Here is the reply I got from PETA regarding Herr McVeigh.
Thank you for contacting us concerning our request that Timothy McVeigh's
last meal be vegetarian.
It was senseless and terribly wrong that innocent people died in the
Oklahoma City bombing. It also is senseless and terribly wrong that innocent
animals die every day for nothing more than an eating habit. Meat is the
flesh of living, feeling, thinking, and suffering animals, who feel pain
every bit as much as we do, are horrified at the sight and smells of the
slaughterhouse, and are afraid to die. Like us, they fight for their lives
and struggle to avoid pain.
The Oklahoma City bombing is one of the greatest United States tragedies in
history. When something so awful happens, we should all reflect on it and
ask ourselves what we can do to decrease the violence and suffering in the
world.
PETA's request regarding Mr. McVeigh's last meal should in no way be taken
to imply that we support the death penalty. PETA has no official position on
the death penalty. (Because our membership is so diverse, we can only
presume to speak for them on animal rights issues.) However, we do feel that
Timothy McVeigh has caused enough pain and suffering and should not be
allowed to take another innocent life; therefore we have requested that his
last meal be vegetarian.
Anyone eating meat is, in fact, supporting grotesque violence against
animals, including mutilating them without painkillers, cramming them into
tiny spaces where they can't even lie down comfortably for their entire
miserable lives, trucking them through all weather extremes to a horrific
slaughterhouse death.
By eating only plant-based foods, each and every one of us can reduce the
amount of violence and bloodshed in this world. Please contact PETA for a
free vegetarian starter kit, including recipes, shopping tips, and other
helpful information for making the switch to a cruelty-free diet
Thank you again for taking the time to write and for allowing us to explain
our thoughts on this matter. (For additional thoughts on this matter I have
attached an article written by PETA's Vegetarian Campaign Coordinator, Bruce
Friedrich)
Sincerely,
Heather Moore
Correspondent
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