Free Range
As we celebrated the Fourth of July, did we pause to consider the basic freedoms of animals? Whether hunted in the wild; confined in laboratories; imprisoned in zoos or circuses; caught in traps; or caged, raised and killed for their fur, skin, feathers, flesh or by-products, animals have no freedom.
Consider farmed animals: billions live in confinement, deprived of autonomy, dignity and joy. Chickens never spread their wings, pigs never root in the soil and cows never feel the sun on their bodies. They’re bred solely for exploitation—caged, mutilated and killed, with no say in their fate.
If freedom is a value we truly cherish, shouldn’t it extend beyond our own species? Choosing a plant-based lifestyle is one powerful way to put our values into action. If the roles were reversed, wouldn’t we want the same?
Steven Alderson
Santa Rosa
Symbol Crash
America was born under the sign of Cancer (“Horoscope for America,” July 2)? It is certainly infected with cancers of misinformation, voter apathy and partisan rancor. But the solution to cancer is remarkably simple, as proven by the effectiveness of pink ribbons saving millions of women’s lives by spreading awareness.
We need a symbol to show support for the ideals that we strive for with a more perfect union.
Symbols are powerful—a swastika can be a hate crime and a cross can show love, compassion, justice and caring for the marginalized. A Star Spangled Möbius Strip, visually “Stars and Stripes Forever,” can be worn anywhere to show support for the continuation of our democratic experiment and can encourage neighbors and coworkers to participate in our elections. Download a printable pdf for free at democracyawareness.org.
John Rose
Santa Rosa
