I'd like to respond to the Sept. 29 editorial, Crossing the line ... Gruesome shock tactics subvert PETA's otherwise laudable goals
that suggested parallels between mistreatment of humans and that of other animals is wrong.
The Post suggests that we explain to holocaust survivors or African-Americans that the terror that dictated their lives is the same as the fate of animals that are born and bred for domestication.
Even better than suggesting that, why don't we let them speak for themselves?
As long as people will shed the blood of innocent creatures there can be no peace no liberty
no harmony between people. Slaughter and justice cannot dwell together. - Isaac Bashevis Singer, Nobel laureate and holocaust survivor Auschwitz begins whenever someone looks at a slaughterhouse and thinks: They're only animals. -Theodor Adorno, Jewish philosopher The animals of the world exist for their own reasons. They were not made for humans any more than black people were made for white
or women created for men. - Alice Walker, advocate for women, civil rights and animals; author of The Color Purple.
I am in favor of animal rights as well as human rights. That is the way of a whole human being. - Abraham Lincoln The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. - Gandhi, leader of the non-violent protest movement, inspiration for civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. (whose widow and son, by the way, are vegan)
Lastly, I have a question: When have we ever made a mistake by rejecting cruelty and embracing compassion? I've always loved animals and going vegan has been one of the healthiest, most empowering decisions I've ever made. For those who want to learn more, visit www.goveg.com. Athens Animal Rights Coalition (AARC) meets at 8 p.m. Wednesdays in Baker 327. All are welcome.
- Holly C. Jensen is a junior at OU and is treasurer of Athens Animal Rights Coalition. Send her an e-mail at hj258304@ohiou.edu.
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Letter to the Editor
