The Irony - Finding & Killing Your Favorite Cow

Two articles reached my mailbox almost simultaneously and I'm left scratching my confused head over the contradictions they expose.

There's this account that cow-rancher-turned-author-wanna-be Amanda Radke gives of reading her book Levi's Lost Calf to a group of school children. The book apparently includes all the expected characters and "drama" surrounding a barn... While Levi and his friends search for the missing calf they encounter a bunny, a raccoon and I imagine other wild critters that help further distinguish the role of the "domesticated" missing prize...

I belong to me- by B.Elliott

Of course the story will end happily as the calf is recovered and not quite "finished" yet. But there is the treat of a "kid friendly", "real cowboy cookout" recipe included in the final pages... 

I haven't read the book but I can guarantee ya --- There will be blood.

Oh but there's nothing that isn't age appropriate though... Ms Radke makes it clear that she's not "taking any bullet" to explain where/how baby calves come from... No... There's no talk of sperm straws or genetically selected bull semen in this meat on the hoof story... Just pure love in saving a stray (favorite) calf - (ugh!)

Click. Delete.

Next comes this from Drovers - The Cost of an old cow where ranchers are urged to evaluate the expense that sentiment might entail: 

"Every article about culling cows includes a bullet point that says “old cows,” but rarely are there reasons to get rid of the “trail boss cow," the last cow you bought from dad, or the favorite 4-H heifer listed. There is a favorite cow in every herd that gets kept every year, even if she calves a little later each spring and the calf weans a little lighter in the fall. Reasons to cull these animals could include the death potential of older cows and the increased feed costs required to keep them".   

So we can see where Levi's lost calf eventually winds up... Even after all the teachings of "family values", loyalty, love and "care" - If the bottom line says that even the "favorite" cow doesn't count unless he/she is "profitable"... Well everyone gets snuffed out of the financial story! But as Ms. Radke mentions in several of her posts... This is exactly how her gOd planned it for FFA members and all the spiritually guided cowboys. - (ugh!)

Click. Delete.

Now contrast this shrewd calculating of what an other's life is worth and mosey on over to this fabulous post at VINE Sanctuary where there's a joy-filled celebration talking place inspired by the rescue of 5 "old" cows...

So the next time Levi's missing a calf - Or Drover's addition fails - Let's hope they all wind up as valued as these guys: 
 


You don't need to kill them. You don't need to contribute to the blood spilling coffers. And you shouldn't lie to kids or yourself that you do. Vegan is Love - "saving" a calf to kill later isn't!

Click. Delete.

USDA Provides Funds For Dairy Propaganda

There really is no nice way to put this... The corruption is blatantly obvious.  The USDA just gave the dairy industry $1.1 million dollars so that they may explore more effective ways of communicating to customers how great cow's milk is. :/


That's not exactly how the grant reads... But it's the gist of it.  And you can draw your own conclusions here.


Now... Wanna see something FREE that shows how wonderful some people think cows are?


Today's Happy Veggie Kids post on vegansaurus highlights 6 year old Ruby Bird as she embraces the gentle giant beside her:

I don't think there's enough money in the world that could buy the honesty this photo displays.  


Want a real life without excuses that rationalize killing innocent animals?  Go Vegan. ;)

Farmers Aren't Practicing Birth Control - Your Husbandry & Proliferation Is Killing Us!

With a cluck-cluck here and a cluck-cluck there I add  285,000 chickens who perished in a fire in Maryland last Tuesday...

With an oink-oink here and an oink-oink there 800 genetically advanced breeding pigs were flown on a 747 to China.

With a moo-moo here and a moo-moo there Idaho gets busted with illegal drug residue found in cow's milk and dairy cows at slaughter. But not to worry... They've got a few passed bills to help suppress this kind of news.

With a neigh-neigh here and a neigh-neigh there Idaho also manages to keep horses off the "pet protections" list... This keeps the options open for when/if they build their "humane" horse slaughter facility, most likely on an Indian reservation. Nice huh?

