Marcus the Lamb
Once in a while I see something that outrages me so much that I gripe about it on the internet. This is one of those times.
I saw an article in Reuters about children of a school (ages 6 – 11) voting (13 – 1) in favor of slaughtering a lamb they have raised as part of an educational program. The news has sparked some controversy and groups of animal and human rights activists as well as a bumper crop of celebrities and facebook users are voicing overwhelming idiocy.
What disturbed me most was not the animal rights activists or the celebrities. I understand where they’re coming from and they are perfectly correct in voicing their grievances in the matter. No, it had to be the “human rights activists” about whom was said the following:
“…and human rights campaigners worried about the emotional impact of Marcus’s death on the children.”
Seriously?
Let me put it this way: human rights are an important thing and we have violations of human rights happening all over the world. I am at a loss for metaphors, but if the human rights issue were a burning house these folks seem to be obsessed with polishing a leaky faucet in the basement.
Did I mention that much of the food we eat every day comes from animals? What would the emotional impact to children be when they learn that meat comes from animals? Would they ever be the same? Or would the trauma be so hard on their hearts and minds that they snap and lose all empathy toward their fellow man? Grow up.
The irrational preservation of “innocence” in children is not a human right. If anything, it should be considered a violation of human rights to not properly answer the “where do hamburgers come from?” question.
The children have exercised a vote. I support their decision either way. Now go do something meaningful for human rights.