A Holocaust for animals
We are rightfully outraged by visiting Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's taunting denial of the Holocaust. Yet, at every meal, we deny the daily abuse and slaughter of millions of cows, pigs and other innocent, feeling animals in U.S. factory farms and slaughterhouses.
There is no life before death for these animals. From birth, they are caged, crowded, deprived, drugged, and mutilated. At the slaughterhouse, they are frequently dismembered, skinned, or scalded while fully conscious. Although 93 percent of consumers condemn such abuses, no state or federal law prevents them.
Like the "good Germans" of the 1940s, we have a fair idea of what goes on behind those walls, but we reject any reality checks. We fear that the truth might offend our sensibilities and perhaps even force us to change our diet.
This is why, on Oct. 2 (Gandhi's birthday), 400 communities in all 50 states and two dozen other countries observe World Farm Animals Day with public education events.
ADVERTISEMENT
The purpose is to expose and memorialize the tragic use of animals for food and to promote an animal-free diet. (See www.wfad.org .)
So, the next time we are outraged by Ahmadinejad's taunts or other injustices, let's refuse to subsidize animal cruelty with our food dollars. Let's observe our own World Farm Animals Day at the supermarket.
Bryan VanDorn
Duluth
