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To the Editor
Larry Penner circulates a piece every Earth Day in which he encourages us all recycle, use mass transit, and other good deeds. Yet the author — who has also had opinion pieces circulated praising White Castle hamburgers and urging us to celebrate Cheeseburger Day — neglects to mention the environmental degradation caused by factory farming.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ website has many videos showing the horrific abuses that animals are subject to on factory farms. All this is done in the name of food or clothing. Although I cannot confirm their authenticity, I can share what I saw on Tremont Avenue at the beginning of winter. A flatbed truck was carrying cages packed to capacity with live chickens to a “live food” store. One of the cages was thrown off the truck by a loud bang. I can only imagine the terror these chickens must feel.
I urge all my Bronx neighbors — and especially Mr. Penner — to check out PETA’s website. I urge my Bronx neighbors also to opt for a plant-based diet and not meat that has been processed with harmful preservatives or is made in cruel conditions to animals. I am not perfect but I am trying. My lunch is almost always vegetarian. When ordering Chinese food, I prefer vegetables over meat. I love sausage and bacon, but I prefer oatmeal for breakfast.
And most importantly, I don’t urge people to be kind to the environment and urge them to enjoy hamburgers.
Nat Weiner
