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First Posted: 11/13/2013
(AP) Some South Dakota farmers and ranchers are upset by the selection of singer-guitarist Joan Jett, a vegetarian and animal rights advocate, to perform on the state’s float in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts are scheduled to appear in New York on the float that promotes South Dakota and the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
State Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen says Macy’s selected Jett to appear on the float.
But Cory Eich (YK) of Canova, president of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, says he thinks it was a mistake to select Jett because she is a supporter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which promotes a vegetarian diet and criticizes livestock production practices.
The livestock industry is a huge part of South Dakota’s economy.
Associated Press