8,000 signatures to Obama’s transition team this week, urging Obama to take a strong stand in support of organic food and farming.

IMPORTANT: Tell President-Elect Obama "NO Vilsack Secretary of Agriculture!"

by Kristen in Monsanto, obama, organic, vilsack

According to the Organic Consumers Association:
It has been widely reported that former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack is being considered for the Secretary of Agriculture position in the Obama Administration. (WTF???) Vilsack is no friend of organic food and farming and his appointment would represent a major disappointment for the organic movement.

But there is still time to make your voice heard.

Speak your mind! If you agree that Vilsack would be a bad choice for secretary of agriculture, then sign the petition here right away. Or, you can tell President-Elect Obama your views on his website here. Heck, while you’re at it, give him a call at (202) 540-3000!

Take this another step beyond signing the petition and pass it on! I posted this on the Crazy Sexy Cancer forum and it’s getting a lot of play, so if you know of somewhere else to post (including your own blogs), then let’s do it!