PETA’s Latest Target
Nothing PETA does surprises me any more.
So when I heard they were now attacking – wait for it – the American Cancer Society – I hardly raised an eyebrow.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has recently slammed Michael Jordan for smoking cigars, calling him a bad example for young people. Here at PETA, we can’t help but laugh– the ACS berates a man for smoking because it’s linked to cancer, yet continues to serve cancer-linked fare at their “Cattle Baron’s Ball” fundraising events.
In an article from as far back as 1999, the American Cancer Society recognizes that animal product consumption leads to higher risk of cancer. “Our results showed diet was the most influential factor in modifying the risk of prostate cancer,” said James R. Hebert, ScD, lead author and Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. “Populations having diets high in animal products will have increased rates of prostate cancer mortality.”
In our letter to the ACS, we point out that “[y]ou can’t possibly expect anyone to think that you are serious about fighting cancer until you promote and serve proven cancer-preventing vegetarian meals at your events. . . . [Y]our Web site even admits that ‘[p]opulation studies have linked vegetarian diets with a decreased risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and colon cancer.’ In his letter to Jordan, your spokesperson wrote, ‘When high-profile athletes publicly display unhealthful habits, they can mislead young people to emulate their behavior.’ Isn’t it safe to say that when a high-profile health group publicly promotes unhealthy habits like meat consumption, it is also misleading Americans, young and old?”
So no cancer-linked smoking, but serving cancer-linked animal flesh at a cancer fundraising event is ok? Gotcha.
As classy as ever.
About the Author
An Australian immigrant to Israel, Aussie Dave has been blogging since early 2003.Filed Under: General
Although the writing is poor, I think they are making a very good point. I see nothing wrong in calling the American Cancer Society to task for promoting meat consumption.
Stan
Oh puhleez, Stan! the ACS said “high” meat consumption is a potential cancer contributor, not moderate amounts consumed as part of a balanced diet.
PETA is a crackpot organization, which knows of nothing in moderation.