Year-Round April Fools’ Day
Dear Editor,
This coming April Fools’ Day can remind us that the meat, egg, and dairy
industries have been playing us for fools year-round. Their more
remarkable hoaxes include “California's happy cows,” “free-range
chickens,” and “humane slaughter.” All cruel lies.
Less amusing is the stuff they never talk about. Like the millions of
male baby chicks ground up alive or suffocated slowly in plastic garbage
bags because they don’t lay eggs. Or the millions of hens crammed seven
to a small wire-mesh cage, unable to move or spread their wings. Or
breeding sows locked in metal crates, as their babies are castrated
without anesthesia.
In the spirit of year-round April Fools’ Day, the meat industry has
developed a whole dictionary designed to fool unwary consumers. Those
filthy cesspools of animal waste that overflow into our drinking water
supplies and poison downwind neighbors with putrid odors? They call them
"lagoons." And to make sure that kids don't confuse pig flesh on their
plate with “Babe” or “Wilbur,” they call it "pork."
But, their fooling days are about done. Many of us are replacing animal
meat, as well as dairy milk, cheese, and ice cream, with healthier nut
and grain-based products available in every grocery store.
Sincerely,
Richard Brandenburg
1035 Suncrest Dr
Ogden, UT 84404
312-224-2681
