I have been reading through the various speculations on who will be appointed Obama’s “King of Corn.” I signed a petition today for Michael Pollan. This kind of public statement speaks volumes regardless of the practicality of nominating an intellectual warrior for a physical post. Journalists play just as strong a role in our politics as do those in office, and Michael Pollan has stepped up to that challenge many times. Whether Pollan is the best suited, we need someone better equipped, more knowledgeable, and capable of turning our food system around. It all started with Earl Butz under Nixon. The hope is there will be change under Obama. We need someone in office who can balance the interests of politics, business with quality, health, and the sustainability of our planet’s resources.

Here are links to some interesting articles:

• Michael Pollan’s 10/12 “Farmer in Chief” letter in The New York Times

(If you haven’t read it yet, come on)

• Compelling pitch for Michael Pollan for Secretary and Wendel Berry for Sr. Advisor
• The Daily Green article on Michael Pollan
• Nominee speculation at the Yale Sustainable Food Project
• Breakdown of candidates over at La Vida Locavore
• Food activists give their elevator pitches to Obama over at Grist