Jamie Saul: Hightower one of many fine conference events

Letter to the editor  —  4/09/2008 8:38 am

Dear Editor: I would like to thank Anita Weier for her coverage of Saturday's conference on the environmental impacts of large livestock operations in Wisconsin. Jim Hightower was as inspiring as always, and we greatly appreciate his energizing keynote address.

The scope of Saturday's conference went well beyond Hightower's rousing call to action, however. Almost 200 people spent a sunny day indoors to hear a variety of engaging speakers address many pressing issues.

We heard Mike McCabe of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign implore us to "follow the money" in Wisconsin politics if we want to advance the changes to our agricultural system that we so desperately need.

We listened as organic farmer and activist Jim Goodman drew the connection between consumer and farmer, reminding us to actively support a local, sustainable, organic food economy.

We learned about the impacts of intensive livestock agriculture on our air and water quality and public health.

And we heard the compelling stories of ordinary citizens from around the state who have faced life-threatening health problems and the destruction of natural resources as a result of careless agricultural practices.

Conference attendees came to recognize that the problems we face are complex, and that progress will only come through collaboration and a positive vision. Jim Hightower's rollicking speech was indeed a high note of the conference, but only a small part of an incredible day of learning.

Jamie Saul

Madison

Letter to the editor  —  4/09/2008 8:38 am