Don't let horse-meat industry circumvent Congress

Star-Telegram | Michael Markarian:

“Horses are many things to Americans: They helped us settle this country. They have served us faithfully in battle. They have entertained us in racing and competition. For 400 years, they were a primary means of transport for Americans. And they are beloved companions to millions today. But for Americans, there's one thing horses are not: food.”

Ed Cognoski responds:

That's certainly true, as far as it goes. But it's illogical. Hitching your wagon to an ox won't save the beast from the slaughterhouse. But hitch your wagon to a horse and the horse gets a reprieve. Bull riding in a rodeo doesn't mean squat for the bull, but a bucking bronco is awarded an entertainment exemption from the slaughterhouse. There's no more logic in Mr Markarian's position than when Kevin Blackistone acted all outraged over the matter in The Dallas Morning News in November.

There is no logical reason to distinguish between horses and cows when it comes to diet, only emotional attachment. So, expect the logical argument to head in one of two directions: either horsemeat will come to be seen as just another menu choice, or beef (and pork and mutton, etc.) will come to be seen the same way as horsemeat is today: the end result of egregious and abusive practices in modern-day agribusiness.

Which direction do you suppose Mr Markarian intends to lead Americans? As executive vice president of the Humane Society of the United States, Mr Markarian can be expected to support other initiatives of the Humane Society. The Society's Web home page has a box labeled "Take Action" that highlights two calls for action. The first is to "Tell the USDA to stop bucking Congress over horse slaughter." The second is to "Put a pig on the A list. Host a party for farm animals." As Mr Markarian tries to save horses, he doesn't mention the Humane Society's humanizing of pigs as it attempts to save them, too, from the "egregious and abusive practices in modern-day agribusiness". (You see, my choice of words in the previous paragraph where I laid out the likely direction the logical argument will take was not accidental). Does the Humane Society see a logical difference between horses and pigs? It doesn't appear so. Why doesn't Mr Markarian just say he's out to save all farm animals from the slaughterhouse, not just horses? See how far he'd get in Fort Worth with that agenda.

Logically, I can live with the argument either way, just be consistent about it. If you're going to get all upset over horsemeat, you ought to get all upset over pork and beef as well. The Star-Telegram needs to be careful what they lobby for -- they might get it. Mr Markarian's success in banning horsemeat won't be the end of the matter. People who throw parties for pigs won't rest until agribusiness gets out of the beef and pork business as well.