Mike Nominated for White House Farmer!!!

Imagine my surprise when on Wednesday Jan. 28th I was directed to a web site, http://whitehousefarmer.com/, to find my name listed as a nominee for becoming the White House Farmer. "Inspired by a recent New York Times article by Michael Pollan, an Illinois family is sowing support for a White House farmer with a Web site allowing people to nominate and vote for their favorite growers.

Michael Pollan called for the appointment of a White House farmer to complement the White House chef. Pollan suggested replacing five acres of the White House's South Lawn with an organic fruit and vegetable garden.

The nominees range from 10 teens in Alameda, Calif., who grow food for more than 500 formerly homeless people to former pro basketball player Will Allen, an urban farmer in Milwaukee. The election ends Saturday, when organizer Terra Brockman plans to forward the names of the top three vote-getters to the White House.

More than 100 farmers from 33 states and Washington, D.C., had been nominated by Thursday afternoon, while more than 27,000 votes had been cast."

According to Brockman, nominations and votes trickled in at first, but then word spread among farming and foodie groups. In the past few weeks, "it's kind of gone crazy," said Brockman, 50, of Congerville, Ill.

I am flattered to have been nominated and to be considered among such a distinguished and accomplished group of farmers. Though I am treating this whole affair with tongue in cheek it has raised some rather interesting questions for me.

First, I am thrilled that something like this has even taken place; that 27,000 votes have been cast as a result of one families vision, and that the voting public of foodies and farm advocates got out there and cast votes. It's encouraging to think that the top three candidates could be presented to the President and that in turn might actually be appointed. That's a lot of maybes, but I get excited whenever I witness these experiments in democracy.

The nomination has also prompted me to ask some of the tough questions like "what could I offer in a position like this". It quickly makes clear to me that I am primarily an egotist driven by things like fear of failure and selfishness. However, like all things I cannot help but posses some redeeming qualities, and also found my self taking inventory of those qualities which make me unique among such a distinguished group of farmers. The bottom line is that were I ever given an opportunity like this I think it would support the idea that "anything is possible", and I would delight in the value of the experience for my daughter. Beyond that I really do believe that from a brass tacks perspective, few can offer the level of fortitude, the experience, and the work ethic that I would bring to the position.

That said, if you have not yet cast your votes please do so. The two front runners have developed a clear lead, and I would be tempted to carefully consider the vote count for the third place position before making a decision.