Gimme some of that ole time "crop protection product"

So, Michelle Obama decides to grow a vegetable garden. On almost any plane one views it from, it makes sense, not the least of which is that it sets a good example, particularly since every effort is going to be made to grow the produce without the aid of unnecessary chemical crap.

But as Sabina points out, there ain't no tyranny like that of a good example, and now Michelle Obama has come into the sights of the pesticide and agro-chemical lobby.

In fact, the idea of the US First Lady engaging in organic gardening has the US big-agro lobby in a flat spin. The idea of encouraging people to grow their own food is abhorrent enough, (it will chew through their bottom line like a slug on a lettuce leaf), but to suggest that they do it without a bottle of domesticated agent orange?! Well, they're just not going to stand for it.

So... the Mid America CropLife Association sent Michelle Obama a letter. (Actually they sent it to Mrs. Barack Obama, as though she had somehow surrendered her first name in a convention which died in the latter half of the last century.) Amazingly, the contents of one of the most condescending letters you may ever read made it into the hands of Jill Richardson at La Vida Locavore. You have to read the whole thing, but here's a sample:

As you go about planning and planting the White House garden, we respectfully encourage you to recognize the role conventional agriculture plays in the U.S in feeding the ever-increasing population, contributing to the U.S. economy and providing a safe and economical food supply. America's farmers understand crop protection technologies are supported by sound scientific research and innovation.

Conventional agriculture?! Safe and economical?! Sound scientific research and innovation?! Who are these clowns trying to have on? Not even to mention the newest set of buzzwords designed to camouflage known carcinogens - "crop protection products".

After reading Jill's post, do check out the first comment where one of MACA's obfuscations is thoroughly dispatched.

After that, take the time to check out the officers and board of directors of Mid America CropLife Association. Chemicals anyone?