Mickey Z

Cool Observer

Saturday, February 26, 2005

Yet another reason why we're on the verge of doom

Posted by Mickey Z on 02/26 at 04:19 PM

  1. I quite disturbed about the entire scenario, Mickey, to which my attention turned when I received a letter, asking if Friends of Animals would organize our efforts to do something about this.

    How shocking it was.

    Fortunately, someone was already on the scene, ready to act. Now we can breathe easy, Mickey.

    No real need to worry that Kraft is is one of the world’s chief procurers of animals for agribusiness, and that it produces the Oscar Mayer brand, Breyers dairy products, Cheez Whiz, Jell-O and Velveeta. No need to worry about it buying out the small vegetarian Boca Burger company. No need to be concerned that kids who buy the company’s gumdrops (now thankfully free of unsightly tread marks) are supporting an enterprise owned by the huge tobacco firm Phillip Morris.

    After all, the folks at Kraft must be kindly hearted. When push comes to shove, they listen to the voices of the Gummi Bear rights activists of New Jersey.

    Said a victory alert in my in-box yesterday (this one hailed from Alexandria, Virginia):

    “Thanks for contacting Kraft.  Your calls have made a difference.”

    The alert then quoted the Associated Press (Feb. 25, 2005), with a hot report straight from the scene at Trenton New Jersey: “Production of roadkill-shaped candy screeched to a halt Friday, as Kraft Foods Inc. announced it would stop manufacturing the treats amid protests by animal rights activists.”

    The victory alert was signed with this quote attributed to M.L. King, Jr: “Cowardice asks the question, ‘Is it safe?’ Expediency asks the question, ‘Is it popular?’ But conscience asks the question, ‘Is it right?’ And there comes a point when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor polite, nor popular, but one must take it because one’s conscience tells him or her that it is right.”

    Posted by Lee Hall  on  from 02/26  at  07:32 PM

  2. I agree, Lee. Activists of all stripes must be cautious with the use the word “victory.” Getting Kraft to pull the road kill candies would be a “step,” not a victory. A worthwhile step for sure...but one that cannot be seen as more than a step. If we lose sight of the big picture, we’ll settle for whatever meager gains the powers-that-be toss our way every now and then.

    Posted by Mickey Z.  on  from 02/26  at  08:06 PM

  3. Hey, I had never heard that immune system fact and I am fascinated.  Can you point me to where I can get more information on that subject?  I have been an eat-everything-as-long-as-it’s-not-from-an-animal vegan for a long time and recently started cleaning up my act, so this is great stuff for me to know.  BTW, could you talk about your diet a little, i.e. what kinds of things you typically eat other than those guilty pleasure bagels?

    Also, could you please say something some time with which I can disagree?  You can’t be right all the time, right? :]

    Thanks a million!

    Posted by danielle  on  from portland oregon 02/27  at  06:08 PM

  4. Hey Danielle,

    I wrote an article last year about sugar for a Disinfo anthology called “Under the Influence.” I guess I could send you the article via e-mail. It’ll scare the hell out of you, re: sugar...but I must admit, I still have a damn sweet tooth. Addiction is a bitch.

    My diet? Tons of veggies, lots of salad, tofu, pasta, rice, and my weaknesses: vegan desserts and organic coffee.

    If you have specific questions, ask away…

    Thanks,

    MZ

    Posted by Mickey Z.  on  from 02/27  at  08:59 PM

  5. Oh, one more thing, Danielle. About me always being right...talk to my wife some time.

    Posted by Mickey Z.  on  from 02/27  at  09:35 PM

  6. Hehe, that’s funny, Mickey.

    Would you be willing to send your “Under the Influence” acticle to me too?

    Thanks!

    Posted by Dano  on  from Minnesota 03/01  at  01:44 PM

  7. Sure, I can send the article to a few folks but I’ll feel a little weird if I overdo it. My buddy, Preston Peet, edited the book and it’s really worth a read.

    Posted by Mickey Z.  on  from 03/01  at  02:05 PM

  8. ok mickey, i’ll look for that book at powell’s, and i would love to hear the wife sound off!

    Posted by danielle  on  from portland or 03/02  at  02:42 PM

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