Published Letters and Op-Eds from
COK’s Writers Group

The Truth Can Be Positively Revolting

Published in the Fort Wayne News Sentinel on August 27, 2004.

There is no doubt that the truth can often be painful, which seems to be why some residents of Fort Wayne objected to PETA's televised spot depicting the abuse and killing of animals for food ("WPTA pulls PETA commercial after viewers object," Aug. 12). That's understandable. The commercials, which aired during morning and evening timeslots, were likely gruesome reminders to people about where their breakfast bacon and dinner steaks came from. But whatever discomfort we may feel viewing such images, it is nothing compared to the needless pain, fear and suffering the animals experience.

Modern agribusiness treats cows, pigs, chickens, and other animals as mere units of production, and the average consumer has no idea of the unimaginable cruelty these animals endure for the sake of a meal. Yes, it is shocking to see an animal killed for food, but taking the images off the air won't stop the slaughter. Choosing a plant-based diet instead of meat, dairy and eggs will.

Mark Hawthorne