It’s been a week since the election and the regretful passage of Prop 8. While it’s been amazing to see so many people finally galvanized and demonstrating for gay and lesbian civil rights, there is one aspect that’s been unfortunate. Many have expressed that since Prop 2 and Prop 8 both passed, Californians must have more compassion for chickens than they do for gays. Michael Patrick King wrote a whole opinion piece on the topic and even anti-discrimination legal legend Gloria Allred quipped that Californians now treat their chickens more humanely than they do their gay people. At one protest, a demonstrator held up a sign that said “Chickens-1, Gays-0”.

This rhetoric misses the point of both Propositions entirely.

Proposition 2 dealt with the most horrendous treatment of animals in factory farms: veal crates, gestation crates, and battery cages. Since everyone seems to be picking on chickens let’s just deal with them. Chickens kept in battery cages are packed in spaces so tight they literally spend their entire lives not being able to spread the wings or stretch their legs. They are afforded nothing that is natural to them. They will never see the sun or feel the earth beneath their feet. These cages are packed 3 or 4 high and the birds on top defecate right through the cages onto their neighbors below. I’m told the stench alone in a battery cage operation is unimaginable.

The outlaw of battery cages, while a great leap forward, hardly guarantees that chickens are treated “humanely.” Many “free range” farmers keep chickens in sheds for their whole life where they never see sunlight and are packed together with thousands of others. Since egg production slows after a couple years, all chickens kept for their eggs are sent to slaughter where they have no protections at all. The Humane Slaughter Act does not include birds. Chickens are shackled and have their throats slit with no anesthetic. Many birds miss the blade and enter the defeathering device, which boils feathers off the skin, alive. We slaughter over 9 billion chickens a year in the United States alone.

While gays and lesbians aren’t trapped in cages where they can’t move, being free to marry is obviously a central civil right. It’s absurd and offensive that gay men and women, who pay taxes just like everybody else, are relegated to second-class citizenship by having their fundamental rights put up to a majority vote.

Gay marriage, unlike animal welfare, stirs up all types of religious intolerance. You’re not going to hear a preacher or a priest speaking to his congregation about the evils of letting chickens out of cages. In stark contrast, many religions, most notably the Mormon Church, urged their followers to donate enormous amounts of money to help pass Prop 8. We had to see dishonest and misleading commercials, paid for with that money, about how gay marriage was going to be taught in schools, about how churches would be made to perform same-sex marriages against their will. The campaign was vicious, shameful, and wrought with lies.

As Americans we need to look at ourselves in the mirror and ask what it is we truly stand for: a society built on division and bigotry or one built on compassion and acceptance. Being able to marry the person you love should be a no-brainer. The question is not chickens or gays. The question is why we allow bigotry to rule the day with regards to equality for gay men and women.

Let’s start drinking! I’m highly considering spiking my free Starbucks voter coffee with some Kahlua over lunch, because I don’t know if I can watch the election results come in for 8 hours without it. Joking. Kind of.

You can’t tell from the photo, but that sticker says “Vote YES! on Prop 2: Stop cruelty to animals. For real, bitches, this shit be important. Whoever you vote for, whatever your vote on, get out there and do your civic duty. There are people that would kill for that right. There are people that have been killed for that right. I’m done preaching. Happy election day!

P.S. Go here to track the elections most important to you!

Happy Monday all… and Happy Home stretch of Vegan MoFo & Election Season… that’s right it’s no longer a marathon but a sprint to the finish! In fact… while organizing my categories I realized that I labeled two of my posts for the same day so I’m actually a day ahead (neener neener/ *Shoulder Brush*) but being the stalwart Vegan MoFo’er that I am I’ve decided to just continue to plug on with my days as I’ll still be able to make it to 20 by the end of the week! I also realized that I haven’t yet posted some great links I received from an intern at Ms. Magazine So with that I give you a simple but delicious pasta option (more of a suggestion than a recipe)…