Finally, with a bah-bah here and a bah-bah the lambs born this last winter will be fattened just in time to make it to the festive Easter celebrations only weeks away!   And I guess it's true as one of these farmers admits... You can't keep them all!  

Too bad Old MacDonald never considered birth control as an option... 

It really would be such a better place. :( 


If you have the inclination to consider any of these animals as "food", please know that they are sentient beings.  They love their lives just like you and I do.  There are many better options for nourishment -
Please, go vegan.

Florida Schools Disregard Humane Education Law - Rally To End Slaughter

Gosh, Florida just can't stay out of the news (or my blog) this month!

Back in 2009 two Alachua County students were arrested on felony animal cruelty charges.

As the small minded, boastful (and stupid) jerks that they were, they posted a "brag video" on youtube.  But when the animal services investigator went to the school principle he didn't even know that there was an ag-chick-raising-bird-killing program going on!  Imagine that? 40 students involved in this FFA (Future Farmers Association) project and the only one "in charge" was teacher Allen Shaw who "On the day the video was shot, Shaw was helping students "kill and properly package their chickens."

Adding further ignorance to injury (and murder), charges were dropped in Jan. 2010 --- "after it was discovered the chicken used in the video was already dead when the video was made."

Now I don't know... Any one ever see a "dead chicken" flap her wings as the video shows?  How lazy and cowardly the "justice system" is huh? :(

The FFA organization is much like 4H - Yeah they have a "blah, blah" creed too.  And a yearly "Beast Feast" where they can win prizes like hunting and fishing trips and killing equipment to add to the pleasure and fun.  And they also can gorge on dead deer, pig, fish, and alligator bodies... Oh yes, and tortured chickens too.

I have nothing against teaching kids self sufficiency and how to grow healthy, wholesome foods with projects like the Edible Schoolyard.  And I'd love to see the fruits of their labor in neighboring Plant City, that holds it's yearly Strawberry Festival this month... But I'll pass for all the "livestock" shows and the pig races.  Pity such a beautiful celebration of nourishing and lovely fruits, marred by the inclusion of animal-slave exhibits.

Given the video above, and the blatant disregard that public institutions have for following law, I have good reason to be mistrusting of systems that indoctrinate kids into thinking that living beings are to be used and disposed of.  This does not teach them respect or compassion.  Clearly 4H, FFA and other organizations that teach kids it's okay to take innocent life, should be dismantled, spurned and rejected for the sinister propaganda that they spew.  It fosters violence and "othering".

There's nothing wholesome, healthy, normal or kind in slaughtering victims.  We need to stop condoning butchery - Not hold classes with hands on methods of doing such!

So - In lieu of all the above, Karen Davis founder of United Poultry Concerns, along with HERO Humane Educators Reaching Out, is organizing an effort to get Florida Schools to enforce statutory mandates of humane treatment toward all beings and to end the slaughter of animals in schools.  Having spoken to dozens of education officials here in Florida - I can confirm that most haven't even ever heard of the statute: Title XXVII, Part IV, Chapter 1003.42 let alone follow it's rule.

You know... I can't do very much about the institutional slaughter of 57 billion land animals a year in the world... But I sure can do something about the brutalization in my own back yard!

Join us on March 31 from Noon to 1PM outside the Orange County Courthouse .  Be there- if not in body, but in mind, spirit and intent! Oh... And you'll know who we are - We're the ones not wearing uniforms or badges... And not killing.
Thanks.

Upcoming events: United Poultry Concerns

HERO VEGAN TEEN - INSPIRES ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS

