Republicans Aghast at Suggestion that We Eat Less Meat to Conserve Water

Much of the U.S. is suffering from extreme drought right now. In response, the USDA made a non-binding recommendation that its employees who want to conserve water could refrain from eating meat on Mondays. They were joining the "Meatless Monday" campaign, backed by thousands of cafeterias around the country. Well, some republicans didn't like this very much:

"...upon the release of the USDA newsletter, lawmakers who have pocketed massive campaign contributions from the meat-centric agribusiness industry were out in force — as if the agency had declared war on the American Way of Life. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, called the recommendation “heresy” and pledged to “have the double rib-eye Mondays instead.” Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, told his drought-stricken constituents that “I will eat more meat on Monday to compensate” for the USDA suggestion. And Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, proudly posted a photo to his Facebook page showing a Caligulian smorgasbord of animal flesh that his Senate colleagues were preparing to scarf down as a protest against USDA."

Where, oh where, is the pragmatism in our politics?

“Meatless Monday”: Where’s the beef? (Salon)