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RAPS' published letters to the editor:

Letters

Meat adds to greenhouse effect
Rochester, MN Post-Bulletin
Wed, Nov 21, 2007

11/21/2007 7:15:36 PM

Most of us blame automotive and industrial emissions for global warming, and rightly so. But animal agriculture is an even bigger culprit.

According to a new report published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization ( FAO), the livestock sector generates 18 percent more greenhouse gas emissions as measured in carbon dioxide equivalent than transport.

Says Henning Steinfeld, chief of FAO's Livestock Information & Policy Branch and senior author of the report: "Livestock are one of the most significant contributors to today's most serious environmental problems. Urgent action is required to remedy the situation."

With increased prosperity, people are consuming more meat and dairy products every year. Global meat production is projected to more than double from 229 million tons in 1999/2001 to 465 million tons in 2050. Milk output is set to climb from 580 to 1,043 million tons.

If you consume animal products, it's like driving an SUV and if you eat a plant-based diet, it's like driving a hybrid.

Julie Eyrich

 

Eat right to prevent heart disease
Rochester, MN Post-Bulletin
Saturday, October 25, 2003
Julie Eyrich

This letter is in response to the article "Heart disease kills one in three women." The article mentions education is key to reducing risk, but there was nothing mentioned how to prevent heart disease.

According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, heart disease happens because of unhealthy eating and smoking habits. There is only 5 percent of the population with a genetic tendency toward heart disease. According to Dr. Dean Ornish, who wrote the book "Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease,"adopting a healthy plant-based diet is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease.

According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, our bodies produces all the cholesterol we need. When we eat foods that contain cholesterol, we raise our level of cholesterol and our bodies start producing plaque, and that starts to clog the arteries that leads to heart disease.

Based on the results of the Framingham Heart Study and other research, the ideal cholesterol level appears to be below 150mg/dl. At this point, a heart attack is very unlikely. To learn more about how to prevent heart disease, cancer, stroke and many other diseases caused by unhealthy eating and lifestyle, visit Physician Committee for Responsible Medicine www.pcrm.org

Exotic animals belong in nature
Rochester, MN Post-Bulletin
Monday, October 13, 2003
Michelle P.Mueller

This letter is in response to the Post Bulletin article "Tiger Attacks Vegas Magician." Children at this event had to witness a shocking tiger attack that put the entertainer in critical condition. It was fortunate that nobody in the audience was hurt. Exotic animals belong in their natural environment, not on stages or in cages.

They are separated from their mothers and families when they are too young and they suffer when forced to live in tiny cages year after year, for the rest of their lives. It is natural for animals to attack when they are mistreated and abused.

People who have compassion for animals should not attend the Osman Shrine Circus this October 18 and 19. Attending this event contributes to and supports this cruel industry. The circus escape scrutiny from governing bodies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and local animal control agencies because they do not officially own these precious animals that are in their show. The human performers are only in it for the money.

For more information about the hidden abuse and dangers of exotic animal acts and to read a fact sheet about the violations that occur during Shrine Circus performances, visit circuses.com.

To help even more write a letter to the:
Osman Shriners Center
2750 Sibley Memorial Hwy
St.Paul, MN 55121

Osman Shriner website

Shrine Circus fact sheet

 

Abuse should not be tolerated
Rochester, MN Post-Bulletin
Friday, May 30, 2003
Michelle P.Mueller

People around the nation who care about animals dedicated the month of May to protest "Kentucky Fried Chicken." KFC tolerates animal abuse by buying from suppliers that torture and inhumanely kill chickens.

Animal advocates are asking that KFC discontinue the suffering by buying from suppliers that treat their animals humanely.

Thank you so much to those who supported our cause by giving us the "thumbs up" and showing positive interest in our campaign. There were a lot of you, and we truly appreciate your support!

Unfortunately, there were also people who ridiculed us and yelled obscenities at us. We ask those people to learn the facts before judging us.

Let's try to make the world a better place. Practicing compassion is a great way to start! For more information go to kfccruelty.com.

 

Michelle P. Mueller

Circuses violates animal rights
Rochester, MN Post-Bulletin
Thursday, April 24 ,2003
Julie Eyrich

On April 30, the Rochester Jaycees sponsored George Carden circus will be held at the Mayo Civic Center's Taylor Arena.

The only way to train a 8,000 pound elephant to do those outlandish stunts is to beat the elephant into submission. Visit circuses.com and witness firsthand video of the training methods.

Caught on tape is an elephant trainer instructing other trainers how to beat elephants using both hands and sink a sharp bull hook into their flesh.

He tells them that the beatings have to be effective behind the scenes, for they, the trainers, cannot do any of this" in front of a thousand people."

Elephants don't perform because they want to-- they perform because they are afraid not to.

Most circus elephants were torn from their homelands and families. To break the spirit of newly capture elephants, they are tied down, beaten, and starved for up to a month. Elephants spend up to 95% of their lives in chains. If dogs were chained this way we would call it cruelty.

Look under circuses.com circus fact sheets to read about the George Carden circus failure to meet federal standards for the care of animals used in exhibition as established in the Animal Welfare Act.

Please contact the Jaycees and ask them to stop sponsoring animal circuses.

George Carden circus fact sheet