Activist

I'm not sure why, but I cringe at the word "activist." Perhaps it's because each day in the U.S., I feel a silent attack from the growing number of animal activists who want to tell me exactly how I should run my business. While I wasn't old enough to know what it felt like during the Cold War, I'm guessing this is a similar feeling.

Or perhaps it's because to be an "activist" you have to be really passionate. You have to be unabashedly afraid to stand up and tell other people (complete strangers) that this product/idea/issue is important to you. And you have to back it up with examples (and, facts - but not everyone follows that logical thought pattern).

It could be my Norwegian upbringing (where we'd rather not cause a fuss and prefer to sit in the back of the church). Or maybe its the result of being spoon-fed "culturalism" and "diversity" in the educational system.

Regardless of how I feel about the term "activist," I am one. And you should be too. I'm a beef activist. I'm a farm activist. I have stood up for raising livestock and the rural family lifestyle since before I knew what the term "activist" meant. It's my passion, and I've told complete strangers sitting next to me on an airplane about growing up on a farm and raising beef cattle. Women's bible studies will never be the same now that they know they've got an accessible "meat-guru" they can turn to. Wondering what to grill tonight? I've got a suggestion. Beef. Whether I raised it, or someone in central Kansas did, I know they put the same diligence in producing the product that I did - maybe even more.

So are you a beef activist? Maybe it's time to start professing what you are. Don't delay. Activists have more power that you think. Read more, here.