Turkey-Free Thanksgiving - Write to your paper

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

 

I wrote a lil' op-ed that I've sent to several SF papers, hoping someone will

print it before Thanksgiving. I think it would be really powerful for a number

of people to write something and send to their local papers as well as to the

larger papers (it's ok if they receive more than one -- it may really encourage

them to run a story if they hear from lots o' people). Let's get the vegetarian

message out there and address people's concerns about not having enough

delicious food (ha!) as well as tell people about turkeys. Just a suggestion!

Here's what I wrote. I hope I get to write back and tell you it was published

somewhere.

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving is For the Birds

 

 

 

Humans are funny birds. We tend to get so wrapped up in habits, comfort zones,

and traditions that sometimes it takes a lot of strength and courage to step

back and question who we are and what we do.

 

 

 

Thanksgiving is one such instance, sadly exemplified by the alternative name for

the day: " Turkey Day. " Thanksgiving is meant to be a day when we celebrate the

bounty of the harvest, pause in gratitude for the abundance most of us

experience, and share what we have with others. Most people don't stop to think

about the near 300 million birds that are killed each year in the United States,

just to satisfy our appetites. It is estimated that of this number, 45 million

are killed for Thanksgiving (and 22 million for Christmas).

 

 

 

As someone who eats no animal flesh or secretions, teaches vegetarian cooking

classes, and leads workshops on vegetarian nutrition, I have seen many people

switch to plant-based eating and enjoy an abundance of delicious, nutritious

food. I also know that it takes a real shift in perception to shed the

traditions and comfort zones of the past -- in order to create new ones. Some

people have a real fear that they will no longer have satisfying, filling meals

-- especially on Thanksgiving. I can say with definitive assurance that they can

put their fears to rest.

 

 

 

Our Thanksgiving feast every year is full of comfort foods galore: mashed

potatoes with gravy, stuffing, mashed rutabagas, cranberry relish with pecans,

beautiful stuffed acorn squash, corn bread, Brussels sprouts, corn, peas,

pumpkin pie with non-dairy whipped cream, apple pie. This was our menu last

year, and I'm sure I've left something out. Indeed, there is no dearth of food

on our table on this special day, as we share it with our closest friends and

family. And people who want that extra dose of familiarity, " tofu turkey " is

always another option.

 

 

 

For those who have never met them, turkeys are magnificent animals, full of

spunk and spark, each with their own individual personalities. I was amazed the

first time I visited rescued turkeys at Farm Sanctuary, birds who had been

abused, who had been de-beaked and de-toed but who still displayed immense

affection for humans. A special turkey lady climbed into my lap and cooed as she

fell asleep in my arms, while I stroked her soft chest and beautiful feathers.

The next year, a special turkey named Lydia, who since has passed away, became

very famous for hugging anyone who squatted down and held out his or her arms. I

look at the picture of me and Lydia everyday, remembering how she pressed her

warm body against mine and craned her head over my shoulder while I embraced

her. Extraordinary animals they are.

 

 

 

Though I can't promise any hugging turkeys, I do encourage everyone who can to

visit a sanctuary like Farm Sanctuary and even participate in their Adopt a

Turkey program (www.adoptaturkey.org). What a wonderful way to celebrate

Thanksgiving, honor a friend in whose name you can adopt a sweet turkey, and

respect the lives of other beings on this earth. At the very least, try a

turkey-free Thanksgiving this year. Recruit friends and family members to help

or bring food. It will be a Happy Turkey day indeed.

 

 

 

May we all find abundance and joy as we make new traditions and modify old ones

-- and leave Thanksgiving for the birds.

 

Colleen A. Patrick-Goudreau

3914 Enos Ave.

Oakland, CA 94619

(510) 482-1927

colleen

 

 

Recipes and Cooking Classes: http://www.generationv.org/compassionatecooks.htm