This lactating slave-prisoner has a champion and so do I! I'm thrilled to hear of young Sam Tucker, a Vegan Abolitionist Animal Rights Activist. Sam is from New Zealand and has just launched an informative podcast: NZ Vegan Teen He hosts a weekly radio show too... AND if that weren't enough... this remarkable young man also created the NZ DAIRY CRUELTY website which straightens out the many myths behind the "wholesome" milk industry. At NZ Dairy Cruelty, there's an in depth explanation of the all the issues surrounding the dairy industry. There is an abundance of well documented examples of cruelty to cows and calves alike. His site also features a forum, tasty dairy-free recipes and vegan related videos. Sam's blog is here. But be forewarned... you will not meet a talented 17 or 18 year old teen - not at all! Instead, you will see a brilliant and inspiring 13 year old. Mature beyond any one's expectations... That's right! This young man, passionately committed to this cause of great consequence, is only 13 years old! Goodness knows what energy and enthusiasm he'll bring to the movement as the years go on... Sam - you are an inspiration to us all! Thanks for all you do! And we will not let you down either. We'll continue the good fight by spreading the word, every chance we get to tell people to: Go Vegan. Thanks NZ Vegan Teen & NZ Vegan for spreading the word down under and here!

About Kids Who Kill & A Culture That Supports It

Something irked me on a blog where a woman wrote about the "pride" she felt when her son shot a fish, killed a squirrel, a groundhog... and doves.... So pleased was she, that she posted photos of his "conquests"... And as I read her words, I wondered why a mother would do this... encourage her child to kill?

Fortunately I found Roger Yates' essay "Rituals of Dominionism in Human-NonhumanRelations: Bullfighting to Hunting, Circuses to Petting". And after reading this enlightening piece, I now know her motivation and her methods. And I also understand that this woman is operating in the microcosm of what culture does in the absolute.

She encourages a "ritual" to kill, by creating a "need to be rescued". Once she named the doves, squirrels and groundhogs as "pests"... Her little boy was given license to "save" her from these "things". She rewards with praise, and creates a "warrior" mentality in her son.

The woman says:"he wants to take shooting when he gets into middle school, they have a great shooting and archery program for the kids".

And this is also what the National Rifle Association suggests to parents - "that hunting is an extremely positive socialization tool".

It is. But only if you want to "socialize" someone into the predator and patriarchal model of manhood.

Mom and culture are indoctrinating this young boy to believe that animals are his to "take". And also that there is need for his skill to save us from the harm of unwanted "others". The patriarchal/predator system exists because we don't question our right (or necessity) of "dominion". It creates a paragon that requires "others" and "enemies" in order to validate "masters" and "victors". It is an army of supremacists, and powerful financial interests are keeping this barbaric killing tradition (lie) alive.

Hunters. Our champions. Our saviors. Our shame...

And this sort of gets me back to the original fret I had with the proud mother and her young killing son. Not unlike the doe who wishes nothing more than to bond with and nurture her fawn, this human mother and son are caught in an ancient system that glorifies killing and forfeits innocence.

Would it not be better for all, if we nurtured young men to respect others... all others? To allow them a full and genuine range of emotions that would include empathy and

compassion. A world view that a life has value unto itself... Beyond the limits of what an archaic and repressive patriarchal culture wishes to claim. Beyond the addiction society has for

a "hero". And beyond the wants of a "hero" to have a victim.... If we do not begin to respect the lives of all - both human and nonhuman mothers will continue to grieve for the loss of their young. One mother looses her child to the emptiness of a dead spirit. The other looses her young to the killing.

Either way... we are sacrificing the innocent, and none of it is "necessary".

Please free the animal slaves - Go Vegan.

HUNTING SECRETS: BAMBI IS A SLAVE TO DEER "CONTROL"

