I read the article about whether or not Western North Carolina farmers will get a local meat processing plant [The Slaughterhouse Debate, June 17, Xpress]. I underlined terms like high cost, economic feasibility, demand and zoning. And, I especially like, “… farmers are trying to MEAT that demand.” Believe me; I understand the “challenge.” But, how can we have this debate without hearing from the cows? Well, I know a cow who is willing to speak out.
“Dear humans, I am a cow and I have something to say. Cows are bred for one purpose, to be exploited. I have ‘herd’ all the arguments about why it is OK to mass produce us: ‘Humans are the top of the food chain,’ ‘God gave us animals to eat,’ ‘Having teeth makes us carnivores,’ and ‘Cows don’t have souls.’
“You are entitled to your beliefs and values, but what about mine? I am happy to surrender myself in order to sustain others. It is an honorable and selfless gift to contribute to the circle of life. However, mindless and conditioned consumerism is creating an imbalance in the world we share. Cows are no longer considered life-givers or sacrifices. We have become products on a shelf and choices on a menu.
“Your human brains will resist the truth of which I speak. Most will likely dismiss my plea as the ravings of a ‘mad’ cow. But, I have no intention of appealing to your brain.
“It is the dried up, shriveled muscle beating inside your chest that I implore. I am not calling for an end to the slaughter. This is a call for you to think beyond merely how a food tastes and explore the substance that connects us all. We are one. We are the same. Still, there are those who would argue, but the true debate begins within ourselves.”
— Kent and Bessie Purser
Asheville
Kent and Bessie – Very nicely said!