As readers of this blog, you’re clearly concerned about food, food politics, sustainability, farmers, health care and fuel.
But will the new president put these issues at the top of his list to address?
Thanks to renowned food activist Michael Pollan, that’s a likely possibility, because he penned a thoughtful, insightful, must-read "letter" (really an article, entitled "Farmer in Chief") in The New York Times Magazine’s special "Food Issue."
Pollan — who is the Knight Professor of Journalism at the University of California at Berkeley and author of several fabulous books, including his most recent, In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto — addresses "Mr. President-Elect" and eloquently tells him that the health of our nation’s food system is "a critical issue of national security."
What’s more, he urges Mr. President-Elect, "you will need not simply to address food prices but to make the reform of the entire food system one of the highest priorities of your administration." Hurrah!
In fact, Pollan exhorts the winner, "unless you do, you will not be able to make significant progress on the health care crisis, energy independence or climate change. Unlike food, these are issues you did campaign on — but as you try to address them you will quickly discover that the way we currently grow, process and eat food in America goes to the heart of all three problems and will have to change if we hope to solve them."
I’m not going to summarize this fabulous article, because you must read this New York Times Magazine piece yourself. (Be prepared — it does run a few pages.)
But I suspect that when done, you’ll say "Wow! He’s so right. Good for him!"
Anyhow, I’m thrilled!
"Thank you, Mr. Pollan" for getting the attention of our soon-to-president with your important New York Times Magazine piece.
Readers, feel free to share your thoughts here about the article.