Pubdate: Sun, 03 Jun 2001 Source: Bucks County Courier Times (PA) Copyright: 2001 Calkins Newspapers. Inc. Contact: http://www.phillyburbs.com/feedback/content_cti.shtml Website: http://www.phillyburbs.com/couriertimes/index.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1026 Author: Richard Snyder HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST Regarding the recent spate of letters urging us to respect and affirm the rights of animals and stop eating meat, I'll be happy to support that cause - - when we have shown respect for and affirmed the rights of humans. When our prisons are no longer disproportionately filled with young black men. When no man or woman can be denied housing or employment because of being homosexual. When no child goes hungry in the wealthiest nation on earth. When those with illnesses have equal access to quality medical care and affordable prescription drugs. When evangelical Christian zealots cease trying to ram their faith down the throats of Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, agnostics and atheists. When teachers are permitted to teach truth and facts, instead of lies and political propaganda disguised as "American history" or "abstinence education." When our legislators start representing citizens instead of kowtowing to corporations, HMOs and oil lobbyists. When we stop the barbaric murders of vengeance politely termed "capital punishment." When we admit defeat in the farcical "war on drugs" and focus those billions on treatment and education and rehabilitation. When that day comes, I'll be thrilled to support animal rights. In the meantime, how about working on these and other abuses and denials of human rights? Richard Snyder Bensalem - --- MAP posted-by: Beth