“Meatout Day” Draws Fire

KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- It was meant to promote the healthiness of balanced vegetarian diets, but Michigan's agriculture industry is steaming mad at Governor Granholm over an official proclamation that Saturday is "Michigan Meatout Day."

Michigan Farm Bureau President Wayne Wood decried the proclamation as being based on the philosophies of "food elitists," and members of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs called on people to observe the Meatout Day with a massive cookout on the lawn of the state Capitol.

The majority of the Michigan Senate sided with the Farm Bureau, reports the Detroit Free Press, as all 22 Senate Republicans were joined by three Democrats in passing a resolution calling on the Governor to take back the idea, saying that it could be damaging to the industry.

Others, meanwhile, complained that perhaps their time would be better spent discussing education reform. In any case, the governor is issuing a second proclamation making Saturday Michigan Agriculture Day.