I usually avoid the subject of politics online as it is such a volatile subject for many. However, I feel this prop deserves a little attention and since it is very much related to the topic of holistic living, I should make an exception. If you’re a California voter I hope you will join me in voting yes on prop 2.
Living a holistic or natural health lifestyle is about much more than recycling, taking herbs and supplements and eating organic. It also includes showing respect for all living things.
If you’re not familiar with this prop, what it says is that voting yes on it would prohibit “the confinement on a farm of pregnant pigs, calves raised for veal, and egg-laying hens in a manner that does not allow them to turn around freely, lie down, stand up, and fully extend their limbs.” You can learn more about it by visiting
https://www.calvoter.org/voter/elections/2008/general/props/prop2.html
It is very sad to me that we would even have to enforce such a law. I mean is this really asking too much? You would think that providing farm animals with some basic respect and needs would come naturally. They are, after all, our meal ticket. I can’t fathom why farmers would engage in such inhumane practices.
Every time I see the commercial on TV for this prop, it just makes me nauseous and outraged. The fact that these animals ultimately become our dinner or breakfast does not entitle us to treat them with cruelty and abuse. Quite the contrary, we could learn a thing or two by taking a look at the behavior of our aboriginal ancestors, who highly revered the animals that they would eat and often engaged in ceremonies prior to doing so to honor them and express gratitude.
They seemed to be aware of the profound fact that these animals were largely responsible for survival of the human species and this fact alone makes them worthy of respect. We need to keep this in mind as well.
If we take a look at other species in the food chain, we will see that each animal lives freely and happily in their natural habitat until the moment of the kill. Their is not extended confinement and torture. This is the way nature intended it. We’re violating the rules of nature. I don’t believe that natural order in the circle of life intended for abuse and inhumane practices to be part of the cycle.
Not only that, do you really want to eat animals that have lived under such dire circumstances? They can’t possibly be a healthy source of food. They are at high risk of carrying disease that they will transfer to us.
It’s just bad karma all the way around.
