P.E.T.A.

I just finished watching an HBO documentary called "I Am An Animal," about Ingrid Newkirk, founder of PETA. Though the documentary was fairly objective, it certainly featured plenty of ugly footage of animals being severely abused — and in some cases, tortured — during the processes of food preparation, science or fashion.

I agree with much of what PETA proselytizes about in the sense that I agree with the ethical treatment of animals. I think Pollan's "The Omnivore's Dilemma" addresses the mostly horrendous treatment of commercially raised livestock. Still, I think PETA largely supports complete nutbags who believe in the complete "liberation" of ALL animals. And again, I couldn't do justice to the argument Pollan makes for the co-dependence of livestock and their human keepers, so I won't - except to say, I feel more and more ready to raise, slaughter and prepare my own animal-based food.

...And to provide "ethically" treated food for my family.