Pesto & Propositions

MM… who loves pesto??? I LOVE PESTO!!! Plus, it’s super easy to make AND super affordable considering the ridiculous amounts of Basil I receive in my CSA baskets (who unbeknown to me until adding this link Farmer Donna actually just put a Basil Pesto recipe on her blog… makes my life easier check it out!)! Unfortunately, last night after a long weekend of Save the Date card construction and several computer freezes while working on my pop-up wedding invitations, punctuated by a fun surprise jaunt out to see Religulous with some good friends (Has anyone seen this?? Tell me what you think?!) we realized most of our pesto was frozen and we didn’t quite have enough for an entire dinner. Now I’m the worst planner… always trying to bake bread before it’s fully risen… constantly de-thawing items in the micro… but for some reason on this Sunday night all that just seemed like too much work. What to do… what to do… Del Taco seemed like the easiest choice… wine and crackers the most appealing… but neither gave us a leftover lunch option. Hmph… wait wouldn’t a lot of the stuff in pesto go in a red sauce… except everything would already be chopped?? SCORE!! Enter pesto with canned tomatoes… more sauce… no cutting… yummy yummy yummy… basically amped up SUPER MARINARA!!

Not a bad dinner all in all after almost succumbing to our “Fast Food Nation.” And not bad leftovers either I’d imagine. Hmm… you know what else I love besides from pesto… a safe healthy vagina (what there was a transition/connection there)… yep friends can I get one more rally cry for a “No on Prop 4″. Here’s a great You Tube video as well to spread around from our friends at Ms…  and speaking of vaginas… and RIGHTS… and EQUALITY… here’s a great No on Prop 8 video featuring the “US Constitution.” Of course ads are simplified versions of an argument but what I do love about this “No on 8″ video is that, in the midst of all this emotion, fear, and fictitious ridiculousness, it reminds BOTH sides that what’s at stake is our RIGHTS. The “beliefs” and “lifestyles,” that many of the Yes ads throw around accusingly, of No on 8 supporters aren’t imposing on anyone else’s CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. And last but certainly not least, and while I’m sure I don’t have to give you Vegan MoFo’ers the hard sell on this one, here’s a link to the facts for Yes on 2 if others that you know need some good info.

Happy Pesto Making and Proposition Decision Making!

Dear friends–

As a California citizen, and an advocate of an organic, cage-free diet, I couldn’t wait another minute to tell you about the importance of voting YES on Prop 2 (for California voters only). Because living a holistic lifestyle is so much more than just eating organically, it’s about caring for the enviornment and making sure we respect all types of life. That’s why Prop 2 is so important! It protects farm animals and hens, and requires that they have a clean living space and the room to turn around in their cage and stretch out.

While taking probiotics is a very crucial compenent in good health, it’s not the only one. So, in addition to taking your daily probiotic (I take Natren’s Healthy Trinity), let’s take the time to protect our farm animals and hens. Let’s vote Yes on Prop 2.

Have you heard about Prop 2? What do you think about it? Do you eat cage-free, organic food? Why or why not?

For more information, visit http://www.yesonprop2.com/index.php

See you at the polls!

 ”I believe how we treat the least of beings among us determines our own humanity!”  …Oprah said in opening remarks on her show about the treatment of farm animals

The Oprah Winfrey Show on Tuesday shined a spotlight and her support on Proposition 2, the California ballot initiative that will determine how animals are raised. 

Reporter Lisa Ling visited both free-range farms and “factory” farms to show viewers the differences in how animals are raised. On the set of the program, Oprah stood next to replicas of cages and crates to show the size of some animals’ quarters in large-scale farm operations. Those who support California’s Proposition 2 say these animals have a right to more space during their lives. Opponents claim the new law would drive up costs, put farmers out of business and end the egg industry in California, and deny consumers the right to choose less-expensive food. 

Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, told Oprah’s audience that he supports Proposition 2. “This is just about basic decency,” he said. “It’s about, if animals are going to be raised for food – and that’s certainly the case in this country – then the least we can do for them is allow them to move. I mean, what’s more basic that allowing animals with legs and wings to move around and treating them in a humane way? Californians do the right thing and vote ‘Yes’ on Prop 2.”