No one need be offended by this photo - "There's no sacrifice. Nothing is being done that is without absolute necessity!" "We need protection from unwanted deer populations! We are innocent... Hunting and killing is just a cruel "fact" of life." Or is it? These guys are obviously not starving. Nor are they far away from civilization. No... these guys tearing at what's left of this innocent being, aren't stranded or isolated either. Poke around... I'm sure there's ATV's, IPODS, GPS, laptops... spotting scopes and high powered rifles/guns, galore! This is not "survival" this is recreation! But these men will say that it is their "tradition" to hunt and that it's "heritage". Yeah, nothing like tearing at flesh to stay in touch with your primordial ancestry! ... with a chrome watch on, at that. Let's face it... these guys like doing this! And they go through great lengths to insure this will remain their privilege. Even to the extent of creating a "problem" to be the solution. The "problem" seems to be this innocent being. Or rather too many innocent beings. The best solution to this "problem" is to just stop breeding more innocent beings! If we don't wish to see them starve... if we need to protect us from them on the highway and on golf courses - Just stop breeding them! If we're worried our malls will be over run with the critters... and if we just can't stop ourselves from claiming every square mile of their habitat... Just stop making more! It's very clear to me... Isn't it to you? But once the cash figures in... it gets different. You see, money is made by breeding these innocent beings.... About $3 billion a year according to the North American Deer and Elk Farming Association. There are more than 15,000 deer breeders, ranchers and farmers in the US. Each facility has about 100 deer and they operate similar to "factory farms". The animals are confined, darted (tagged), given drugs, are artificially inseminated, with buck semen that is also a genetically modified commodity. Fawns are removed from their mothers and nursed on artificial "milk replacements". After they are grown they either enter the "breeding herd" or are released for the "taking" of hunters. Many wind up in "canned hunts" as well. So there is no "necessity" for hunters; except that they can "control" a "problem" they create... all to further their "recreation"! Even the "excuse" of "natural meat" doesnt' work! These animals are pumped full of antibiotics and pharms just like all "agricultural animals" are! These innocent deer are slaves in a self perpetuating killing machine. They are livestock presented as "wildlife". And their sacrifice is condoned by ignorance and greed. Hunting supporters - gig is up! Meat eaters - gig is up... there's thousands of other choices besides cow-pig-chicken slave sacrifices. Finally there's this from the Code of Ethics for Hunting Preserves: Their Global Goal is to "provide the client with a positive and safe hunting experience while ensuring the welfare of the animal." HA! bottle feeding of fawns semen collection & tagging deer

Anti Hunting Resources

Healthy Vegan & Vegetarian School Lunches

We shouldn't have to "petition" our government officials to provide healthy school lunches. Unfortunately there's a very large meat and dairy lobby that has been quite successful in preventing such. Wyntergrace Williams, daughter of Montel Williams, speaks out in favor of vegetarian school lunch options in this new television commercial. Won't you sign and forward this petition to help get better foods in schools?

Kids & the Humane Myth - There are No Happy Meat Meals

In this age of instant gratification... and touch screen technology, it's no wonder a fast-food parent opts for the quick and easy: Child: Mom... what's a vegetarian? Mom: Someone who doesn't eat meat. Child: Why don't they eat meat? Mom: Because they don't like how it tastes... Would you like some more bacon dear? It's obvious most parents don't want to slow their child's brain with thoughts that might sway them from the burger patch mentality. Especially if doing so might might cause them to confront their own (unpleasant) demons as well. Yet, I am society's child... and I'm burdened repairing the many shortcuts conveniently taken. Could you not have spared the time to divulge an awkward truth? Could you not have had the courage to battle this ancient wrong? Or are you to be pitied too... for you inherited the lies as well? Kids of all ages... time to grow up. There's no such thing as a "happy" meat meal... and we don't "need" to eat animals at all. Go Vegan

Meat Kids & Slaughterhouses - 4H Animal Child Abuse

Leave it to stories like this that can absolutely destroy an otherwise fabulous day.I'm speaking of an article concerning a 4H animal ag event, a "ham/bacon/eggsale":

The Lincoln County and Cabell Midland High School FFA and 4-H programs brought their meat products to the Pullman Plaza Hotel Friday, March 6, 2009, in what could be the program's last breakfast. In the meantime, a budding relationship between the two programs fosters teamwork and camaraderie. The undeniable smell of bacon (which by the way, smells exactly like human flesh) was the same as last year, and every table was filled with friendly people supportive of a good cause.

Friendly people? Excuse me... advocating the killing and eating of innocent animals... doesn't sound too "friendly" to me.

But unlike last year, an underlying somber mood permeated the room, as some realized that after 21 years the Ham, Bacon and Egg Show and Auction could be toast. (boo-hoo... anyone have a hanky?) Tighter West Virginia Department of Agriculture guidelines regulating educational based meat facilities is requiring the Cabell County Ham Bacon and Egg program (HBEP) to update its classroom at Cabell Midland High School to include meat processing. And that's going to cost a lot of money.

