Hey Tommy! Sending you a big hug! Also sending you some moral support. The status quo really loves to push back on 100% whole grain advocates. I've completely hit my limit on the condescending "extremism" and "elitist" comments. Don't ever apologize for having a different passion and vision. Those who follow you and support you know your intentions are honest and positive. Conventional mills and bakers have no problem at all sticking up for their product and beliefs. Ironic, is it not? Everything, literally EVERYTHING, in agriculture and production is in support of white refined flour and bread production. The status quo holds absolutely every advantage. That is the true seat of elitism. I don't feel sorry for white flour. It is virtually all that is available, It isn't going anywhere and if bakers want it and prefer it, well then the world is your oyster. You do you: it's totally cool. However, It's shamefully easy to try and diminish the change makers, because the work is difficult to say the least, which means few will even attempt. There is power in numbers and we - yes, "we" - who are trying to offer a different choice and build an alternative model are tiny in number and very, very vulnerable. What we need is to connect with and build allies. If you are, you are. If you aren't, you aren't. But, please. I just can't anymore with the white flour victimization. To call what I do as a 100% whole grain flour mill "elitist" or "extremist" (and it happens all.the.time.) is an attempt to deflect and diminish, and to justify withholding support. However, I call BS. I'm proud of you Tommy. I support you. Don't ever apologize for shouting from the rooftops your hopes, dreams and passions. That's what leaders do. They lead by example. Like-minded people will be drawn to you and will find inspiration in the challenge instead of whining about it. And that's who you need. It will always be a smaller network, but "we're" tough!
Hey Tommy! Sending you a big hug! Also sending you some moral support. The status quo really loves to push back on 100% whole grain advocates. I've completely hit my limit on the condescending "extremism" and "elitist" comments. Don't ever apologize for having a different passion and vision. Those who follow you and support you know your intentions are honest and positive. Conventional mills and bakers have no problem at all sticking up for their product and beliefs. Ironic, is it not? Everything, literally EVERYTHING, in agriculture and production is in support of white refined flour and bread production. The status quo holds absolutely every advantage. That is the true seat of elitism. I don't feel sorry for white flour. It is virtually all that is available, It isn't going anywhere and if bakers want it and prefer it, well then the world is your oyster. You do you: it's totally cool. However, It's shamefully easy to try and diminish the change makers, because the work is difficult to say the least, which means few will even attempt. There is power in numbers and we - yes, "we" - who are trying to offer a different choice and build an alternative model are tiny in number and very, very vulnerable. What we need is to connect with and build allies. If you are, you are. If you aren't, you aren't. But, please. I just can't anymore with the white flour victimization. To call what I do as a 100% whole grain flour mill "elitist" or "extremist" (and it happens all.the.time.) is an attempt to deflect and diminish, and to justify withholding support. However, I call BS. I'm proud of you Tommy. I support you. Don't ever apologize for shouting from the rooftops your hopes, dreams and passions. That's what leaders do. They lead by example. Like-minded people will be drawn to you and will find inspiration in the challenge instead of whining about it. And that's who you need. It will always be a smaller network, but "we're" tough!