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Thursday, March 27, 1997

Beef war is over

By MICHELLE MITTELSTADT

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The beef war is over.

Tempers flared last month after a children's magazine linked to the Smithsonian Institution published an anti-beef article, angering cattle producers and lawmakers from Texas, which is the nation's top beef-producing state.

After Muse magazine's March edition hit the newsstand - its cover emblazoned with the photo of a calf and the slogan "Please don't eat me!" - Smithsonian officials were immediately apologetic.

Now, they've transmitted their apology officially.

"Clearly, no magazine that bears the Smithsonian name should attempt to proselytize for a specific cause or viewpoint, and since this case violates that principle, I must offer my sincerest apologies and assurances that such a case shall not be repeated," Smithsonian Secretary I. Michael Heyman wrote Texas congressmen earlier this month.

Rep. Mac Thornberry, who had been among the lawmakers expressing concern, said Wednesday that he has accepted Heyman's apology.

"It appears that there was a breakdown in communication on the Smithsonian's part and that steps are being taken to correct this error," said the Clarendon Republican, who is himself a rancher. "The editor of Muse has been replaced, and Secretary Heyman has assured me that no federal funds were used - or are being used - in publishing the magazine."

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association, which represents some 230,000 cattle producers, also has put the issue to rest.

"As we say in the beef industry, it's done," quipped spokeswoman Ann Soli, who noted that Heyman apologized in person to association chief Charles Schroeder.

Under a licensing agreement, Muse's Chicago-based publisher provides revenue to the Smithsonian in exchange for use of its name. Smithsonian officials have the right to review the editorial content of Muse, a new publication for kids aged 6 to 14.

Smithsonian did review the article's text. But because of a mix-up, the pictures, graphics, sidebars and pullout quotes - which is where most of the anti-beef commentary occurred - weren't screened, Smithsonian officials said. Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story
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