Mistreatment not limited to animals
I was glad to see peta2’s “Liberation” exhibit on campus last week (“Exhibit compares animal, human rights,” News, May 30).
We all know that peta2 is sometimes provocative, but they make a very important point ““ one which I hadn’t considered until now ““ about our treatment of animals.
It’s true that most of our nation’s past atrocities all stemmed from the dangerous belief that those with power can get away with abusing those without it.
It’s also true that we are still inflicting similar cruelty on people and animals today, simply because we can.
A baby seal shouldn’t be bludgeoned to death for her coat. Likewise, an immigrant shouldn’t be forced to have to sneak into this country through the scorching hot desert because of unfair trading policies.
I’m asking everyone to take a look at their own prejudices and make a change.
I, for one, am going to do just that by continuing a vegan diet. Going vegan is good for personal health, the environment and animals.
Congratulations, “Bruins for Animals,” for helping with the exhibit. Thank you, peta2, and thank you, UCLA, for opening my eyes to the everyday injustices animals suffer in this world.
Efrain Trujillo, Jr.
Fourth-year, political science,
history, Latin American studies
Iraq exit is possible, with popular backing
It is hard to find merit in Peter Haber’s piece (“Exiting Iraq now would be a disaster for U.S.,” May 30) save for opening up dialogue on the continued war and occupation of Iraq.
The Iraqi insurgency is not the cause of instability in Iraq, it is the response of ordinary Iraqis to the invasion, occupation and devastation of their country.
When, not if, the U.S. announces the withdrawal of its troops, the insurgency will dampen. It is this insurgency that has attracted a handful of terrorists, not the other way around.
Furthermore, when the U.S. exits Iraq, we should have confidence that the Iraqi people ““ and not Iranians, Hezbollah or anyone else ““ will be able to rebuild Iraq.
Proposals for ending the war abound, and alternatives to the system that created the conditions for war exist.
What is lacking is a broad-based popular movement ““ of students, workers, professionals, veterans, people without health care, and everyone affected by this war ““ to end it.
Dave Shukla
Researcher,
Students for a Democratic Society