Letter: Ignorant will torture animals

Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2002 | 8:59 a.m.

Just a few facts in response to the many mistaken theories regarding animal rights activists. Sometimes it is very important to set the record straight in the knowledge that so many fail to understand, and who actually believe the false notions being bandied about, usually spread by the gun-toting conservatives among us:

First, the fact that loving and caring for animals never cancels out also loving children, helping the homeless or the belief that every living being has the right to live their life in as much safety and comfort as possible and with the absence of any cruel mistreatment.

Secondly, those who blithely refer to people who help animals as "wackos" are desperately in need of education. Those involved in the animal rights organizations just happen to be highly educated, hard-working, tax-paying individuals with families and homes to care for, very decent and patriotic Americans. Never have I been associated with finer people or felt more privileged to be able to help in their important efforts.

And finally, the ridiculous accusation that animal rights activists have "too much time on their hands" could not be more untruthful. When one believes strongly in a good cause, time can always be found, no matter how tiring or inconvenient.

So -- for the Bubbas of this world who still continue to wear fur, who still patronize the incredible animal cruelty of the outdated circuses, rodeos, and all acts in which animals are forced to perform, who refuse to enter the 21st century and to help in any way to stop the outrages still present -- we feel almost as much compassion for their ignorance as we do for the suffering of the helpless animals.

RUTH DI MAGGIO