Animal Writings

Dear Editor,

Re: David Martosko's hatchet job, "Please enjoy your Thanksgiving turkey--and tell PETA to stuff it."

Shortly after reading Mr. Martosko's contention that animal rights groups--with their inconvenient habit of reminding us where our food came from--are turning Thanksgiving into a "three-ring circus," I read an article about a church that was burned down because of a turkey fryer incident. I think Mr. Martosko's concerns are misplaced.

Mr. Martosko's derogatory comments about Farm Sanctuary and sponsorship of rescued farm animals were cheap shots. My wife and I sponsor two rescued chickens at Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary in Poolesville, Maryland. Children and adults love visiting the birds, and learning that they're intelligent and have distinct personalities. The chickens like to be petted, and will often softly cluck as their feathers are stroked. Most of the animals at the sanctuary were horribly mistreated before being rescued. It is wonderful to see them restored to wholeness and become trusting of humans. Some of the animal sponsors are kids who pooled their Bar Mitzvah or birthday money and sent it to the sanctuary because they wanted to help animals instead of acquiring more stuff. Mr. Marsotko's remarks about this compassionate act are insulting and mean.

I realize Mr. Martosko may think that veganism (abstaining from animal products) is extreme and impossible—or perhaps he gets paid to say that, since his clients profit from animal cruelty. I once thought the same thing. Then I tried it. It's actually pretty easy; just follow the Golden Rule. The feeling of no longer making animals suffer and die on my behalf is exhilarating. Anyone, including Mr. Martosko, can do it.

(To help you move in that direction, please visit www.factoryfarming.com/gallery.htm, recommended by George Will—that radical animal rights activist—as an introduction to the everyday horrors of factory farms.)

(Mr. Martosko works for the Center for Consumer Freedom, which promotes agricultural exemption from animal cruelty laws.)