Here is the post and my reply:
Noted: The Story Behind Industrial Farming
Story by TeenAngster
Published on Mar 28, 2011 in This Handmade Life
Photo by Glenn R. Carter on Flickr
As a red-blooded American, I eat my steaks rare and my pulled pork sloppy. However, as an Iowan and an animal rights advocate, my interest was piqued by recent proposed legislation that would protect industrial farmers from video or photo documentation of their operations. What does this mean for the casual carnivore? As New York Times food columnist Mark Bittman explains, "Undercover videos from the Humane Society of the United States tell a repulsive [story]. It also explains why we saw laws proposed by friends of agribusiness in both Iowa and Florida in recent weeks that would ban making such videos: the truth hurts, especially if you support the status quo."
Yes, any animal rights activist caught on private property is guilty of trespassing, even if the intent is to expose the confined spaces, dirty living conditions and mistreatment of livestock headed for slaughter. The question is more so why lawmakers feel the need to sweep large-scale agribusiness's alleged mistreatment under the rug. Are inhumane conditions justifiable if the animals are destined to be eaten? Is the demand for mass-manufactured meat so high that we're willing to ignore horrifying conditions? And why is a common pet allowed more rights than the livestock we consume? As a consumer, I can't help but wonder why the public is denied access to the origin of its dinner.
As for what the farmers in question have to hide, Bittman poignantly states, "People shouldn’t have to sneak the cameras into the farms that are torturing animals or mistreating workers: the cameras should already be there." Even as eating organic, local and ethically-sourced meat and produce has become ubiquitous to the point of cliché, it seems that lawmakers are swiftly moving in a more conservative direction. Transparency and respectful, humane operations shouldn't be a radical idea.
Read more from Bittman in his original post, Some Animals Are More Equal and Others, and his follow-up on farm animal protection at The New York Times.
http://www.etsy.com/storque/handmade-life/noted-the-story-behind-industrial-farming-12505/#comment-484438
My response, which was much nicer than intended was this:
I understand and fully believe people need to know and have an awareness of where your food comes from, but when an article gives a one sided opinion, I feel a need to give another viewpoint From an agriculture and farmer's standpoint, I would like to first state that trespassing is trespassing, no matter the purpose. Would you want someone in your home or business video taping you and how you work, or someone sneaking onto and invading your home at all?
The humane society exposes the mistreatment of animals, yes. NOT ALL FARMERS MISTREAT THEIR ANIMALS!!!! I get so disgusted on how a video can be used and abused itself to show that a cow was mistreated. Information can at times be exaggerated and skewed. Not all are, I will agree.
The important point that we all need to be aware of is this, most farmers care for their animals. This is how they make their living, THIS IS HOW THEY HELP FEED THE WORLD! All of the farmers I know are some of the most hardworking and dedicated people that I have met. I really wish that people would have a better understanding and appreciation for agriculture, with out it, plain and simple, most of you wouldn't have much to eat or much clothing to wear. Some farmers do unethical things, but to bring some perspective to things, there are people in every industry who make mistakes too. I'm not saying that it makes it okay, but it seems that the agriculture industry is attacked more often.
Another point I want to raise is that over 95% of farms in America are family owned and operated. They are not a factory full of mistreated animals. They are simply a family owned business run by people who are trying to make a living for themselves and their families by producing food and goods necessary for every human to live.
I encourage everyone to be aware of the agriculture industry and the way production really works. There is a high demand for food right? The population is growing rapidly, correct? So, there will always be a farmer, working hard to feed you. Sometimes, a farmer may slip or make a bad decision, but we are ALL human.
Thank a farmer for helping to feed you and keep you warm today, don't attack them.
Let me know what you think!
I think you should've told them they were all ignorant you know whats.
ReplyDeleteHey I helped too! =)