Farm animals and us

Farm Animals and us was a very interesting read. Farm animals are in no doubt capable of intellectual feelings and thought, but these animals are alive solely for the purpose of meat production. They have been genetically altered and bred to have characteristics that give them the most high quality meat and other attributes. We raise animals like this to maximize the meat from a single animal rather than many for the same amount of product. Wild animals have hardship and chaos all the time. We feed and vaccinate and keep these animals alive and healthy, compared to wild animals, a cow in a barn could be safer than a cow in the mountains. Animal rights activists will never be satisfied untill animal production is stopped, but I don't think that is happening soon because the majority of people still eat meat and feel ok about doing so.

Farm Animals and Us.

In "Farm Animals and Us," I would have to agree that farm animals are inteligent and do have unique personalities. I, however, do not agree that most animals are mistreated. I grew up on a ranch in montana and I know what a fun business ranching and farming is. We know that in order to make money off of our animals, they have to be taken care of and healthy. There are certain cases where animals are mistreated and it is unfortunate. People need to realize that farm animals are here to feed us!

I too read through Eating Animals on the BBC site. Although I do not believe that raising animals for food is morally wrong (we have been doing it for a good long while now...), the method in which we are raising them has changed dramatically. The only reason that it seems wrong now is because we have taken them out of their natural enviroment and forced them to live in a way that is convienent and effcient for us. Animals have lived as long, and in some cases longer than our species, and have a right to their natural way of living. They have also supported our species in the food chain, so it seems anything but fair and right to rip them away from the natural habitat that supports them and us, for any reason other than our own benefit.

animal rights

most agree that animals should have some rights. that probably depends on which animals one is thinking about. it also depends on the people who are asked. people are conditioned to value certain animals over others depending on culture or environment. if meaning giving cattle and chickens the same rights as dogs and cats, i wonder what the price of a hamburger would be? it is easy to tell that animals raised for food are given the treatment needed to return a profit. i am sure that if people spoke with their wallet or dollar to support or not support the treatment of animals, more people would listen. are people willing to pay more for the food because they value the rights of the animal it comes from? it also costs money to regulate and maintain these standards or rights animals? that cost would probably be passed on to the consumer, as usual. information can have an affect if people have access to that information. information will have to combat economic conditions as people do what they need to on payday. it is tough to pay twice as much for items just to support animal rights each week. most cave in and let others fight the fight and keep their money in their own pocket.

Animal Rizights

The videos that I watched made me a little bit more understanding towards vegans. The way in which these animals are slaughtered is even more shocking to view on video than to read about in an essay. The fact that these animals are no longer viewed as forms of life must change, but I think it is the public's lack of information that is mostly to blame for the continuation of such atrosities. I think that the only way we can reverse what is happening in the factory farming industry is to educate the masses about what is happening. The demand for food has surely increased as we Americans have become more greedy in almost every aspect of life, and with this increase in demand comes the oppurtunity to expoit it for cash. Without clear-cut regulations on how animals must be raised, it becomes a race for the cheapest and fastest means of producing animals, which makes this industry ever more unhealthy for the animals involved. Animal rights are no joke, but our government seems to think so, and the slaughtering industry isn't going to do anything to change that.

Animal Rights

I must say that some of the items in the videos were a bit disturbing. I agree that we, as people, need to eat meat. I don't agree with the conditions some of these anmials are raised in. There should be a standard in caring for farm animals, not treating them as though they have no feelings. Clearly with chickens being able to work through mazes and pigs being able to maniuplate controlers there is some kind of intelligence there. I read through a few articles on BBC website, one in particular about pets. I had to agree 100%. I have seen all too often a person get a dog or a cat for a pet then neglect the animal. They feed and water the dog, but don't play with the dog unless it is hunting season. They then strap a shock collar onto the dog and shock her when she doesn't mind. Animals as pets need to have love and affection, not just be kept around as a way to do work that you are too lazy to do, such as wading through a river to retrieve a downed duck.

