‘Organic’ decision a big step backward
The Trump administration ruled on Dec. 15 that animals raised for food under the “USDA Organic” label need not be treated any less cruelly than those in conventional farming. The decision reverses years of U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, which held that the “organic” label should impose minimal ethical, health, and environmental standards. For the animals, this included adequate space, light, and access to the outdoors.
Under the Trump administration, this will no longer be the case. “Organic” farm operations will be allowed to cram laying hens five to a small wire cage that tears out their feathers and to grind or suffocate millions of male chicks at birth because they don’t lay eggs. Mother pigs will spend their miserable lives in tight metal crates, as their babies are torn from them and mutilated with no anesthesia.
Caring consumers opting for “organic” animal products, to reduce their role in subsidizing these abuses, will now have no choice but to switch to plant-based foods, including the widely available nut- and grain-based meats, milks, cheeses, and ice creams.
ANTONIO MATHERS, ATLANTA
Disappointed by Democrats in 2017
As I look at the political situation in the U.S., my greatest disappointment in 2017 has been to recognize that many voters care more about party than they care about truth and what’s right.
I did not vote for Donald Trump. There were others in the race whom I thought would do a better job. When he won, however, I got behind him all the way and wish him well during the next three or seven years. I applaud his effort to drain the D.C. swamp and put a stop to much of this political correctness.
I have been very disappointed by the Democrats in the way they stick with their party rather than vote for what’s right.
ED ROACH, BRASELTON
