Those of us that were excited about seeing Joan Jett rock the South Dakota float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will have to look elsewhere as complaints from South Dakota ranchers about having Jett representing the state have led Macy's Parade organizers to make the switch.

Ranchers have issues with Jett being a vegetarian and an animal rights activist represent our state on a parade float. When news outlets started announcing the switch, many admitted to having no idea about Jett's lifestyle or beliefs.

I've seen Jett perform three times, including this summer in Minnesota as well as at RibFest in Sioux Falls a few years ago. I don't remember her ever mentioning PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), the fact that she's a vegetarian, or speaking out against livestock production practices. What I have seen is a great rock show every time.

The Macy's Parade is about entertainment, not beliefs. And who decided that the ranchers should get to choose the entertainment for the state float? I've seen others suggest it should be a band from our state. Great! But who? Because you now people will find a reason to complain no matter who gets the nod.

And as a side note to the ranchers who forced this issue? It's now national news and shines a brighter light on Jett's beliefs. Had she just waved her hand and rocked the float, 99.9% of America would've just thought it was a great float, not that South Dakota ranchers had 'allowed' a vegetarian to represent us in a parade. A new can of worms has just been opened.

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