We’ve been watching the HBO series on John Adams.   We’ve been struck during the first five or so episodes at  how often Mr. Adams was sick.   His life certainly  was not an easy one.  Making those crossings of the North Atlantic in the winter under sail would be enough to give anyone a good cold.

Since its been suggested that the Founding Fathers drank Raw Milk, perhaps Mr. Adams should not have taken so ill so often.   We don’t know about that one.  We do know that in 2008, a number of the several states have Raw Milk on their agendas if not their menus.

Our favorite is Missouri where Missouri Independent Consumers and Farmers Association (MOICFA) is waging a strong campaign in favor of Raw Milk through passage of HB 1901.  And yes, the Founding Fathers and Bill of Rights are part of their lobbying effort.  MOICFA says:

Issue: Free sale of raw milk in the state of Missouri

Economically: Allowing free sale of raw milk supports small family farms and the local economy – providing property tax funds that benefit the local community, public schools, county government, sheriff’s departments, and emergency services.

Socially: Pick up and delivery of raw milk causes gathering of like-minded individuals with the same approach toward life.

Environmentally: Raw milk is responsible, local agriculture that reduces our carbon imprint on our planet.

Safety: Raw milk farmed and consumed by conscientious individuals poses no more of a threat to consumers than does pasteurized milk or raw chicken sold in stores.

Healthy: Raw milk supports preventative healthcare, reducing the burden on the state by contributing to reduced allergies, obesity, asthma, stomach ailments, etc.

Dietary: Raw milk is the only ingredient suitable for certain dishes, nutritional drinks, and delectable treats.

Scientifically: Raw milk is full of nutrients, and has immune and health-promoting effects that are destroyed during pasteurization. Babies do not thrive well on pasteurized milk.

Constitutionally: Raw milk gives the people a reason to peaceably assemble, which is protected by the 1st Amendment.

The 14th Amendment, Section 1 states, "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."

Hard to say the 1st and 14th Amendments should be put away just because of the fact that from1998 to 2005, 45 outbreaks of food-borne illness linked to consuming unpasteurized milk products resulted in 1,007 illnesses, 104 hospitalizations and two deaths, according to a 2007 news release from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Or out another way, what’s a few listeria deaths versus the Raw Milk consumed  by our Fore Fathers.