Earlier this month, the former “Terminator” lived up to his name, by rejecting SB 201. Yes, “The Fresh Raw Milk Act 2008, was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger of California.

Click this link for Governor Schwarzenegger’s veto statement.

Many who have worked hard towards the passage of SB 201 have stated that the Governor’s veto was not entirely unexpected. There is much more to this story than just about what is best for consumers.

Click this link for the Letter of Response by Senator Florez

Here is link to a statement from the Mark McAfee,
the founder of the Organic Pastures Dairy.

It’s been a long, hard road for those wanting to preserve their freedom of choice to consume unadulterated, fresh raw milk. Regardless of your preference for animal-based foods, should it be THIS difficult to have guaranteed access to wholesome, live food in its natural state?

In a society where the food industry statistics show dramatically higher rates of problems associated with the consumption of certain “regular foods”, why is it that raw milk deserves such “special” attention? In many cases this can easily be argued as direct harassment.

Is There Something Wrong With This Picture?

Is it just me, or do you think there’s something wrong with this picture, too?
Here we have …..

1. ….. a legislative process in place which includes veto powers assigned to the Governor. Fine so far, except, ……. how do you really know who’s “pushing the pen” or who’s influencing the “pen pusher” ….. ultimately?
   
2. SB 201 has moved through the whole legislative process with almost unanimous legislative support.
   
3. There have been senate hearings mid year, enrolling UC Davis and other scientific experts testifying that HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plans and increased pathogen testing provide a better method of regulating raw milk than with using coliform limits.
   
4. The CDFA (California Department of Food and Agriculture) refuses to testify at these hearings. What!!  …. Why!? (you’d think they’d be happy to contribute their views towards a workable solution).
   Click Here to view a copy of letter from Senator Florez to CDFA secretary A.G. Kawamura regarding this.
   
5. There is strong growth of significant numbers of the population who are passionate about consuming quality, fresh raw milk and voicing compelling anecdotal evidence to back up their choice.

…… yet the Bill gets rejected at the final barrier. Hmmmm.

Raw Milk vs Pasteurized Milk - Totally Different

Through all this, it has been made clear that raw milk is a totally different product than that of pasteurized milk, yet current laws subject them to the same testing procedures. Does this make any sense?

It’s like taking a picture frame
that fits a 3″x 4″ photo,
putting it over a 8″x 10″ photo
and declaring there is a problem
with the  8″x 10″ photo
because it doesn’t fit the frame.

On this point, check out this refreshing article about Dr. Mark E. Gebhart’s, M.D., April 3rd presentation on “Raw milk: a micro-biology primer.” (Dr. Gebhart is assistant professor of emergency medicine at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio).

As Dr. Gebhart states …
“There is a science to medicine,
and also an art.”

For those new to the issues surrounding SB 201 CLICK HERE to access the short 9 minute video on the subject that I highlighted earlier in a June posting.

The Pains of Change?

Perhaps the frustrations that we currently feel throughout the many arenas of what we’d call the “natural health movement” are a result of the slow transition from the rigidity, fearfulness and often, myopic view of the status quo, to one of more openness, tolerance understanding and co-operation towards sustainability. A thought that doesn’t make things any easier, but it does give hope for the future

All that is needed is for awareness of these issues to continue to grow and for more of us to be willing to speak out through whatever channels are available. There are wonderful, passionate, dedicated people out there, working tirelessly towards a beautiful future. 

Despite the gloom and doom so prevalent in the media today, there are powerful, wonderful, positive things happening. 

Where To From Here for Raw Milk ?

1. As Senator Florez has stated, he will continue his legislative push when the new session begins in January.

2. OPDC and Claravale Dairy will continue with their joint lawsuit against the CDFA’s current standard.
   
3. Both dairies are now forced to cope as best they can under the current, challenging conditions. Your understanding and support is welcomed, should product shortages occur at any stage.

What Can You Do To Help?

For specific suggestions please visit the CREMA (California Real Milk Association) page CLICK HERE .

In support of continued education
and freedom of choice for Wholesome, Healthy Living.
Sven