The show, however, was not one-sided. Opponents of Proposition 2 also had their say. Ryan Armstrong, a third-generation egg farmer from California, told the audience that if Proposition 2 passes, it will make eggs produced in California too expensive for most consumers, creating the possibility that eggs will be imported from places without these animal housing laws.  (However, in several other states the changes are already being made). 

A couple that now raises range-free veal calves successfully, says that in the long run, it is actually cheaper and less labor intensive to allow them to live freely, with their mothers. 

Another farmer who raises range free pigs and chickens says that food is all about energy, and the energy emitted from abused animals affects all of us who eat that meat in a negative way. 

Listen to AgriTalk’s interview with Illinois Farm Bureau President Phil Nelson, who invited Winfrey to travel outside of Chicago and visit a farm in downstate Illinois.

Listen to AgriTalk’s interview with Matt Kellogg, a hog farmer from Yorkville, Illinois who was featured on the program and talked about the experience.

Source: Drovers

Make sure you guys check out the Wise Choices series that I have going over at The Cyber Mix Tape Show! I will focus on some of the key propositions up for vote in California this year. I’ll pick up the pace with the music programming and hit you with some more music, as DJ Lord Ron stops by, with his latest CD “My Mental State Of Beatz”. We will play some of his latest songs, which features Guru from Gangstarr and C Rayz Walz, to name a few. Tune in for a solid month of programming at The Cyber Mix Tape Show and refer back to this blog post for updates to the series!

The Cyber Mix Tape Show Flyer

==Upcoming Cyber Mix Tape Show Segments===

Oct 8 2008 1:00P Wise Choices: Prop 5:Nonviolent Drug Offenses Initiative
Guest Speakers: Margaret Dooley-Sammuli (DPA Network Deputy Southern California director)
Erik Voake-Photojournalist/director, political correspondent

Oct 9 2008 1:00P Wise Choices: Prop 6 Safe Neighborhoods Act and The Runner Initiative
Guest Speakers: Mike Reynolds, co author of Prop 5 and Three Strikes Law (www.SafeNeighborhoodsAct.com)

Oct 14 2008 1:00P Wise Choices: Prop 2-Standards for Confining Farm Animals
Guest Speakers; Jennifer Fearing, YES on Prop 2 campaign manager
Regina Russell, Actress and activist
Erik Voake-Photojournalist/director, political correspondent

Oct 15 2008 1:00P Zulu Mental States Mix feat. DJ Lord Ron
Join us as we talk to legendary Hip-Hop DJ & producer DJ Lord Ron (Zulu Nation). He has a new CD out called My State Of Mental Beatz Revisited, and it features some incredible guest appearances by Guru, Krumbsnatcha, C Rayz Walz and tons more! Call into the show and say hello to DJ Lord Ron, LIVE!

Oct 16 2008 1:00P Wise Choices: Prop 4-Abortion Waiting Period and Parental Notification
Guest Speakers:-Friends Of Sarah/Yes On 4 No On Prop 4 / Campaign on Teen Safety
Ellen Malin (www.YESon4.net)
ALSO:: Kate Folmar, Press Secretary for Secretary of State Debra Bowen office will talk to us about general voter information and answer some FAQ.

Oct 22 2008 1:00P Wise Choices: Prop 8-Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry Act
Invited Guest Reps from No on 8/G.L.A.A.D

Reps from Yes on Proposition 8/www.Protectmarriage.com

Oct 23rd Prop 3 Children’s Hospital Bond Act, Grant Program
Invited Guest Dana Dooley, California Children’s Hospital Association, The CCHA, Vote Yes on 3,

Oct 25 2008 7:00P Justice For Murdered Children Benefit-UNIVERSAL MUSIC FEST – 2008 San Pedro, California:::
Live Remote from music benefit and festival, in San Pedro CA! Featuring a car show, food vendors, activities for the kids, and live music performances by La Dee Dred, JhaVoice, Andre Maurice and many more!