Animal Rights

The videos were amazing as they visually showed the exact conditions that pigs and poultry were reared in as described by Singer and Mason. It was very interesting to see the comparisons between the domesticated animals and their wild counterparts. It is quite clear that all animals have feelings - whether raised for food or service or pets or even in the wild. They have basic needs that need to satisfied. They all display feelings and emotions. Even though animals that are reared for meat will ultimately end up being slaughtered, it does not mean that these animals should be treated in the way that they in these mass production factories. It was very disturbing watching these animals in pens where they could barely move or turn.

The ultimate purpose of these meat producing factories is to satisfy the demand for meat consumption while maximizing profits. It for this reason that the animals are treated as commodities rather than living things. The only time that managers of these factories will ever change conditions is when the animals begin to reduce output from stress and death rates increase. This should not be the reason that these animals are taken of.

Barnyard Animals

I watched the videos Farm animals and Us and thought the articale brought up a very interesting point, that farm animals were actually very intelegent regaugdless of what people say. Being born and raised in Montana means a little when it comes to knowing a little bit about how a farm runs. Now I don't live on a farm or ranch but I have a few friends that do raise cattle, chickens, sheep and what not. Its rather amazing to think that some people have no idea what really happens to that sirloin steak before it hits there plate at the local Outback Steak house because most have no idea that the rancher that raises these animals was up every two hours in the middle of the night during calving season to make sure that the new borns were not freezing to death while he could be sound asleep in a warm bed. So for people to say that it is cruel for a farmer to raise these animals for food and no other reason they are foolish to think that the person that raises these animals doesn't establish a bond with these animals while raising them.

Animal Treatment

I watched the Farm Animals and Us videos and read several articles on the BBC website about animal rights and animal treatment. Having been raised on a ranch I understand that farm animals have personalities and and very intellegent. I don't believe that most animals are mistreated. For the most part they are very well taken care. Even the unethical ranchers know that you can't sell a animal for anything if they are unhealthy. I do not understand how giving animals the antiboitics they need to stay healthy is abusive or unethical. They are bred and raised to be food.
There is big difference between domestic animals that are raised as pets and the service animals that are raised for food. Regardless of the status of the animal all the basic needs of the animal should be met. Food, water and medical care should be readily available for all animals. However it would be very hard to slaughter an animal for food if you treated it like a pet.

Animals Deserve a Little Compassion

The videos, "Farm animals and Us" parts 1-3, were very interesting. I had not realized how intelligent farm animals were. That pigs could manipulate controlls, and chickens could get through mazes was more than i thought they could do. Before I thought that farm animals were just meant for eating and nothing else. I know now that they are very
intelligent creatures. However I do think that they should be eaten. I do think that the living conditions in which they abide are appalling. No animal should be confined and genetically bred like that. When I saw the chickens who could not even raise their bodies for water it pained me. Even though i believe animals should be eaten does not mean they have to suffer and be put through horrendous conditions.
I read the article on the BBC web site about pet treatment and agree one hundred percent. Animals as pets should have their needs met. Domesticated animals have their place in homes and with companions. Also some animals that are wild should remain that way. It is dangerous for people and for the animals when an untamed animal is domesticated. It is not natural and they should be as they were meant to be in their natural environment.
Overall I conlude that animals of all kinds should be treated with kindness. That is what struck me the most about the videos and article was that people need to treat animals nicely, even if they are to be eaten. While animals are in our care we should try to make them somewhat comfortable.

Eating Animals

This is a response from the article Eating Animals from the website www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/animals.  In the article, the main argument is raising and killing an animal for food  is morally wrong.  A question that arose while reading the article was if raising and killing an animal for food is wrong, then what about killing an animal that lives in it's natural environment, such as a deer, for food?  I agree with the fact of a dog or cat that is a pet having rights.  I however, disagree with the utilitarian's point of view on animal rights when it comes to cows, pigs, and chickens being used for food.  Animals have been used for food and human needs for as long as one can remember therefor I don't see what the problem is.  Sure if a dog or cat is being abused then action should be taken for stopping it but eating cows and pigs should be left up to the person who is eating them.  Animals are animals and humans have control over animals, so the fact that some people raise and kill them for food should be left alone and up to those people on how the animals are treated.  

