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Reputation:91
Level:All-Star
Since:Mar 6, 2008
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PETA could deliver a sane message and be an impetus to safer more humane conditions for racehorses. Instead PETA swings past intelligent debate and reasonable claims for change and gallops right into the land of lunacy. Congratulations PETA, you're the first to cross the Lunatic Line in this race.
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Mar 8, 2008
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it really is kinda sad when you consider how great of an organization this could be
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Reputation:93
Level:All-Star
Since:Oct 2, 2006
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Speaking as a PETA supporter, I have to agree with Greg, as well. Most lamentably, PETA has failed to train the spotlight on the genuinely abusive dimensions of horse-racing, instead demonizing those who aren't among the business's most powerful figures.
But it misses the point entirely to repeat the "animal welfare/rights folks favor animals over humans" canard: PETA's error isn't about valuing one species over another, but rather about miscasting participants and failing to focus on the key issues.
On the other hand, Greg's typical journalistic hyperbole doesn't help sharpen the issues, which are: does horse breeding, with its increasing emphasis on power built upon inadequate limb foundation, intrinsically burden horses too much? Why tolerate a sport in which, on average ,2 of its participants die per day nationwide? What about the abusive conditions suffered by hundreds of the less glamorous horses? What to make of the eventual fate of so many race horses: i.e., fodder for European dinner-plates and factories? Finally, is it not the power-brokers in the sport itself--and especially the owners, who drive its logic, and the betters, who underwrite its structure--that must be probed: why give them a free pass, just because of their sentimental outbursts when one of its more famous and visible creatures becomes a victim of the unexamined drive for vicarious triumph and lust to wager?
And as for being an "animal lover": do you eat other animals while you're petting your lovely pets, Greg?
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Dec 25, 2006
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I don't eat dogs, if that's what you're asking. Or cats. But I eat steak and chicken and I love me some tuna. I love animals ... but I didn't say I ignore certain species' value as food for 6 BILLION people.
And I addressed some of your totally legit concerns about horse racing in my Sunday column, which is linked in the third or four paragraph of this story.
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Reputation:91
Level:All-Star
Since:Mar 6, 2008
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I love tuna tartare, sashimi, tuna grilled rare, I just love tuna. But because of world tuna stock sustainability issues (overfishing). I stopped eating tuna . I've switched to fish species that haven't been overfished. I miss tuna, especially when we're at a great restaurant or a sushi bar. I guess I envy that you still get to savor eating this great fish, but I decided I'd eaten my fair share and I needed to do my part to save some of this part of the planet for my children and their children (I hope the planet lasts that long.)
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Reputation:15
Level:Amateur
Since:May 6, 2008
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I've somewhat reluctantly have thrown my support behind PETA in a few instances. In those situations, there would have been no reluctance at all if not for the fact that PETA just so extreme.
After seeing PETA's response to the Derby situation, I wanted to write an email to PETA expressing my feelings. I just couldn't quite get it written in a way that I felt properly conveyed my view. I thank Gregg for writing this article because he just perfectly articulated exactly what I wanted to say. I'm with him 100% o this one.
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Reputation:92
Level:All-Star
Since:Apr 29, 2007
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PETA definitely has value in ensuring that animals are treated fairly and ethically on farms, in labs, in sports, and as pets. But I have a ton of issues with the way the organization is run.
First, they go off way to much on the vegetarian kick. I eat organic, cruelty-free foods as much as possible. But in the immortal words of Homer Simpson, "If God didn't want us to eat animals, then why did he make them out of meat?" We're omnivores. There's no shame in eating meat, nor is it wrong. Countless other animals do it, so why should we be different? Because we're capable of subsisting on plants? That runs counter to our biological nature.
Second, they're willing to do physical harm to humans in order to protect animals. Sometimes, medical research has to be done on animals. That's how we develop life-saving cures, and that's how we do it in a way that ensures minimal damage is done to humans in the process.
Third, they seem to pick favorite animals. Cute ones, like dolphins and horses, seem to get preferential treatment, as do any animals with fur. If they were really interested in protecting animals, they'd focus on insects too, which are technically part of the animal kingdom.
And finally, I think there are far too many human rights abuses that need to be addressed first. As soon as we stop 24,000 people from dying of hunger every day, or stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa, then we can focus on horse racing abuses. It's just a misplaced priority, in my opinion.
Sorry for the long rant.
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 23, 2006
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Hey Gregg!
You have definitely earned my respect with this article. You guys get trashed after every story, but this one is dead on. PeTA could be a great organization and its intent is very noble. However, they tend to react on a whim and usually come across as irrational dictators. The bottom line is, the death of Eight Belles was a horrible tragedy. Watching was chilling at best and I agree that something needs to be done about it. What do we do? Well, horse racing needs to get together and figure out a way to deal with this issue. Should they stop using whips? Yes, we are far too advance not to come up with a way to train horses to push themselves without whipping them. Should we stop the sport from occuring? No, risk of serious injury and death is part of all serious and contact sports. There are no 100% ways to prevent serious injuries or deaths in sports. It will happen, but that doesn't mean someone has to be held accoutable. Doyel, great job on taking a stand!
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 13, 2007
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I've gotta agree with Gregg, too. I'm one of those that bashes him more often than not, but Doyel pitches a real gem in this column. Ethical treatment of animals is a good and desirable thing. In the Eight Belles case, it would have been grossly unethical to keep her alive and condemn her to a lifetime of pain in order to milk a few extra mill in breeding rights -- far more ethical to let her rest in peace. PETA's stand on the jockey and trainer, on the other hand, leaves a lot to be desired. In fact, their treatment of these people (both members of the animal kingdom last time I checked) is downright... unethical.
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Nov 19, 2006
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By far this has been the best and most influential article Greg has written. He's gained my respect as a journalist with this piece and I wish more people would take a stand like he did. Well done Gregg!
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Reputation:91
Level:All-Star
Since:Mar 20, 2007
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Greg is absolutely right about PETA, they don't care about the baby unless it's a wombat. Those nutjobs want us to stop using labrats and would rather medical testing to be obliterated so that a bunch of rats without an immune system could die of disease within 5 minutes. They want fishing to be obliterated. It is a double standard and it is horrible.
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Reputation:89
Level:All-Star
Since:Oct 3, 2007
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Hey Roombarider,
Do yourself a favor. The next time you are on that fancy date, order the seared Ahi steak or even the tartar, because there ain't gonna be enough people doing what you are. Look, it truly is a noble cause and I applaud you tremendously. All I'm saying is most of the world is selfish, so look out for yourself too every once in a while. Enjoy your favorite dish on those rare occasions. Life is too short.
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Aug 30, 2006
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PETA has the resources to make reasonable claims-if racing on synthetic surfaces is safer, why not do it? Any NGO with PETA's funding should be able to garner support for that. But when they become absolutely ridiculous, all their validity goes away and they get nothing but a backlash and called terrorists.
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Reputation:95
Level:Superstar
Since:Oct 21, 2007
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