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LETTERS 'Selling animals down the river to a ruthless death'

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September 2, 2010

Comments in a recent letter ("Sign thief doesn't realize sacrifices of 4-H members," Record-Courier, Aug. 19) cannot be allowed to stand unchallenged. And what an ironic headline; I always thought the animals were the ones being sacrificed.

While much of 4-H is positive, the "meat market" aspect is an abomination. The abiding lesson are "the ends justify the means," or "anything for a buck." Animals that come to trust and depend on children for their every need and comfort are then betrayed and cruelly killed.

The ethics of Judas are taught these children and youth. They are not blameless, but more to blame are their parents. "My Daddy killed animals for profit, I killed animals for profit, and my children and grandchildren are gonna kill animals for profit." That is the resolve of the parents.

Yes, they might say the kids were given a "choice" of whether they wanted to participate in this treacherous program or not. But how many children have the maturity to think through the ethics of the program and say what they should say: "No, thanks. There are other ways to raise money." Most are not able to overcome the subtle and not-so-subtle pressures that parents and advisers apply. No doubt, more than a few in future years will be haunted by their actions, and see this program for what it is: heinous, marrowless and peccant.

It doesn't end with selling the animals down the river to suffering and a ruthless death. It is an early step in the development of personality traits no one in society should be forced to interact with. It is a fundamental building block in the process of desensitization. The primary character trait of the sociopath is the inability to empathize with the suffering of others. In future years, society will pay the debts that come due.

Lowell Miller, Mogadore




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