photo: Atlantian5, Creative Commons

The chants of change and hope are becoming more and more faint to the Obama Administration as they appoint individuals who are hardly the visionary leaders we hoped for. I never expected to fully support all of the Obama Administration’s appointments or policies, but the latest ones have been a real punch in the gut to environmentalists. However, this is not the time for us to whince at the bad news, but to straighten up and continue our fight for national leadership that promotes sustainable environmental policies.

For those of you who happen to be like me–proud locavores and food activists–you are probably disappointed by the news of Obama’s choice of Tom Vilsack for  Secretary of Agriculture. Yes, this is a huge bummer. Despite efforts by groups such as the Organic Consumers Association and activists such as Michael Pollan to press the incoming Administration to appoint him is a real loss to the sustainable food community. Rather than being a voice for change, Vilsack has been a proponent of CAFOs (industrial farming), ethanol and genetically modified crops. Yes, this sounds like the same policies as the Bush Administration because they are the same!  Despite this disappointing news, it’s an opportunity, once again, to get active and local!  takepart with Sustainable Table to learn how you can buy local produce and support sustainable agriculture in your community. And, takepart to sign the Organic Consumers Association’s “Stop Vilsack” petition today.

The disappointing news continues with the appointment of Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) to the helm of the Interior Department. He has a mixed background on land conservation and mining policies. The agency has been marred by scandals and handouts to oil and gas interests under the Bush Administration over the past 8 years. Hopefully Salazar can provide some much needed leadership and spine to stand up to these companies but we can’t be guaranteed right now that he will do so.

The final bizarre appointment of the day is the choice of Rev. Rick Warren of Saddleback Church to give the invocation at the Inauguration.  I don’t know what values Obama shares with Warren, who has a right-wing stance on issues such as abortion, stem-cell research and gay marriage and says his philosophy is similar to that of James Dobson. These certainly are not in line withe the policies espoused by Obama on the campaign trail.

The Obama transition team continues to set up national events and solicit feedback from voters across the country. takepart and make your voice heard today by telling the incoming Administration to appoint individuals who reflect the bold leadership and change that we voted for in November.