Accountability
To the editor, I'd like to make a general suggestion regarding the got-caught-with-yourpants- down accusations about our City Code Enforcer/ County Commissioner/ Leader in the Local Republican Party (elder in a well. known religion). I Say This: Back Off. Mr. Clean (that's what we call him around our house on account of all the garbage-picker-praise in his weekly letters) is simply trying to educate our community. He is trying to tell us what his party's presidential candidate has been telling us his whole life: There is one set of laws for people with power and money and then there's are the laws for the rest of us. Hunter copped to his crimes and misdeeds, expressed remorse and regret and is taking responsibility. He seemed to recognized that there are rules to this game regardless of who's playing. Not only that, he appears to have a conscience and, perhaps, even thinks about what his response might teach others-particularly young people about what it means to be an adult. Could we contrast that response more dramatically than that of the Orange Man who petitions the courts to change the rules of the game while he's playing. I wonder what young people are learning from this: 'Listen, Johnny, whatever you do, never admit you did anything wrong. (I was a school counselor for almost two decades; I've actually heard that kind of talk from parents.) Just get bigger and louder and get some of your bully friends to back you up. Teach 'em who's boss. My parents taught me that things would always go worse for me if I persisted in a lie instead of coming clean and taking responsibility. I guess that was a bunch of crap! Listen to.Mr. Clean, Johnny! He'll show you the right way to go.
Brian Johnson
Animal Rights Awareness Week
Dear editor, Most of us grew up wearing leather shoes, chowing down on Mc-Donald’s burgers, and going fishing. Rarely did we think about how these activities affected the animals involved. So, for Animal Rights Awareness Week (June 17-23), let’s dismantle speciesism and go vegan.
Animals feel pain, pleasure, fear, frustration, loneliness, and parental love. Animals have an inherent worth—a value separate from their perceived usefulness to humans. And every animal with a will to live has a right to live free from suffering. But humans still exploit them in many ways, including killing them for food.
Today’s industrialized farms prioritize high production and low costs. Most animals raised for food endure cramped cages, metal crates, or other restrictive spaces within filthy, windowless warehouses. The conditions prevent animals from raising their families, foraging, or building nests. And most of these animals will never see sunlight or breathe fresh air until they are transported to slaughterhouses.
There is no reason for humans to eat anything from an animal. Ditching meat, dairy, and eggs is healthier for you, animals, and the planet. For Animal Rights Awareness Week, let’s respect all animals and go vegan. Visit PETA.org for tips on how to start.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Libauskas The PETA Foundation Norfolk, VA