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Letters to the Editor
Leather is bad
I am writing in response to the letter written by Joel Johnson. In it, he criticized Kathy Kropp for her stance against the production and use of leather. He accused People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and those associated with the group as "radical." Radical is defined as "a person who favors rapid and sweeping changes in laws and systems of government." I am a member of PETA and am a responsible and radical being, as is Kropp. I refuse to take part in the cruel and unecessary abuse which animals endure in order to provide us with animal flesh, skin, and hair.
You are correct in stating that animal skin is a by-product of the meat industry. Skin accounts for 50% of the by-product value of cattle. However, this fact does not make it any more justifiable or acceptable.
Johnson accused Kropp of "show(ing) her ignorance of actual production practices" in reference to the meat industry. In fact, Kropp is precise and correct when she referred to the horrible conditions on factory farms. More than 95% of the animal products you consume, come from factory farms. I challenge you to visit a factory farm to see for yourself the abuse which takes place.
The number of mammals and birds raised and killed this year in the United States is over 9 billion. Of those 9 billion animals, 860 million die from mistreatment before ever reaching the slaughterhouse. Clearly, these animals are not raised "in a healthy and humane way" as you believe.
I encourage you to seek out alternative forms of media and literature to further educate yourself on this issue. I would be happy to supply you with sources, books, videos, and other resources regarding the facts of animal exploitation.
Gandhi said, "We must become the change we want to see." Kropp and many others like her are becoming that change.
Natasha Gontesky
Second Year Art Major
Volunteers Commended
Despite the chilly weather, 80 SCSU students and staff turned out on Sunday morning to pick up trash and debris following the 2002 homecoming activities. Many thanks to the community-minded volunteers who participated in the Husky Neighborhood Cleanup. The groups that cleaned up included: Asian Students in Action, Z-Club, Public Relations Student Society of America, Women's Club Hockey, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Dogg Pound Club, WW Holes Hall, SAAC, and the Education MN Student Program. They all provided a great service to our neighbors.
Congratulations to the SCSU Campus Recreation Department which had the highest number of volunteers. For this accomplishment they will enjoy a complimentary pizza and bowling party. Second prize for volunteer turnout goes to the Interfraternal Council and the third place winner is the Hmong Student Organization.
Many thanks, also, to our generous sponsors: Waste Management, Atwood Memorial Center Recreation Center, SCSU Health Center, SCSU University Imaging, ARAMARK, SCSU Buildings and Grounds, and Bernick's Pepsi.
The day was a success and we look forward to hosting the 2003 post-homecoming cleanup.
Lissa Staples
Volunteer Link Coordinator
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