Heifer Project International - Inhumanity in the Name of Humanity
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Heifer Project International - Inhumanity in the Name of Humanity
Comments by: Joel Lemons - 6 Mar 2006

Dear Sir or Madame,

I was delighted to read the article written criticizing the HPI foundation.

I am an undergraduate, junior, of Animal Science and Agri-Business at Oklahoma State University. The author of the prose and any person who believes the rhetoric clearly has no solid idea of economics or agriculture.

I find it sad to read such propaganda written by one who doesn�t have to worry about not feeding their family, like the families in question. Many of those educated in agriculture fail to provide animal welfare organizations with the proper literature they need to become informed, something that I hope to change.

In an attempt to increase your awareness and, hopefully, open-mindedness, I will briefly discuss the subject. The fact is that in most cases of animal agriculture, the animal must be harvested and consumed. That being said, the benefits far out weigh the costs. That is the cycle of life and it will always be that way in nature, we share a predator prey relationship. If it weren�t for this relationship, we wouldn�t be here today. One may argue that we could grow vegetation to feed the hungry. That is certainly true, however, the energy density of vegetation is far less then that of animal protein. If only vegetables were grown, then far more would need to be consumed then in diets consisting of animal protein. There just isn�t enough arable land in the world to sustain our population on such a diet. Unless perhaps we were to deforest the entire planet, something I�m sure that you would be opposed to, or begin culling the human population, there is no alternative.

Just as a side note, the story concerning the goat with dystocia is completely believable. The scenario is one played out across the globe every day by those involved in animal husbandry. Of perforce one must know how to handle a female animal giving birth. I would assume that in all sustenance and sub-sustenance countries the practice would be general knowledge for the entire population. Sterile gloves, knowledge of surgery and anesthesia, who are you trying to kid? That is complete nonsense.

Lastly, I would encourage you to become more literate on whatever subject you wish to preach against. If interested please contact me and I would be ecstatic to recommend some books. The animal rights movement only came about in first world countries because we are fortunate enough to not have to worry about feeding ourselves. We take the American farmer and the grocery store for granted. Those who are not so lucky have no time to worry about the animal that they are consuming as their lives depend on it. I love animals just as much as anyone, hence my chosen discipline of study in the university. I own a dog among other livestock which I raise with the greatest care. Please, I encourage you to orientate yourself with a topic before making outlandish statements.

Also, I would love to hear a reply from anyone affiliated with your organization.

Regards,

Joel Lemons

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