If Michael Pollan ruled the world … By Tom Philpott and Tom Philpott 24 Jan 2009 2:39 AM “If it had been President Pollan, I probably wouldn’t be here right now.” – USDA chief Tom Vilsack Tom Philpott was Grist’s senior food writer until May 2011. He now writes for Mother Jones. Tom Philpott was Grist’s senior food writer until May 2011. He now writes for Mother Jones.