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(d-11)
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
It doesn't Cost Too Much to Enjoy Thanksgiving
The page one headline on Wednesday November 16 called out "It doesn't Cost Too Much to Enjoy Thanksgiving". But it does. It costs the lives of 45 million Turkeys raised specifically to be slaughtered for "Turkey Day" as it has come to be called. It costs in the lack of humanity in calling a holiday after the animal which is eaten. It costs in the many representations of the the turkey on advertisements, cards, napkins, decoration and articles. It costs in the cruel confinement in which these birds are raised, given less than three feet of space in a dirty place where disease and suffering are rampant. It costs in the pain and stress of cutting off their beaks and toe tips without anesthesia. It costs in the discomfort caused by the forced growth so there is much more muscle tissue (meat) than a wild turkey has (so humans can consume more breast and thigh). They are so unwieldy that their legs can hardly support the added weight and they can not reproduce normally. Their social and affectionate nature is totally suppressed.
Next Thursday, million will give thanks as they carve up this dead bird that never really lived. Few will consider the suffering to which they contribute.
Recently I visited Wilderstein near Rhinebeck. Several wild turkeys sat on the gate. One could tell that they were enjoying their lives and their corner of the world, unlike their factory farmed counterparts.
On Thanksgiving Day the Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society will gather together 100 people for a delicious turkey-free meal with an abundance of vegan dishes. Check out the websites of Farm Sanctuary, United Poultry Concerns or All-Creatures.org and learn more. Maybe next year you will want to join with us.
Roberta Schiff
Mid-Hudson Vegetarian Society
We look forward to
hearing from you
