On the Land Grant University Meat Problem

Just like property status isn't something I write about often and I would never have thought of, the same is true for the relationship between land-grant-universities and why some of us eat what/whom we eat. Today's message and call to action is from David Cantor of Responsible Policies for Animals (thanks, Mike!).
 

Responsible Policies for Animals Members & Friends!

Here is Responsible Policies for Animals' letter in the September-October 2009 Utne Reader -- responding to an article about questionable business-school teachings:

As business schools teach harmful financial practices, our land-grant universities' college of agriculture teach harmful food practices, driving chronic disease, soaring medical and insurance costs, global warming, food and water waste, and inhumane treatment of animals "Animal science" sounds erudite, but it's really meat, dairy, fish, egg, and animal-feed technology -- not knowledge  of animals, which is zoology.  Given the abundant literature on conflict of interest in the academy, and given that knowledge is routinely used to promote special interests and popular interests over the public interest, maybe we should monitor our educational institutions at least as much as governmental ones.

Utne has a circulation of about 100,000 -- a senior editor I spoke to assures me it is not exaggerated as with some publications.

If you might wish to thank Utne for helping inform about the land-grant-university (LGU) meat problem and ask them to do more on it, send a brief note to editor@utne.com or Editors, Utne Reader, 12 North 12th Street, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55403 -- or ring them up at 612-338-5040 (editors actually answer the phone, but don't take advantage!).

 A key reason RPA's 10,000 Years Is Enough campaign to get our universities out of the meat industry "exemplifies animal rights advocacy" -- as scholar & author Joan Dunayer put it her important book Speciesism -- is that people cannot understand basic autonomy rights applied to nonhuman animals without a critical perceptual shift, and it is universities' responsibility to provide the knowledge that makes basic change possible.  Instead, our LGUs teach the false ancient beliefs that maintain meat -- including dairy, fish, eggs, and feed crops -- as an institution.  

Our most insidious institution -- as my talk in Miami in 10 days (August 29th) will explain!  I look forward to meeting RPA's Florida members who are able to attend!  

If you know anyone in Miami and vicinity who might enjoy an eye-opening evening among eye-opening evenings, let me know and I'll e-mail or mail you a flier to give them -- or will send it straight to them if you give me the information.

Meanwhile, donate when you can, get friends to become Responsible Policies for Animals members --and thank you for your support!  

Best wishes,
 
David Cantor
Founder & Director
Responsible Policies for Animals, Inc.
P.O. Box 891
Glenside, PA 19038
215-886-RPA1
RPA4all@aol.com
www.RPAforAll.org
www.ExpertsOfConscience.org
www.EatForSports.org

Comments

[nemo]

"As business schools teach harmful financial practices"

give me a break.

[Mike Grieco]

RPA's "Factsheets" can not be disputed.

A fact is a fact, there are NO false ones, nemo. Take a break and except the truth.

Thanks for posting this, Mary.

[nemo]

It's a bit naive to accept something as FACT when there is no cited documentation.

http://www.rpaforall.org/getunivout.pdf

[Bea Elliott]

From what I know about "meat science" it covers nearly everything from collecting semen straws to judging carcass "quality". No surprise,
4-H is often closely connected with university activities...

That I should be paying part of my tax dollars to fund this nonsense infuriates me.

If the halls of academia can't get square up with the global issues facing the 21st century - I hold little hope for our future. It's just such a pity we are so entrenched in this absurd animal-use practice.

And yes Mary, could you please send me info on the event in Miami?
Thanx :)

[Mike Grieco]

"As business schools teach harmful financial practices"--I am sure there is much truth to this statement.

Anyway, the FACTS I am referring to and am concerned for are the ones that speak for those who can't speak for themselves; the nonhuman victims.

Keep well.

[Alena]

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Alena

http://smallbusinessgrant.info