[925] in Vegetarian_Support_Group
One-sided show on BSE
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Matthew Krom)
Tue Apr 23 17:28:58 1996
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 1996 17:27:01 -0400
To: harpo@interaccess.com
From: krom@media.mit.edu (Matthew Krom)
Cc: vsg@MIT.EDU (MIT Vegetarian Support Group), seta@MIT.EDU
Oprah,
I am shocked and surprised that your show ran a one-sided followup on the
BSE/CJD issue, by interviewing two members of the cattle-raising industry.
The lack of inclusion of any opposing viewpoints voided that episode of
credibility.
What exactly is the opposing viewpoint? That the raising of animals for
food in this country now takes place in factories; that farm animals are
treated as mere commodities whose well-being is obscenely marginalized for
profit; that 3 of the 4 leading killers in America (heart attack, stroke,
and cancer) are largely due to the American way of eating lots of saturated
fat and cholesterol and little fiber (only animal foods contain
cholesterol; meat, eggs, and most dairy contain no fiber); that leaving
off eating animals is an attractive, viable alternative.
There are far-reaching consequences, as illustrated by the outcry over your
initial episode on BSE.
I was surprised that a single issue -- feeding cows to other cows -- caught
your attention so dramatically. I understand your concern. This is only
*one* of the many ways animals are mistreated on today's factory farms.
Had Howard Lyman been included in your second show, he easily could have
pointed out three or four similarly shocking facts. For example,
- Mr. Weber talked about the feeding of animal-protein supplements to young
weaned calves. The problem is, calves in today's operations are allowed to
nurse only one day, instead of the many months intended by nature. After
only one day, a new mother's calf is taken away from her, to be raised for
beef, dairy, or veal.
- Connie (a cattle-raiser) assured your audience that she makes her living
by ensuring the health of the cattle. Good intentions aside, industry
standards for cattle-raising are now based on profit. The proof can be
found in their trade journals. The health and natural instincts of all
animals (not only cows, but chickens, pigs, turkeys, and on) are severely
compromised -- their deaths become part of a cost function which includes
cost of feed and the body weight at which animals can be sold at. The
majority of beef raised in this country is controlled by three or four
mega-corporations.
For a thorough treatment of the issues, I suggest you read "Diet For a New
America," by John Robbins, nominated for the Pulizter prize. "Animal
Factories," by Singer and Mason, describes the operating methods and
conditions of today's factory farms.
I am anxious to know whether your pledge to never eat a burget still stands ;)
Regards,
Matt Krom
117 Auburn Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
krom@media.mit.edu
