Get out on the playground

I remember back in fourth grade I was feeling sorry for myself because no one would play with me, and I was leaning up against the school building all by myself. My teacher, Mrs. James, came up and asked me what was wrong, and I choked out that no one wanted to play with me. She told me to get over myself and get out there and join in. (Teachers were tough back in those days.) She was right. I went out and was immediately part of the play group. This was the same teacher who also put my desk in the hall for talking too much.  

Fast forward to today, and I am thinking those lessons need revisiting. You need to step up and join the group you are interested in, and talking without a purpose puts you in the hall.  

Recently we have had a series of decisions that have caused some consternation to Pro 15.  Our board felt it was time to speak out.

We are extremely disappointed with the appointment of animal rights activist and avowed vegan Ellen Kessler to the State Board of Veterinary Medicine. Her comments about livestock, her championing of vegan, and her disparaging remarks about 4-H and what it teaches our youth are particularly troubling. As a nonpartisan group, we champion all sides of an issue. It is fine to appoint someone who is critical of an industry and dedicated to ensuring that the industry operates safely and humanely. To be opposed to the industry’s existence and against legitimate educational efforts regarding the industry crosses the line. That attitude is unhelpful and has no place on the commission. Over the years we have said the same thing about other appointments.

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