In Defense of Michael Pollan

The Santa Clara County Library system has a program called Silicon Valley Reads. The idea is to have everyone in the valley read the same book, and then to participate in events or actions surrounding the themes in that book. For 2010, the book is In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. I have read it. Good stuff. Synopsis comes from the introduction: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

Kick-Off of Silicon Valley Reads 2010

with Michael Pollan, in person, interviewed on-stage by Mercury News columnist Mike Cassidy

Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010 7:30 p.m.

Heritage Theatre, Campbell Ave. @ Winchester Blvd., Campbell, CA

Free! First come, first seated!

Pollan's appearances can produce controversy. When he spoke at Cal.Poly SLO back in October, David Wood, the chairman of Harris Ranch Beef Company, threatened to revoke a pledge of major financial support to the university unless Pollan's appearance was turned into a panel discussion with representatives of BigAg to present a "balanced view".

I find it unacceptable that the university would provide Michael Pollan an unchallenged forum to promote his stand against conventional agricultural practices.

Read the story in LA Times which quoted from or San Luis Obispo Tribune where it generated a substantive discussion.

That is the way that our underfunded education system works on behalf of Corporate America.