Weakest Defense Ever?

And yet, probably not.

I have just read an article in the 27th October issue of "Feedstuffs" (a trade publication for the commodities industry) in which the authour of an op-ed uses the book of Genesis, from the Old Testament of the Bible, as a defense against California's Prop 2. Really. I am NOT kidding. And oh, how I wish I were.

Mr. Loos, authour of the article "Some Questions Deserve Answers" poses the thesis that "what we are failing to address is the ethics of animal agriculture" - a thesis that sounds relevant on the surface and one which would invite thoughtful, rational discourse. He continues, however, by arguing that "The 'Genesis' book of the Bible gave man dominion over animals and it is our ethical responsibility to find the best and most efficient methhods possible to convert those natural resources in to human consumable products."

I hope my cat never wanders into Mr. Loos's yard.

He continues, variously arguing that Prop 2 proponents are in favour of creating "greater gaps in the social classes" (because products become more expensive), that animal rights activists are domestic terrorists (one hopes Senator Obama is not a free-range chicken fan - I can see the attack ads now....there'd be feathers everywhere!!), and that there is hypocrisy inherent in supporting Prop 2 but still consuming animal products, including meat, leather, and medical products.

I'm possibly giving Mr. Loos too much credit by even commenting on his ridiculous article. He returns at several times to the idea that supporters of Prop 2 are irresponsible citizens because they do not focus on feeding "as many people in the world" as we can, although he offers no comment on other factors that influence global hunger - tariffs, corrupt government practices, etc.

I am certainly a proponent of ending global hunger. I do not think that this goal is mutually exclusive from humane animal treatment, however. Mr. Loos seems to miss the point completely - but perhaps he is paid by the column inch and decided to throw all the spaghetti at the wall and just see what stuck.

And really, beginning your argument with the Bible? I just don't really know what to say.

CALIFORNIA VOTERS: VOTE PROP 2 on TUESDAY

Check out http://www.joetrippi.com/ for excellent discussion of Prop 2.