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Republican outrage continues this week against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which last week encouraged their employees to support a "Meatless Monday" health and environmental initiative.
In response, GOP Sens. John Cornyn (TX) and Charles Grassley (IA) sent around a photo today of a giant Monday order BBQ from Hill Country BBQ in downtown Washington, which included barbecue beef brisket, ribs and sausage.
The USDA first announced the initiative last week, which invited backlash from a number of lawmakers -- mostly Republicans -- whose states thrive on livestock industries.
The USDA did retract its position after coming under that pressure; it said in a tweet on July 25 that the suggestion that was sent around to employees in a July 23 USDA newsletter was not official policy.
Here's their tweet from July 25th:
USDA does not endorse Meatless Monday. Statement found on USDA website was posted w/o proper clearance. It has been removed //
— USDA Press Team (@USDAPress) July 25, 2012@farmbureau
Grassley had been piling on with these tweets:
I will eat more meat on Monday to compensate for stupid USDA recommendationabt a meatless Monday
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) July 25, 2012
Shame USDA.One has to wonder whether the Dept of Ag supports Iowa farmers since it is promoting "meatless Monday " for USDA employees
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) July 25, 2012
"In some of the toughest times they’ve seen in recent memory, Texas cattle ranchers and farmers deserve an Administration who works with them, not one who undermines them with boneheaded decisions from bureaucrats in Washington,” Cornyn said in a paper statement today.
"This is a reminder to USDA that it’s supposed to advocate for American agriculture, not against it," added Grassley.
Leave a Comment:
Meat, its what's for dinner.
Fisty, you able to buy a nice steak with the food stamps my tax dollars provide to you?
This corrupt, anti-democratic, corporate, anti-government ultra-right wing that is now trying to buy up the election will trash ANYBODY in the way of their agenda.
They are cashing in on the worst recession in 50 years:
And using Big domestic and foreign dollars - to RAM through their disaster 'vision' for ordinary Americans.
Keep on "resting" your brain & analytical abilities.
That will suit your party leaders & their corporate benefactors -- both domestic and foreign -- just fine.
Yea, in a Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport bathroom...
I have a question, how does not eating meat, but instead eating fruit, vegetables, fish and seafood (a vegetarian diet) not support American agriculture.
Are vegetables not part of agriculture ?
Oh... that's right, this is republicans complaining. If the original message had been in support of eating more meat on Monday, they would complain about the administration not supporting vegetable farmers....... Got it.
Grassley Tweet:
That's it Johnnie & Chuck...add another ten pounds of undigested red meat to your colon "just because you can, and need to prove a point"...
Ruken
That was LOL funny, right there. You and John, NY are keeping me in 'stitches'.
The Obama campaign has grassroot donors, with an average donation of about 51 dollars.
You didn't think the Democratic Party was going to roll over for the GOP party of Lie/Voter Suppression/No Disclosure/Corporation Love Unlimited - did you?
And that "bailout money" saved your sorry, kingly Arse.
I have some "red-meat" for these rethugs......its called PINK SLIME...Get some!....Obama/Biden 2012
I like my meat too, elephant meat, that is.
I also like pork.
Hahaha, at first I thought the article was referring to "red meat," or was about sacrificing a maiden, perhaps throwing Sarah Palin into a volcano to appease the Almighty to win the election.
GOP poutrage is never ending........
Guess they hate vegetarians/vegans, and of course folks who just don't eat 'red meat' for whatever reason!
It's called the "Nuge" factor. In honor of their mostest best bud, Terrible Ted.
So, you believe in personal choice/responsibility.......so do I....Yeah!
Republicans are the Party of Death:
Death by heart disease
Death by assault rifles
Death by endless war
Death by Obesity and Diabetes
Death from lack of medical insurance
So so true! They are fascists after all. Remember, that is the type of government that encourages only the strong survive. I guess if the Republicans gave it a little more thought they would realize they, and their relatives like the Cheneys with bad hearts would be some of the first unhealthy human beings to get knocked off while the healthier types likes athletes, and our President and his wife, and the poor who can't afford too much meat and work hard for a living, will survive and flourish. They haven't thought that far because that takes some critical thinking skills, which they lack.
Why are people outraged by an employee newsletter? This is not law, this is not a requirement.
Gee reps. from Texas and Iowa whose states are directly inovolved in the production of meat and the feed for the animals the meat comes from and they are opposed to such an Idea? Who'd a thunk it?
Actually for health reasons one could eat fish, or boca burgers one day a week. It wouldn't have to be Monday but Monday seems okay after indulging by pigging out on meat (pun intended) during the weekend.
Because of the drought we are seeing the price of meat go higher. That might also be an incentive to break out the tofu or have a nice bowl of spaghetti with meatless sauce. Try getting protien from cheese instead. We did it during WWII we can do it now.
Much ado about nothing. Those who want to take one day a week and skip the meat, go for it.
I probably will cut back a bit, but no way I'm going vegetarian. And that's my choice. But if others want to do it, go for it. My only problem is with people who try to guilt (some would even force) their way on me. Won't work.