In response to [Matt Paul’s] column “Protest actions speak louder than message” (4/10/08), I agree with the author that groups should not allow their appearance to overshadow the message. Unfortunately, the meat industry alone spends millions of dollars every year covering up how their food is “processed,” so the majority of the population is not in a position to make an educated decision about vegetarianism without hearing the other side (which sometimes requires using creative tactics).
While I wish it was as simple as handing somebody a leaflet or free DVD of undercover slaughterhouse footage to explain the inherent cruelties of factory farming, many people simply ignore the issue until it is presented to them in a colorful manner.

Approximately 10 billion animals are raised and killed for food every year in the U.S. The vast majority of them are raised on factory farms, where animals suffer horribly from birth until death. Birds have their beaks seared off with a hot blade, cows are skinned and dismembered often while still fully conscious and pigs often have their throats slit while they are still awake.

In short, the situation is dire for animals. That’s why it is of the utmost importance that animal rights issues remain in the headlines and on people’s minds, so that they can make more informed decisions about which companies they support, and which they don’t.

Ryan Huling
College campaign coordinator, peta2.com

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