Cary, NC — Representative Paul Stam of Apex, who is also Speaker Pro Tem of the NC House, sent us the following opinion about the N.C. Education Lottery. We thought it was worth reprinting here. What do you think? Read more
Dear Editor:
Last week, food safety officials in United Kingdom, France, and Sweden found traces of horse meat in ground beef sold across Europe. Massive recalls and lawsuits are ensuing.
Can it happen here? Horse slaughter for human consumption was banned in the U.S. between 2007 and 2011. But now, a New Mexico slaughterhouse is getting approved by U.S. authorities to slaughter horses for human consumption, and a Philadelphia restaurant has already announced plans to serve horse meat.
I marvel at our hypocrisy of rejecting the notion of horse or dog meat on our dinner plates, while condemning cows, pigs, and chickens to the same fate. Obviously, we have established special relationships with horses and dogs as our companions, protectors, and sports protagonists, rather than as food. But where is the ethical and logical distinction, given that all these animals are endowed by individuality, sentience, and an ability to experience the same feelings of joy, affection, sadness, and fear that we do?
Fortunately, our health food industry has spared us from having to choose which animals to pet and which ones to eat. Their delicious soy and grain-based meat alternatives are available in every supermarket.
Ralph Cooper
Raleigh, NC
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Photo by Cindy Cornett Seigle.
Story by Thomas Goolsby, North Carolina State Senator representing New Hanover County.
Wilmington, NC – Tomorrow we bury my father. Although his passing was not unexpected, the finality of his death still comes as a shock. One of my brothers was with him and assures me that his final moments were peaceful. Read more
Story and picture by Hal Goodtree.
Cary, NC – The New Home Purchase Stimulus Act (H-485) was introduced to the NC General Assembly on March 30. It would grant a $10,000 tax rebate to purchasers of new home construction (homes construction that is permitted after July 1, 2011).
Good or bad? Answer our survey and tell us what you think. Read more
Story & photo by Anora McGaha
Cary, NC – Today, February 18, 2011, my eye caught notice of the bunch of blue feathers I have hanging on a doorknob that I had gathered from Arnie over the 7 years I had been visiting him at The Pet Pad in Cary. Beautiful long blue feathers of many hues. I felt the warm feeling of appreciation for the sweet relationship we had. I wasn’t the only one. Read more