Oct 29th 2008 1:00 PM
Cyber Reggae Sound Clash Vol 2
MORE FIRE! Tune in to the continuation of the sound clash, with more of the hottest dancehall, roots and reggae music this side of Jamacia! TUNE IN TO WIN FREE MUSIC FROM VP RECORDS AND KAYARO INC!

Oct 30th 2008 1:00P Wise Choices: Prop 10-California Alternative Fuels Initiative
Guest Speakers: Vote No on 10 , C.D.C.

More segments and guest to be announced, soon so stay tuned!

Please, let’s all have a little common sense when we go to the polls this November and vote for (in addition to upholding the Constitution and voting NO on Prop 8 in support of marriage equality) this important Pro farmer, pro animal agriculture reform. Here are the deets, endorsers (see any of your farmer’s market favorites on that list?), and a very, very good video (from Free Range Studios, the makers of The Meatrix, and Story of Stuff!!!) you will enjoy, I guarantee (also pasted below).

So, apparently there’s some political stuff going on?

Here in California, there’s going to be a proposition on the ballot to stop cruel treatment of farm animals. The Yes! on Prop 2 people have put together this animated music video to the tune of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition”. It’s kind of bizarre but probably the most fun way you could address this topic without grossing out everyone.

Anyone know who the “Stevie Wonder” voice is? I always wonder who does that stuff.

(Oh and check back for news of the latest improv show and also a cool Halloween-themed show!)

Posted by Sfeldmama, filed under Susie’s World.

The Los Angeles Times has an article about last night’s gala in Bel Air to raise money to support Proposition 2 in California. Carole King performed “You’ve Got A Friend” with some added lyrics.

“You think this crowd can rock?” shouted Carole King. By the time she got to her classic “You’ve Got a Friend” guests were singing along in the warm night air and hoisting aloft votive candles from the tables rock-concert style.

“Ain’t it good to know that you’ve got a friend; we’re gonna pass Prop 2,” she crooned, sliding in some new lyrics for the occasion.

The front page of CaroleKing.com has posted a link to support and contribute to Proposition 2 in California. 

Prop 2 would put in place the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act for the state of California, an initiative up for consideration on the state’s ballot this November. To learn more about it, visit YesonProp2.com.

They treat animals like units of production. They overcrowd them and put our food supply at risk. They pollute the land and water.

“They” are Big Agribusiness, and they have raised and allocated $10 million to defeat a landmark initiative in California that would ease the suffering of millions of animals now confined in tiny crates on factory farms and suffering terribly. It’s called Proposition 2, and New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof called it “the most important election you’ve never heard of.” Indeed, because California is a trendsetter, this election has the potential to establish a better future for farm animals across the U.S.

Because of that, Big Agribusiness is investing millions in deceptive and false ads to disparage Prop 2.

The only thing that can stop them is you and me. We can match them ad for ad and tell our story to the people of California.

That’s why I am urging you to make a special gift today to the YES! on Prop 2 campaign.

If not you and me, then who will stand up to Big Agribusiness?

Just who are these underhanded foes of animals, who on a single day donated nearly $5 million to defeat Proposition 2? They’re Pilgrim’s Pride, chipping in $25,000, where a whistle-blower employee videotaped chickens being stomped and thrown against the wall. They are the United Egg Producers, adding $185,000 to the opposition’s pot, fined to settle false advertising complaints. They are Moark LLC, donating more than $504,000 against Prop 2, which paid $100,000 to settle criminal animal cruelty charges. They are Cal-Maine Foods, leading the pack with nearly $600,000 in campaign contributions, cited for spilling chicken parts and manure into waterways and killing tens of thousands of fish. The list goes on…

These are not the kind of farms we read about to our kids before bedtime. This line-up is straight off the crime blotter. Cruelty to animals. Threatening the safety of the food supply. Despoiling the environment. And deceiving consumers.

We need to raise $1 million by the end of the month as part of our offensive to counter their deception and dirty campaign tactics.

