May 14 2010
Vilsack Offers Penance for “4H-Gate”
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack appeared on Agritalk Radio yesterday to share his thoughts about the 2012 Farm Bill.
Among other ag-related subjects, AgriTalk host Mike Adams asked Vilsack about a blunder at the recent 4H national conference that involved USDA decision-makers allowing HSUS to present its animal rights material to youngsters in attendance.
Adams asked Vilsack if he personally knew about the decision and whether he agreed with it. Here’s how he responded:
Well, I was not aware specifically of that decision, but it does point out the fact that we probably do not have and did not have adequate oversight, and we’ve obviously got to take full responsibility for that. That’s one of the reasons why we’re conducting a review of the process.
I think you’ll see two important changes. First, 4H national headquarters will screen all handout materials to be brought to conferences by workshop presenters to make sure they’re relevant to the conference theme and to the young people who are attending. Secondly, workshop proposals will undergo a review by a panel of USDA, National Institute of Food and Agriculture national program leaders—subject experts—to make sure the content is accurate and credible for young people. So we’re going to conduct better oversight here at the national office.
Sounds to us like HSUS will be PETA non grata at next year’s 4H conference.
You can listen to the whole Vilsack interview here (it’s about 12 minutes long).
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Posted on 05/14/2010 at 12:02 PM by the HumaneWatch Team
Audio & Video • Animal Agriculture • Gov't, Lobbying, Politics • (7) CommentsComments
Sharon- I couldn’t agree more.
I agree, HEADS SHOULD ROLL and I’m not that tickled over Vilsack’s statement but maybe I’ve been at this too long?
Tom Vilsack was a very supportive of HSUS as Governor of Iowa and Pacelle & Co lobbied to get him selected for the USDA job. His statement is exactly what you’d expect.
Why am I not surprised??!!
I hardly call the Humane Society a “radical animal rights group”...That’s absurd! And further more, using animals for whatever you feel like and in any way you want is irresponsible and egocentric. Do you believe that animals should have no rights!.... come on!
And what “rights” do you think they should have?
I do believe PEOPLE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE and COMPASSIONATE, tho!
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I have been a 4H volunteer for 20+ years in many capacities. This situation has caused me to seriously examine my relationship with 4-H. Obviously, 4-H was not 100% to blame. I am pleased to finally see someone take responsibility for this issue. Thank you Secretary Vilsack for your statements. It’s not quite an apology, but it is a an improvement over prior handling of the situation. When kids are fed the agenda of a radical animal rights group like HSUS at a 4-H function with the consent of the United States Department of Agriculture, is it NOT an oversight or a little blunder. It is a massive error in judgement. A review of the process is definately in order. In addition, someone needs to lose their job over this situation because they do not understand the most serious issue threatening US Agriculture and are therefore not qualified to be working for the USDA.