THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 30, 1996 TAG: 9605300002
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 30 lines
Regarding the Animal Liberation Front: I was appalled at the latest incidence of vandalism this group claims credit for. Who died and left members of this organization boss? I am sure no one is telling them they have to eat meat, so where do they get off telling people they shouldn't eat meat?
I could form a group and ravage some farmer's vegetable crops, but it would hurt only the farmer - people who wanted vegetables could still get them.
ALF is hurting the people who depend on the vandalized business for their paychecks.
Perhaps if ALF members would put this uncontrolled energy and rage to work volunteering at St. Mary's Infant Home, where they would meet a 3-year-old whose father broke both her legs because she wet the bed; or working with Social Services, where physically and sexually abused infants and children are a daily occurrence; or volunteering at the hospital holding tiny infants who have a drug addition because their mothers took drugs during pregnancy - maybe if the members of the Animal Liberation Front saw firsthand the suffering of children right here in Hampton Roads, the plight of animals wouldn't seem like such a big deal.
I can assure ALF members that the animals are not going to comprehend, let alone appreciate, anything that's done to save their lives, but a child will.
HENRY MARTIN
Virginia Beach, May 22, 1996 by CNB