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Thursday, October 4, 2012

Chow I Support Washington Berries

Posted by Rob McKenna on Thu, Oct 4, 2012 at 9:54 AM

Rob McKenna didn't write this.

I see some people in online comments are taking issue with the country of origin of my breakfast jam. Of course I support Washington raspberry farmers. I believe our agricultural industry in Washington is poised to boom. As living standards rise around the world, the first thing people want to improve is the quality of their food. With productive wheat fields, nutritious potatoes, world-class fruit and specialty crops, and the most productive dairy cows in the nation, our state is producing the foods Washington residents and the world want and need.

To meet our potential, the state needs to work with farmers to ensure they have the water they need to grow the crops, and the infrastructure in place to get those crops to our in-state and export markets. Farmers trying to make a profit and build their business for the next generation need regulatory certainty so they can focus on the future. And the federal government needs to finally provide reforms that will ensure a stable, legal farm workforce.

Washington agriculture is a critical component of our state economy. Food and food processing make up 12% of the economy, and over 18% of our exports are ag products. Raspberries are crucial to Cascadia agriculture, and I will do everything in my power to make sure it stays that way. My jam choice should reflect this stance, and I intend to change it.

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Rob: Dirty liberal here. Could you talk a little about you stance on I-502?

thanks,

m

Posted by matt! on October 4, 2012 at 10:00 AM

You will need to ship your Washington berries out of the Port of LA, because there might be a welfare rich guy arena in the way. What do you think about that?

Posted by hmmmmm on October 4, 2012 at 10:01 AM

Notice that he didn't say the words "apples" or "onions" at all?

Posted by Baconcat on October 4, 2012 at 10:01 AM

What car manufacturer made your car, your wife's car, and your children's cars?

Posted by Joe Szilagyi

on October 4, 2012 at 10:02 AM

Any produce that uses a guilt trip as its main selling point must have something wrong with it. What are Washington raspberry farmers trying to hide?

Posted by Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn

on October 4, 2012 at 10:16 AM

@4: As a way-left liberal, that's a cheesy gotcha question if you're implying that politicians should only buy American cars.

People should buy the best cars for their needs. Remember the American auto industry crash of the late 70's and early 80's? Do you know why it happened? It was because most Americans blindly bought American cars without regard for product quality, safety, fuel economy, or appearance. American manufacturers did poor work because people would buy crap. And once the gap reached a tipping point... disaster.

I don't care if McKenna drives a Mercedes rather than a Cadillac. I'm not going to vote for the guy because I don't buy Republican dog-eat-dog, poor-eat-poor, rich-eat-caviar policies... but buying the best car for your needs regardless of origin is actually the best thing you can do for the long term health of the auto industry.

Posted by also on October 4, 2012 at 10:17 AM

Rob, top five musical crimes perpetrated by Stevie Wonder in the 80s and 90s → GO

Posted by Walter Poe on October 4, 2012 at 10:18 AM

Woa, you support berries?

That's a pretty controversial stance your taking there, Rob, are you sure you've thought this through?

Posted by seandr on October 4, 2012 at 10:18 AM

That's a shame of a pander -- Wilkin and Sons Tiptree preserves are excellent.

Posted by psbirch on October 4, 2012 at 10:23 AM

What about the fact that Washington has an agriculture labor shortage? This ties in to immigration and job quality. Immigrants, who have all kinds of trouble securing work (and therefore move into criminal activities which lead to deportation, illegal entry - a vicious cycle), need a way to become legal workers, because in this case, money really does grow on trees. Also, people who want low-skill jobs in agriculture could use some state protections too, against wage and employment discrimination. What say you, Mr. McKenna?

Posted by bitethemailman on October 4, 2012 at 10:29 AM

"Raspberries are crucial..."

That's strawberry jam you were featuring on the breakfast table earlier. Strawberries are different than raspberries. If you can't tell the difference, you dont deserve my vote.

Posted by sperifera on October 4, 2012 at 10:51 AM

Just send a jar of our jam to England for every one of theirs you consume, and you'll be GNJ neutral.

Posted by beef rallard on October 4, 2012 at 11:00 AM

Hey, Rob McKenna, we here at Deluxe Foods in Seattle make an exceptional Jeweled Strawberry Preserve with Skagit Valley berries. And if you want raspberry, we've got that, too. Gorgeous Washington fruit, beautifully preserved. Come visit us at the Ballard Farmers Market this Sunday and we'll right your breakfast woes.
www.deluxe-foods.com

Posted by DeluxeRebecca on October 4, 2012 at 11:15 AM

Goldstein, I am gonna sue your slandering, Jew ass three ways from Sunday, you vile, leftist fuck. I'm coming for your raspberries, boy. YOU HEAR ME, GOLDSTEIN, I'M COMING FOR YOUR MOTHER FUCKING RASPBERRIES, YOU JEW MOTHERFUCKER!! Your delicious beans, too. Soon to be all mine.

Posted by therealtrueauthenticrobmckenna on October 4, 2012 at 12:09 PM