Props to Weekly reporters

Kera Abraham’s Seaside article in this week’s MCW (“Seaside Standoff,” Nov. 19-24) was splendid, covering virtually every conceivable angle a reader wants to know concerning that drama and its sundry actors. That’s the kind of reporting that represents so much research, presented in an even-handed manner, and makes readers pick up the next issue of the Weekly.

The previous issue’s long take on Morgan Christopher and his Ol’ Factory (“No Ordinary Joe,” Nov. 12-18) is in a similar league.

None of that Readers Digest or USA Today brevity, just give us the whole story.

Thanks.

Save the Turkeys

Last week, a failed vice-presidential candidate claimed that animals belong right next to the mashed potatoes. This week, our president is pardoning two turkeys. It’s food for thought.

Each of us has the presidential power to pardon a turkey this Thanksgiving. It shows our compassion for an innocent animal, as well as our concern for our family’s and our planet’s health. It’s a most fitting way to give thanks for our own life, health, and happiness.

The 270 million turkeys abused and slaughtered in the U.S. each year have nothing to give thanks for. They breathe toxic fumes in crowded sheds. Their beaks and toes are severed. At the slaughterhouse, workers cut their throats, and dump them into boiling water, sometimes while still conscious.

Consumers too pay a heavy price. Turkey flesh is laced with cholesterol and saturated fats that ele-vate the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer.

Careful adherence to government warning labels is required to avoid food poisoning. Turkey excrements pollute our water supplies.

This Thanksgiving, I won’t be calling the Poultry Hot Line, or staying awake wondering how that turkey lived and died. I will be joining millions of other Americans in observing this joyful family holiday with nonviolent healthful products of the earth’s bounty: vegetables, fruits and grains.

A visit to my local supermarket or health food store and an Internet search on vegan Thanksgiving will provide me more recipes and delicious turkey alternatives than I can possibly use.

Butterfly Slaughter?

Bob Pacelli’s comparison of PG’s tree trimming to the Taliban’s Buddhas destruction (“Butterfly Flap,” Nov. 19-24) was good for a laugh. He should keep in mind that the trees and butterflies will probably make a comeback, but the Buddhas are gone forever.