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Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society, Inc.
38 East Market Street, Rhinebeck, New York 12572 USA -
845-876-2626
Vegetarian - Vegan - Animal Rights - Health - Nutrition - Environment
The mission of the Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society, Inc. is to promote the vegetarian ethic in the Mid-Hudson (New York) region, educate the community and aid anyone in the pursuit of a totally vegetarian (vegan) cruelty-free and healthful lifestyle.
Articles - Letters - and More
Get Hooked on Fishing? - Letter to the Editor - 7 May 2004
The front page of the Thursday May 6 edition shows a photo of a smiling nine-year-old child with a large fish that she "hooked", The event at which this happened is called "Get Hooked on Fishing" and only children under 16 may participate.
Why does our society, which abhors cruelty to companion animals and is becoming more aware of the cruelty of factory farming still think that killing a fish with a metal hook is a "sport" suitable for young children? Another photo shows a four-year-old who "cradles the fish that he caught".
Fish have a nervous system and do feel pain. How can this be a "contest" when only the humans are aware of it? The fish reach out for what they think is food, they have no way of knowing they will soon be in great pain and will be pulled to their death. The article mentions "a formidable list of corporations, organizations and individuals who provide financial support year after year".
The City of Poughkeepsie Recreation Department and the Dutchess County Fish and Game Clubs are the organizers. The 719 young people who registered for the event are learning that killing is not only fun but very much sanctioned by the adults in the community.
The chief fund raiser is quoted as saying he is always pleased to see the kids having a good time. What if all this effort, money, organizational skill and family togetherness were channeled into activities that teach reverence for life and ways to have fun together that harm no living thing? The money and the infrastructure are there, it is the underlying premise that needs reexamination, I believe.
Directly above the page one photo is the article "Congress Gets Bill For War". It tells us that the Bush Administration has asked congress for a $25 Billion Dollar down payment for next year’s operations in Iran and Afghanistan.
Could peace begin with what we teach our children?
Roberta Schiff, Rhinebeck
845.876.5598
We look forward to
hearing from you