It's always a curiosity that the industry defines blood letting as a "process". If the truthful word is that offensive perhaps they should eliminate the practice?

"Out of 30 educational based food sites, all were in compliance, besides Cabell County," Cabell County Farm Bureau Secretary and Treasurer Thelma Stickler said. Funding must be in place before the Cabell County Board of Education approves the construction of a new facility. The program requires students to purchase and rear an animal. The animal is processed killed and the meat cut. The HBEP Cabell Midland facility does not have a meat processing operation, which means the meat has to be transported from an Ona meat processing plant. "Moving the meat from one place to another creates a risk for meat contamination," Stickler said. The new classroom will be a meat processing operation and not a slaughterhouse, she said.

Now that's good news - that the classroom will not be a slaughterhouse. But a little field trip to witness how the "process" works is in the plan, I'm sure. And oh, the silly worries of meat contamination... can't seem to shake those pesky little bugs! It's almost like nature kind of attaches warning labels just to remind us that animals are not "food".

The program needs $382,000 before October 2009, or this will be the first skipped breakfast in more than 20 years. Some of the students have donated proceeds from their products to the building fund, Stickler said. She is impressed with the students who are in the program, praising their work ethic, which requires them to often give up their weekends and weeknights to bring their product from the field to the auction.

They are bringing "their product" from the field to the auction???... You mean these kids are caring and raising the animal. That's what 4H does right? Children tend to living animals... Beside the obvious needs of shelter, food and water... they groom the animal, comb them, and perhaps even "pet" them. Of course the animal and the child bond... to hear otherwise would be unnatural. Often, the experience ends in heartbreak, tears and despondence.

4H officials, and old pros at this slaughtering business advise that "the first one is the hardest" and that kids will "get used to the *process*". Hey kid! You wanna make money don't ya? Don't want to wuss out and go all girly on us - do ya? The others are doing it... why can't you? What pressures for a kid. It's cruel, like everything else about the meat pushers.

Animal agriculture wants us to hear of the dedication - the "high ground" of the current and future "farmers" who provide safe (wholesome) and abundant *meat products*. I agree that a strong work ethic is to be commended... however, I vehemently challenge the "ethics" of the work... or the healthiness of dead animal flesh...

"Students purchase an animal and take it to the meat processing and packing plant."

Just like that. Kids buy a pig and take it to the slaughterhouse? But didn't the article just brag on their dedication? Giving up free time to tend to the pig? The administrators in 4H would have us believe that the kids just see the animal as a widget. Gosh, the kids I know see all sorts of special qualities in each individual animal... Kids identify with the uniqueness and specialness of a particular animal. They might gravitate to one because she's extra friendly, or cute, or shy, or smart... or funny. But animal agriculture wishes us to believe that it's only the body proportions the kids focus on. No need to look in her eyes - It's her fanny they're after... (right)...

After the meat is cut, the student gets two hams and two bacons. (yep... 2 butts - just like we have) They calculate the salt ratio and do a salt cure. After a drying process, the meats are cured from the salt. After the salt cure, the meat is trimmed so they have a uniform shape. After that final trim, they go into to a smoke house and are smoked for about half of a day.Students polish their bacon and ham and they are judged to see who has done the best trimming and the best cure, and who has picked the best animal with the largest hams.

I bet almost anything these kids would rather pet a live pig than "polish" a dead ham... and if not, you've made them monsters in your own image.