Online Discussion on Animal Rights, Consumerism, and Narcissism

Class:  

I have posted a few different sources of information on the above topics.  Please read through the BBC page on ethical considerations for animal rights.  There are a lot of choices to choose from.  Also, view the videos and think about the postings together.  Gather up some ideas or simply write out a response to viewing this information.  Please make sure your posting is at least a paragraph or two long.  

http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/animals

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqbEHP3RzUE&feature=PlayList&p=B1303796BB470740&index=0&playnext=1

If the link above does not work, go to youtube and type in "Animal Rights" and watch "Farm Animals and Us."  Please watch parts one through three. 

Responses due by Wednesday, April 3rd at 5pm

Micaela  

Are Women more effected by disertification..if so, how?

Respone to Rita Yembilah, University of Calgary
In this artical the author discrides Iranian women and the hard life thay must encounter as their husbands leave to find work in other places. As a result, poor health, poverty, and other burdains are put on these women as they must fight for the survival of their family. Water is scarce as well as food and there is no sanitation or disease control. Mis-carraiges are prevalent and the way of life is saddening. In response to the article, the situation is unfortunate. Iran's government is extremely violent and unwilling to except foreign aid. These women face an unfullfilling life and we can do nothing directly to help. I feel bad for these women and wish that the situation could change.

Research Assignment Redux

Class- for this post, I would like you to access the MSU library databases and find an article related to the readings.  Potential topic areas are animal rights, meat production, consumerism, group ideology, etc.  Please read the article, and report back on the blog about what exactly you read and your reaction to it.  Please cite the article and provide the title, author, and what journal you found it in.  Responses are due by 5:00 pm, Friday, March 6th.  

Capitalism vs. Democracy and politics....brian

In the book, SUPERCAPITALISM, “Reich argues that these effects are undermining democracy. He states the “capitalism has become more responsive to what we want as individual purchasers of goods, but democracy has grown less responsive to what we want together as citizens”. “These effects” refer to, “… companies find their sales performance continually challenged by new and aggressive market entries. Such forces create a ruthless focus on meeting short-term targets”. Ethnic minorities or Big Corporations represent similar problems or conflicts with democracy. (p19)
The welfare of the majority is not a priority for either population. Politicians have an opportunity to change the rules or guidelines that corporations or the extremely wealthy operate within. Ethnic minorities live within a microenvironment, separated by from the population that they control with their big business, banks, and corporations.
Capitalism is a fast moving monster and democracy moves more like a slug. Democracy has its’ politicians who are very influenced by private party lobbyers, their money, and corporate interest. If capitalism is going to succeed and support the wellbeing of the majority in which it operates, democracies have to move swiftly and strongly.
We are living with the results of global economies operating to achieve short-term goal after short-term goal. The long term affects of these practices do not yield the health and welfare of the majority. They do not even take care of their employees, or the populations they exist within. Management and CEOs are making 200-300 times the wage of industrial or company employees. These CEOs are benefiting through each short-term period, and leave the ruins behind. The average citizen trusts or lives in the economy that is significantly affected by the behavior of ethic less companies or CEOs.
“Timely look at the role of democracy in an era of big business”, Paschal Donohoe: Innovation section; page 19 book review of Supercapitalism, by Robert Reich

Research Project

This article talks about how the garment industry has been so successful in the last couple years. It also talks about the working conditions of the people who are working in these factiories in the U.S. Mostly Latina woman are slaving away in these so called "sweat shops" for very little money.

