Letters to the Editor

In the wild

Excellent writing ("License to Drill," 5/07/08). The history is always fascinating to read. I guess we all should be thankful that they found iron before they found copper. Otherwise I doubt there would be a Boundary Waters today. Because of your writing and others yet to come I hope this state has evolved past the point of cowboy gambling with our piece of the blue planet. Please keep informing the good people of the metro about what threatens their slice of heaven up here.

Steve Piragis Ely

No matter how you slice it, meat is murder

Rachel Hutton's article and Catherine Friend's book are both based on a glaring impossibility: That it is possible to produce "compassionate" meat, dairy, or eggs ("Killing with Kindness," 5/07/08). According to Webster's New World Dictionary, the definition of "compassionate" is: "Having a temper or disposition to pity; sympathetic; merciful." We tend to agree as a culture that unnecessarily harming animals is inhumane, which makes the rising popularity of so-called "humanely produced" animal products all the more tragic. The marketing behind these products betrays both the public's trust and the animals. It convinces people that animals can be used as objects and killed for our convenience, all while somehow treating them humanely. But what's so kind, tender, merciful, or sympathetic about confining, manipulating, and killing animals—particularly when it is unnecessary? And because it is entirely possible for humans to live healthfully on a plant-based diet, all animal farming is unnecessary. Regardless of the farming operation's size or certification, the animals are still confined, their reproduction is still manipulated, their bodies are still mutilated, and their social and familial bonds are still severed. And at the end of their short lives, they are transported to stockyards and slaughterhouses, where their lives are taken against their will, bringing their existence to a violent and premature end. The unavoidable truth is that animals are harmed when they are used for food. And doing harm is the opposite of compassion.

Dallas Rising, program director, Animal Rights Coalition Minneapolis

Thou shalt not eat meat

The article that said, "The best way to help animals may be to eat them" about the lamb farm was sad to read. It is better to raise animals humanely, but we should cut down on our meat consumption. The animals still use precious grain, water, and land that could help the hungry. We were created to eat a plant-based diet as the animals were (Genesis 1:29). We will all be held accountable to the creator for every creature, as said in Hebrews 4:13.

Jan Fredericks, God's Creatures Ministry Wayne, New Jersey

Punk rock summer camp

I just finished reading the article "Going Underground" (5/07/08) and I don't know where to start. All that I could discern from the article is that there are underground venues that host punk and hardcore shows in various locations around the city. Well, duh. At first I was concerned about the undue attention to one of the most active (and deliberately covert) music scenes in the country, but what I am more disappointed with is the third-rate "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" essay that passes for music journalism in City Pages. What a pile of crap.

Brigadier General T. Matthew Engelstad Minneapolis

What's so good about R.T. Rybak?

The three most fundamental things required for any city to be viable are safety, for its citizens; quality education, for families; and a favorable business climate, for a solid tax base to pay for things ("Best Mayor," 4/23/08). Minneapolis continues to have safety/security issues. Even minority families are sending their children outside the district. The business climate is not attracting new capital into the city. Having expressed this, your criteria for best mayor is puzzling.

L.A. Ellis Shoreview

Letter writer hates letters page

Man, reading your letters to the editor page is depressing. Self-important people blasting other people. But there is one inescapable conclusion I must make after reading the letters: It feeds my misanthropy. To Heather, regarding the constant Michele Bachmann articles: I couldn't disagree more (Letters, 4/16/08). I need a little humor after reading these letters. She is a source of pure comical joy. I want her reelected, just for the articles.

Helm Matthews Minneapolis