The free enterprise exercise creates opportunities for students to learn real world marketing - (Yep... this little piggy went to the market all right) and business skills. Allison Robinson has been participating in the HEBEP for about 11 years. Her ham was declared a "grand champion ham" at the 2009 show. (Wow)... The Marshall University freshman, majoring in sports marketing with a minor in broadcasting, credits the program for preparing her for her major. "I liked the public relations part of the program because it allowed me to talk to people," Robinson said. (she likes human people... but treats animal people like commodities) Robinson's experience paid off. Her ham brought $1,000 at the auction Friday. (I know this might sound suspicious here... but I've been to auctions - and I can spot a shill. It's also perfectly logical in their motivation... Put some irrationally high price tag on a dead animal part to show the kids that this is where their fortune is to be made... I see right through it and it's sickening.) The Lincoln County FFA Vice President Brittney Kiser appreciates the friendships and teamwork created between Cabell Midland program and Lincoln's. "We're best friends. We do everything together," she said. "We help each other with the Ham Bacon and Egg program, and also work together for the Cabell County Fair. We take all of our FFA trips with Cabell Midland," Kiser said. Cabell Midland student Fallon Black sees the relationship as mutually beneficial, with her school nurturing Lincoln's young FFA program. "We've taken them under our wing. They are our partners in crime," Black said.

"Partners in crime"... finally calling it like it is: "murder".

The new meats facility is projected to cost about $1 million to build, with about $600,000 already donated. A fundraiser is set for March 16 at the Steak and Shake in Barboursville. To donate...

To the 4H groups and all the kiddy animal agriculture programs... Your ilk encourages children to become desensitized. Your animal raising/animal killing lessons numb a future generation from ever connecting with the value and sanctity of life. It spoon feeds them violence and disrespect for beings who have a right to live, regardless of the profits (or tastiness) of their flesh. It normalizes a cruel and unnecessary act.

A wonderful way to raise funds and encourage responsibility for kids is to follow suit in what thousands of schools are now doing. Creating small gardens, planting seeds that nourish in more ways than one. $20 worth of seeds can generate $300 in veggies - without pig poop and without traumatizing kids! And if you think it doesn't matter... that these kids will outgrow the discomfort of the "process" - Stay tuned... I have personal insight of a 40 year old pig farmer who recently opted to be vegan - And that's a story I'll be happy to tell.

WTF? USDA LOANING TAX MONEY TO KIDS FOR COWS?

In desperation to lure understandably dis-interested kids to the cruel, dirty, unnecessary world of "animal agriculture" - the United States Department of Agriculture is offering low interest loans to kids so they can have an entry in their 4H program. They're also saying that this "bribe" - will get: "young people to begin to build a credit history and learn financial management".

PLEEZE!

I wanna know where the loan money is for kids who want to learn how to live sustainably? Humanely? Environmentally responsible? Healthy? Where's the money for kids to grow beans, tomatoes, cabbage, collards, asparagus, beets, peaches, apples, avocados, pears, melons, almonds, soy, broccoli, corn, etc., etc., WHERE - HUH????

They're also making "boarding arrangements" for kids who don't live in rural areas - "Free hotel space" for the soon to be fattened/sold/slaughtered "food" animal.

Your attempt to indoctrinate these kids is deplorable!

“In 4-H young people learn life skills that include generosity, independence, mastery and belonging,”

But not "generosity" to allow an animal to live it's life. Not "independence" to be a free thinker. To learn "mastery" over a creature who has no defenses against you? And "belonging"... Do we really recommend a kid "belong" to a barbaric tradition that holds life so worthless? That views a sentient animal merely as a "commodity"? Do we really want to encourage "belonging" to an institution that exploits helpless victims?

I don't approve one bit! I want my portion of my vegan TAX dollars back! http://www.paysonroundup.com/news/2009/jan/16/4h_animal_deadline_nears/

VEGANS - Have Your Say at the USDA 2010 FOOD PYRAMID

The USDA CENTER FOR NUTRITION POLICY AND PROMOTION is in the process of gathering information and opinions from individuals and those in the health care profession in efforts to revise and improve the 2010 DIETARY GUIDELINE PYRAMID. http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/dietaryguidelines.htm Comments are open to the public. PCRM, The McDougall Program, and The American Vegan Society have left their recommendations. You do not have to log in to post a comment - spell check is provided... Vegans are concerned that food policies in the U.S. don't reflect sound judgement or promote healthy eating habits. Parents wish they had more input on what is served in school lunches. Well here's our chance to have our say. Who would not like to see this as the new USDA food pyramid in 2010? More about the Vegan Food Pyramid