Authors: Whalen, CT; Williams Coll, Williamstown, MA 01267 USA
Name of Article: Sweatshops here and there: The garment industry, Latinas, and labor migrations

colonization

The article I chose was titled, " Italian Colonization of Tripolitania" by Gary Fowler in the Annals of the Association of American Geographers copyright 1972. The article talked about how the Italians wanted some land to colonize and decided to take Tripoliania, Libya. When they did this they were unsure of what they were doing. Evidently the Italians were not great at colonizing and looked at how the French had taken over and settled in North Africa. They used everything that tripolitania had and tried to do it the way the natives had done things.
When things went poorly the Italians blamed everthing on the Turkish administrators and Arab farmers. They then had problems legally owning the land and even though they cam in and took the land the " Ottoman Land COde" decided to let the Italians have it. I find it so interesting how the European nations just took something if they wanted it and didn't care about the people they were stealing from. Also that when things went sour, the problem is not the Italians it is the poor people they stole everything from. It is their fault that they are not educated and able to work the land.

Article: "An Apology for Democratic Capitalism"
Author: Michael Novak
Published in: First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life
January, 2009

In Michael Novak's article, he explains the flaws that created the mortgage crisis in 2008. Claiming that "a free society has three interdependent systems, political, economical, and moral," Novak made it very clear where our government went wrong and why. The "misuse" of every system is very obvious and so is "the failure of the political and economical systems to the U.S."
I believe that the mortgage crisis was only a slap on the hand for the politicians who took advantage of a system that benefits them. We are trying to build a free country where everyone is equal. Unfortunately, the only thing making us do circles is the moral "beliefs" of more than half the nation, and more damaging are the moral standards of the politicians running it. When self indulgence and ignorance can be set aside, then we will move forward. We must be very careful about who we choose to speak for us.

Article: A Big Government Bailout
Author: Howard Zinn
Published: The Nation (Oct 27, 2008)

In my essay I came to the conclusion that government intervention is necessary in the free market system to assist development. This article gives a specific example of the US government "agreeing to spend $700 billion dollars of taxpayer money to bail out huge financial institutions" (4). Zinn says that the "historical truth [is] we have never had a free market [as] we have always had government intervention in the economy " (4). This is true since as long as government is intervening in the market, then we are deviating from the capitalist system.
However, I find it very necessary for government intervention in the economic system. Had it not been for these government interventions, farmers would have been out of business a long time ago and the number of workers losing jobs in the automotive and labor industries would have been far more than what it is currently. We must understand that these systems assume a perfect world - a fair world with no discrimination. This is however not the case with varying social and economic classes and ethnic diversity.

Research Assignment

Hi Class:

For this assignment, I would like you to find one academic/scholarly article from the MSU library databases. The article needs to be related to the reading we have have been doing in class. Acceptable search topics could be "capitalism, labor conditions, colonization, standards of living in the Phillipines," or something along one of those lines. Please read the article and post a two paragraph response on the blog, reporting your findings. Please list the name and author of the article in case one of your classmates is interested in reading it. Also, include the name of the journal the article was published in. As a reminder, to get to the library resources you need to go to the MSU Homepage>Library>Articles or Databases>(enter your search)>Click on Full Text> and read. Make sure it is a legitimate scholarly article, and not an entry from Wikipedia, Google, or a mass media, corporate owned source. You will not receive credit for the assignment if you do this. Posts are due by 9:00 am Friday the 13th. Late responses will not be accepted.

Micaela

Welcome to English 121, Section 25

Hi Everybody,

I am so glad to have you in this course.  As stated on the first and second day of class, we will use this blog to communicate with one another, post responses to media and class discussions, and you can also check it when you miss class for assignments.  I left previous responses available for you to look at as examples when you post for the first time.  Don't worry, the previous class read totally different essays, so they won't be much help when you are looking for ideas.  ;)  If you have any questions on this blog, or get hung up on a technical issue, feel free to contact me. 

Welcome!

Micaela