perfidy

Let's compare and contrast, class! It'll be our brain exercise for the day.

Eric Schlosser ("Fast Food Nation") has an op-ed piece in the New York Times last weekend about Ann Veneman, spokeswoman for the Secretary of Agriculture. Prior to this gig, Veneman was PR director for the beef lobby. Her message to America, about the threat of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy? "Remain calm, all is well!"

Meanwhile, the USDA is sending 450 calves to slaughter because they have no way of tracking which one is the offspring of the cow diagnosed with BSE. Also, a batch of beef bones sold mostly in San Jose California is being recalled. "Mmmmm, mom! This sancocho is really good! What's the secret ingredient?" "It's prions, mi hijo!"

According to Ms. Veneman, does the USDA need a better tracking system for cow lineages, and tighter observation of existing nerve-matter feed restrictions? Of course not, silly! All is well!

(also posted to blogcritics)