Dear Editor:
Years ago slavery was common, then we saw the light. Years ago women were not allowed to vote, considered property, then we saw the light. Years ago Black people were segregated, then we saw the light.
Years ago doctors recommended smoking cigarettes and you could smoke anywhere, then we saw the light. Years ago gay people were sent for lobotomies, then we saw the light.
Years ago seatbelts were not mandatory, then we saw the light. Years ago having a few drinks and driving was only slightly frowned upon, then we saw the light.
In hindsight all of these advances are common sense. We knew deep down that we had to change and we fought for those changes.
Well years ago we discovered that keeping wild animals in captivity is devastating, yet we continue to allow these attractions.
Years ago we discovered the harsh gruesome and cruel truth behind factory farming, yet we continue to allow these barbaric practices. Years ago we discovered that these factory farming methods, on both land and sea, are rapidly destroying our planet, yet we continue to allow those that profit to carry on.
Years ago we discovered that meat, dairy, sugar and processed foods can lead to increased risk of chronic illnesses (cancers, high cholesterol, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, etc.), yet we continue to deny the facts. We continue to close our eyes and believe in those that profit above our common sense.
What happened to us? We have become complacent and, quite frankly, stupid. I’m not talking about the people in power. They are not the stupid ones. They are the people that control your diet, your health and your future by selling you their product regardless of how it was produced and what it means to you. You’re so brainwashed that you fight their fight for them by denouncing what we should have learned by now.
We should be looking back on these things and celebrating that we saw the light before it was too late like we did years ago.
Deb Richard,
Harriston