Please make an emergency gift right now to put television ads on the air to challenge every one of their claims. If just 5 percent of you who read this message make a gift of $20 — a symbolic amount to reduce the suffering of 20 million farm animals — we’d reach our $1 million goal today.

Without your help, we will not be able to counter the deceptive claims of an industry that insists on cramming animals into insufferably small cages and crates — to increase density, and thus profits.

The claims made by these companies reveal them for the shameless hucksters they are. Here is their wildly false assertion about Prop 2 straight from their published propaganda:

Undermines animal welfare and food safety in California.

Ha! Remember what the California factory farmers were doing recently for “animal welfare” and “food safety”? They were patting themselves on the back and accepting performance awards for providing healthy food to the National School Lunch Program. Then one of our undercover investigators went into a Southern California slaughter plant. He secretly filmed the torturing of animals — horrors like a fallen cow being smashed in the eyes with a blunt object and another downed cow with a water-hose shoved in her mouth to simulate drowning. He showed plant operators routinely risking the health of children to get these potentially ill “downer” cows on their feet so they could be herded into the processing line for the lunch program.

The industry tried to deny that any such things could happen. But videotape evidence exposed their deceptions and false assurances. The result? The largest meat recall in U.S. history.

The nation was horrified by the abuse of these cows, who were literally minutes away from being killed. If we are concerned about the downer cows — as we should be — then we must also be concerned about the animals suffering in cruel confinement day after day for months or years on factory farms. Here is this remarkable one-time chance to do something about their suffering.

Make your emergency donation to the YES! on Prop 2 campaign today.

Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States 

This November there will be an important intiative on the California ballot.

Prop 2.

Below are some of the things Prop 2 promises to do (this is straight from their website)

• Prevents cruelty to animals.

  It’s simply wrong to confine veal calves, breeding pigs, and egg-laying hens in tiny cages barely larger than their bodies. Calves are tethered by the neck and can barely move, pigs in severe confinement bite the metal bars of their crates, and hens get trapped and even impaled in their wire cages. We wouldn’t force our pets to live in filthy, cramped cages for their whole lives, and we shouldn’t force farm animals to endure such misery. All animals, including those raised for food, deserve humane treatment.

• Improves our health and food safety.

  We all witnessed the cruel treatment of sick and crippled cows exposed by a Southern California slaughter plant investigation this year, prompting authorities to pull meat off school menus and initiate a nationwide recall. Factory farms put our health at risk—cramming tens of thousands of animals into tiny cages, fostering the spread of diseases that may affect people. YES! on Prop 2 is better for animals—and for us.

• Supports family farmers.

  California family farmers support YES! on Prop 2 because they know that better farming practices enhance food quality and safety. Increasingly, they’re supplying major retailers like Safeway andBurger King. Factory farms cut corners and drive family farmers out of business when they put profits ahead of animal welfare and our health.

• Protects air and water and safeguards the environment.

  The American Public Health Association has called for a moratorium on new factory farms because of the devastating effects these operations can have on surrounding communities, spreading untreated waste on the ground and contaminating our waterways, lakes, groundwater, soil, and air. Prop 2 helps stop some of the worst abuses and protects our precious natural resources. That’s whyCalifornia Clean Water Action and Sierra Club-California support YES! on Prop 2.

• Is a reasonable and common-sense reform.

  Prop 2 provides ample time—until 2015—for factory farms using these severe confinement methods to shift to more humane practices. Arizona, Colorado, Florida, and Oregon have passed similar laws.The Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA, hundreds of California veterinarians, including the California Veterinary Medical Association; California family farmers; the Center for Food Safety, the Consumer Federation of America, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, the United Farm Workers, and the Cesar Chavez Foundation; Republican and Democratic elected officials; California religious leaders; and many others.

 I urge you to look into it, spread the word and vote!

http://yesonprop2.com/

Carole King will be performing at the Making History gala event in Bel Air, California, on Sunday, September 28, in support of the Yes! on Prop 2 – Californias for Humane Farms. Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi will host the event, and Moby will also perform.

Start saving now. Tickets start at $1,200.