VEGANS - Have Your Say at the USDA 2010 FOOD PYRAMID

The USDA CENTER FOR NUTRITION POLICY AND PROMOTION is in the process of gathering information and opinions from individuals and those in the health care profession in efforts to revise and improve the 2010 DIETARY GUIDELINE PYRAMID. http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/dietaryguidelines.htm Comments are open to the public. PCRM, The McDougall Program, and The American Vegan Society have left their recommendations along side the many efforts of the National Dairy Council and National Fisheries Institute. You do not have to log in to post a comment - spell check is provided... Vegans continue to grumble and moan that the food policies in the U.S. don't reflect sound judgement or promote healthy eating habits. Parents wish they had more input on what is served in school lunches. Well here's our chance to have our say. Who would not like to see this as the new USDA food pyramid in 2010? More about the Vegan Food Pyramid

ANIMAL MEAT INDUSTRY DOESN'T GET THEIR VIEWS HEARD (?)

According to the cattlenetwork the viewpoint of their industry isn't being presented: "Nanci Alexander, President and Founder, Animal Rights Foundation of Florida allegedly the money woman behind PCRM, she heads up a group that claims credit for the passage of a Florida constitutional amendment that banned gestation crates. It was the precursor of California’s Prop 2. The group also helped end annual dove hunts sponsored by the Boy Scouts of Florida. ARFF TV, a mobile video theater, travels throughout the Florida firing salvos at the entertainment industry, ‘factory’ farms, and the fur industry. No attempt is made to balance their viewpoints which are shared as the absolute truth with adults and impressionable children". "No attempt is made to balance their viewpoints"... Who is targeting "impressionable children" with coloring books aimed at educating kids about furs and alligator hides? "Contractor shall develop educational materials, brochures and booklets, including a furbearer coloring book, an alligator industry coloring book, and educational materials based on Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) for grades 5-8." and this "educational" literature and the lesson plans encourage kids to accept hunting/trapping/farming beaver, bobcat, coyote, grey fox, red fox, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, otter and raccoon is appropriate. IT'S NOT! http://alligatorfur.com/edu/edu.htm What about the dairy industry's attempt to stifle awareness about the truth behind their product? The EPA's "kid site" totally ignores the fact that 18% of methane gasses are due to animal agriculture: http://epa.gov/climatechange/kids/index.html What about the USDA Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory "kid's corner" that has "fun facts and games" about cows and the "importance" of cheese? Without telling kids that the baby cows either get tied up in little stalls or are immediately sent to slaughter? Is that presenting all the facts? and all the viewpoints?

Between all their "4-H" kiddy agriculture events and the propaganda that is promoted ad nausea on the internet how can the meat/animal agriculture industry possibly say that their "views" are not heard - especially by the children they are trying to brain wash with their animal abuse and killing agenda?

So - animal agriculture/meat industry - quit your bawling and your lies - You are using public funds and tax payer dollars to the tune of billions to promote your business of killing animals - This vegan doesn't buy the hooey!

http://beaelliott.blogspot.com/2008/11/open-challenge-to-advocates-for-animal.html

Vegan Activism & Halloween Candy

Last year we had about 200 trick or treaters at our door... This year along with whatever vegan candy I decide to get I will be including a little extra "something" for the parents (and tweens) in the way of vegan literature. You can make your own -I suggest nothing graphic or offensive. You can also go here to print these: http://mysite.verizon.net/res0jxzo/veganhumanehalloween/ And in case you're wondering what vegan candies to buy: Junk though it is, Blow Pops, Cracker Jacks, Dots, Airheads Taffy, Hubba Bubba bubblegum, Jolly Ranchers, Jujubees, Mary Janes, Pez, Now and Later, Sour Patch Kids, Swedish Fish, Sweet Tarts, and Twizzlers all happen to be vegan – as are corn chips, potato chips, nuts, pretzels, and crackers. Happy Halloween!