In the state of Wisconsin, it has been illegal to buy/sell raw milk and raw milk products (butter, cheese, etc) for quite some time. The state has been "protecting" us from this evil However, in the mean time, a study just came out that estimates that drinking soda has caused 143,000 cases of diabetes every year, cigarettes are strongly linked with emphysema, lung cancer, and asthma, and excessive alcohol consumption (Wisconsin leads the whole country with 31% of residents having binge drank in the past 30 days) has terrible repercussions. All of the above are legal. In fact, you can do as much as you want (as long as you don't drive after drinking).
We have these freedoms. However, something like raw milk that has been around since the goat and cow were domesticated, that is of grave concern to all of us and needs to remain illegal.
I think it's about time that they legalized it. I think it's fine that they put the disclaimer on the side saying it's not as beneficial as pasteurized.
If you live in Wisconsin, I received this email:
The raw milk bill is still alive. There are some groups who have taken a
stand against it. But we are a large group of consumers and farmers – an
unofficial group of voters in a loose organization – who have become a great
influence in the legislative arena. If your representative is not favorable
to this bill, you must continue to talk to him or her.
Hearings are tentatively scheduled on March 10th for the senate and March
16th for the Assembly. Exact time and location yet to be announced. Thank you for all your calls, which provided the nudge needed to get these tentative dates set.
We continue the press to loosen the noose which has been placed upon the
availability of raw milk. The bill can progress slowly at times and many people need raw milk right now for health reasons.
Your calls to Steve Ingham (Professor, Food Safety Extension Specialist Room 211 Babcock Hall scingham@wisc.edu (608) 265-4801
FAX (608) 262-6872) have gotten the agricultural board’s attention but they
remain determined to fight your wishes. We simply desire some flexibility
from their end to allow the availability of raw milk during this legislature
process. There is word of a lawsuit on behalf of consumers through the farm
to consumer legal defense fund. If you know any of the individuals involved,
please ask them to drop the idea. Our battle is legislative, not judicial.
This is the kind of action which draws increased resistance to the raw milk
bill.
We need names of doctors, nurses, chiropractors, N.D.s, etc, who are
favorable toward raw milk. Please have them contact us or send us their
contact information as soon as possible. We need some written testimony from them related to milk. There are many things in the works. I thank you for
your time spent making the calls which help everything along. This does not
go unnoticed.
