Feb 16 2010
Paul Shapiro, Vegetable Killer
One of the questions we're asked most often about the Humane Society of the United States is this: Are HSUS's leaders a bunch of vegan radicals, or just a well-meaning gaggle of animal welfare activists like Temple Grandin?
We could just give you our opinions, but you'd be right to question them without some evidence. Here's a start, at least where HSUS "Factory Farming" Campaign Senior Director Paul Shapiro is concerned.
That's Shapiro on the right, fist raised in a sort of "tofu power" salute.
The first time we met Paul in person in 2001, he was protesting outside a Burger King in Washington, DC -- desperately trying to steer people away from their Whoppers. Two of our staffers came back with cartoon pictures of steaks and burgers taped to their clothes, and they held signs for the rest of the lunch shift reading "Honk if you love meat!"
We had more fun than Shapiro did that day. And besides, Ben Stein drove by and honked. Twice.
For what it's worth, that Gandhi quote is genuine. But it's important to view it through the cow-worshiping lens of Hindu religion and culture. We don't expect anyone to slaughter and eat any of their gods. Where most Westerners are concerned, however, cows are dinner -- not deities.
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Gandhi was not saying, “Don’t eat animals.” He was telling people to be kind to animals and treat them humanely, even the animals we intend to eat. There are laws that are supposed to ensure that livestock will not be brutalized, but often the laws are not enforced. While I believe that people should use animals for food, I also believe that the animals should not suffer or be mistreated. I’m willing to pay more for meat to ensure that animals are treated humanely. Also, to promote sustainability, we all should consider eating less red meat.
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Animal agriculture and the meat industry’s “gOd” is money… No amount of voodoo will convince any “Westerner” any differently.