Rock star Joan Jett was removed from a parade float representing South Dakota in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade after ranchers protested her appearance, saying she's a vegetarian and a critic of their livestock production.
Jett is a supporter of People for the Ethic Treatment of Animals, the world's largest animal rights group that promotes a vegetarian diet and condemns factory farms and ranches.
"I've decided to switch from South Dakota to another float because people's political agendas were getting in the way of what should be a purely entertainment driven event," Jett said in a statement Saturday. "I will remain focused on entertaining the millions of people watching, who will be celebrating a great American tradition."
The trade group for ranchers in South Dakota complained about Jett's placement on the state's float, CNN affiliate KEVN reported.
Read - Joan Jett switches from Macy's South Dakota float after ranchers protest
I think it's worth considering the viewpoint of South Dakota ranchers on this one. The SD Dept of Tourism used their tax dollars to promote (on a national stage) a person who staunchly supports a radical organization who wants to put those very ranchers out of business. They peacefully voiced their opinion on something that dearly mattered to them and affected them. I think that's something that doesn't happen as often as it used to. Here's one SD Rancher's point of view – http://advocatesforag.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-inside-scoop-on-macys-thanksgiving.html
Love her! Joan wins this one. Can't wait to see this. Good one, Bill!
A cow who should have been put out to musical pasture years ago. Entirely appropriate for her to be on that float.
From what I understand, the parade isn't about views on food, just celebrating Thanksgiving. As a tried and true omnivore, I say let Joan Jett ROCK ON on a parade float! Let's not be politically correct on this, okay? And her music rocks, for sure.
She don't give a d**n about PETA's bad reputation ... *guitar riff*
"I've decided to switch floats". No you didn't, you were REMOVED!
FALSE headline..Isn't this supposed to be a legit news site? Jett changed floats, due to South Dakota ranchers making their differences a political thing. She WILL be on another float.
The question is, will it be ROOTbeer?
She looks like a crazy Liza Minelli in that pic.
Sometimes I wonder what vegans think about Venus Fly Traps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhbqIJZ8wCM
So much for respecting other people's opinions. Whatever happened to freedom of speech?
So much for respecting other people's opinions. No freedom of speech anymore.....
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances"
Please, do tell: how was Joan Jett's constitutional right to free speech violated by any laws made by Congress?
So, ranchers in SD think they own SD? Anyone divergent from their views is subjected to their oligarchic authority and ownership of the state?
Can I now presume that SD is an oligarchy of ranchers?
Well... the farmers and ranchers would be the biggest contributors to the SD economy and land-use. So, yeah, voicing their opinion might be important when considering how all their tax dollars are spent on such a national stage.