Letter writer: Keep slaughterhouses in sight and in mind

Posted on by Letters
Graphic by Lori Deaton

“Buncombe County’s restrictions (on slaughterhouses) were enacted to protect a growing tourism industry, the report notes” [“The Slaughterhouse Debate: Will WNC Farmers Get a Local Meat Processing Plant?” June 17, Xpress]. Of course. Because killing’s not pretty — and out of sight, out of mind.

I say, if we want to feed the tourists red meat, then let’s put the slaughterhouse on Pack Square — with lots of windows and tours on the hour. Because however we may feel about it, the killing is real. (Along with all that comes with it: labor issues (http://avl.mx/1d3), public health risks  (http://avl.mx/1d6), social and environmental impacts (http://avl.mx/1d7).

And do we really want to outsource all that? I say, let’s keep it in sight, and let’s keep it in mind.

— Lida Sparer
Asheville

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Letters
We want to hear from you! Send your letters and commentary to letters@mountainx.com
View all posts by Letters →

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

4 thoughts on “Letter writer: Keep slaughterhouses in sight and in mind”

  1. Paul Wilczynski

    Sorry, not interested. When I want a burger, I just want a burger. Not the entire history behind it.

  2. George Mantle

    I completely agree with the opinion expressed in the article. If you can’t stomach eating meat after seeing animals slaughtered or butchered, then you shouldn’t eat it, which is ok too.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.