THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 19, 1994 TAG: 9411180021
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 30 lines
The Thanksgiving season will soon be upon us. Traditionally, this holiday has been a joyful celebration of life, liberty and a bountiful harvest. More recently, the carcass of a dead turkey has become the centerpiece of this celebration.
Each year, 40 million turkeys are crammed into sheds that allocate 1 square foot of floor space per bird. To reduce damage from aggressive behavior brought on by the extreme stress, beaks and toes are amputated, without anesthetic.
After 14 weeks, the birds are slaughtered, while conscious, and butchered for our Thanksgiving dinner table.
How can this tragic process be conducive to a ``joyful celebration''?
This Thanksgiving, let us give joyful thanks with a feast of the fruits of a bountiful harvest. Let us replace the turkey carcass on the table with delicious and wholesome vegetables, grains and fruits. This year, let's have a true celebration of joy - the joy of life.
LESLIE KING
Norfolk, Nov. 11, 1994 by CNB