Happy Fourth of July, dear Meatingplace readers! I hope everyone — wherever in the world you may be — had a wonderful weekend and was able to enjoy some time with family and friends.

It has been 246 years since the United States declared its independence from Britain and began this grand experiment in democracy. Even after declaring independence, however, the United States still had to win a war to secure that Independence. The first skirmishes of the Revolutionary War took place in Lexington and Concord in April 1775; all-out war soon followed. France joined the fight on the side of the American colonists in 1778. Only after eight long years of fighting did the war come to an end — in 1783. The rest, as they say, is history.

Nowadays, the Americans, French and British are allies. But that does not mean the fighting has ended. Indeed, a ferocious war is being waged today. It is a pitched, transoceanic battle (and here domestically as well), between good and evil, with no end in sight. I am of course referring to the war between real meat products and plant-based alternatives. These companies, right or wrong, would have you believe steak can be conjured from powdered kale, hot dogs from bean curd, or Thanksgiving turkey from — with enough science — tofu. For years, American courts and legislatures have sought to resist this invading movement through various laws and lawsuits aimed at repelling the savage "soysage" and "beanwurst" brigades.

As in 1778, France has again joined the fight on the side of truth and liberty. Pursuant to a recent decree, plant-based meat products will no longer be allowed to feature meat-related descriptors on their packaging. Alas, plant-based meat substitutes featuring terms such as “steak,” “lardons” and “sausage” shall no longer be allowed to populate the shelves of French grocers.

These are but a couple of the ongoing battles in this long running war, and while there will surely be some losses ahead, alongside many glorious wins, we would do well to let July 4^th remind us that, with patience and an unwavering will to fight, the forces of good will once again triumph.

Whether victory goes to the meat, or the meat alternative, remains ultimately to be seen.

Good luck to all — and regardless of your affiliation, enjoy your Fourth of July meal.

God bless America!!

Fourth of July: Winning the hearts — and meats — of the people

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