Aug26
Ride-Around Pigs at DNC Say, 'Tax Meat!'
Posted at 11:40 AM | Permalink
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Comments (40)
Now that the Olympics are over, it's impossible to turn on the TV or open the newspaper without seeing something about the Democratic National Convention. What's going to happen, what's going to be said, who's going to be there …
Well, we'll tell you who's there—the PETA pigs, that's who!
Our pigs don't have anything to say about any of the candidates, of course—they're tackling a global issue: meat!
The pigs—who are circling around the convention center and picking up passengers in their cherry red convertible—are calling for a federal excise tax on meat. (Look out for them next week as they cruise around the Republican National Convention!) Why? Well, there's a "sin" tax on cigarettes, alcohol, and gasoline. Why shouldn't there be one on meat, which is bad for both your health and the environment?
Our Senior VP Dan Mathews (who, as we know, is fond of wearing costumes) is among the protesters. He sums up the reason our pigs are calling for a 10-cents-per-pound tax: "The impact of the meat trade is as devastating to our health as the tobacco and alcohol industries put together—and even more so to the environment. Slapping a tax on meat would save countless lives—and not just those of animals."
Check out our pigs below—and if you're concerned about the health and environmental consequences of eating meat, check out GoVeg.com for a free copy of PETA's "Vegetarian Starter Kit"!
Posted by Amanda Schinke
TAGGED:
meat vegetarian tax tax meat politics convention
Comments
I hope this passes!
Posted by: Pete | August 26, 2008 01:19 PM
I TAKE THOSE CUTE LITTLE PINK PIGS MORE SERIOUSLY THAN THE REPUBLICAN AND THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY COMBINED ! AT LEAST THE CUTE LITTLE PIGS ARE TELLING THE TRUTH !! AND THEY ARE GETTING THE MESSAGE OUT THERE !! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK !!
Posted by: SASHA | August 26, 2008 01:27 PM
I am so happy Peta is around. Thank you Ingrid. I am a member of the Green Party, we don't have to be told what a waste of a life eating meat is. It's a horrible thing we do. Tax the hell out of all those damn meat eaters. It is a vice and should be treated as such. Thank you!
Posted by: Jill Harper | August 26, 2008 02:12 PM
PETA, you guys are awesome because your not only saving the animals but the environment and people as well. Most people are just to blind to see to it all or are a bunch of ingrates.Anyway good luck and I'll be looking for the cute pigs at the Republican National Convention!
Posted by: melissa | August 26, 2008 08:21 PM
Meat production is free enterprise and because of its impact on our health, the medicare pays for it. I truly agree that meat should be taxed like tobacco and alcohol and that would save billions of dollars to our government if the tax comes into effect.
Posted by: Maureen | August 26, 2008 11:22 PM
this is a good idea but with the taxes on cigarettes and alcohol already in place - and lots of people still drink and smoke. the money derived from the taxes would need to go to a fund that benefits animals
Posted by: nicole | August 27, 2008 03:21 AM
I love that idea! LOL! It makes perfect sense since we do place taxes on cigarettes, alcohol, and gasoline!!
Brillant!
Posted by: Allie | August 27, 2008 02:42 PM
Taxing meat is going to raise the cost of food for everyone.
This is also going to raise demand for non-meat products (raising its price also). What about the people that can barely afford to eat now? Should they just starve to death? What about the health care burden from lack of nutrition from not having enough protein?
Even if the government decided to tax meat, I doubt you would see that money go to Mr. Cow.
Posted by: chris | August 27, 2008 04:48 PM
I so wish I was there.
It won't happen because the Democrats are pandering to groups who love meat and they don't want to offend.
But we can try.
Posted by: Soliel | August 27, 2008 05:14 PM
Why not? I think it's a great idea to tax meat.
Posted by: lynda downie | August 27, 2008 11:10 PM
Why not a tax on meat--it is a much bigger sin to eat meat than to hang out in a bar, drink and smoke on a Saturday night!
Posted by: Kelley | August 28, 2008 09:45 AM
this is liek the most amazing thing i have heard in a while i dont eat meat so i am like 100 percent for this i hope to pass this :DD
Posted by: Miranda hoyt | August 28, 2008 03:33 PM
Hooray for PETA for bringing this to the attention of the public. If meat is suppose to be responsible for at least 7 different cancers, then why isn't it taxed for the same reason as cigerettes are being taxed?
Posted by: dianne | August 28, 2008 05:14 PM
i am really glad peta is around these days we need to stop aanimal abusing it is rude and very mean! STOP ANIMAL ABUSING!
Posted by: allayhana slade | August 28, 2008 05:45 PM
I love it! I live and work right in Denver. In the middle of the DNC. I was so happy when I saw the pigs driving around! GREAT JOB GUYS!
Posted by: Jenny | August 28, 2008 05:59 PM
No offense, I'm a supporter of the proper treatment of animals, but I'm not a vegetarian, and I think taxing meat is the stupidest thing I've heard yet. Not only would this completely drive up already over the roof prices in all food products, but it would make absolutely no impact. I support hunting for food and strongly disapprove of the livestock market and the treatment of the animals in those markets, but at the same time, I realize there's nothing anyone can do to change that, so I deal with it.
Posted by: Haley | August 28, 2008 06:00 PM
I think you will actually get the government to impose a sin tax on all fast food. Seems to be a big alarm suddenly that Americans are FAT! Burger King is trying to lure parents in by cutting apples in the shape of french fries. Nice try, but even if they sell some, it won't undo the damage done in America by fast food. Okay, honestly, I don't care about the smelly chloestoral-ridden Americans who eat meat. But if there is a way to tax the fast food industry out of business, it's a start. Carnivores don't see things the same as we do. It's gonna take a lot of work to get the cavemen to drop the meat.
Posted by: Teriqua | August 28, 2008 06:17 PM
we shouldn't just tax meat and leave it at that. put it in a fund that is used-by a taskforce-to end animal cruelty. think about how much more humane slaughter could be, if only the government woud start prosecuting and had sufficient funds for it!
Posted by: kat | August 28, 2008 07:22 PM
I love the idea of taxing meat and while we're at it lets show the animal abuse videos to kids in middle school...that is when you still get a good early impact and these videos should be shown to high school kids as well. Early education is key and maybe we can turn this insanity of animal abuse and breeding around.
Posted by: Gabi | August 28, 2008 07:38 PM
I agree.
I LOVE THAT CAR!!
MUSTANG FOREVER!
Posted by: Veronica Galluzzo | August 28, 2008 07:51 PM
Hello: I am from Canada, it would
be cool to tax meat, It
causes alot of health problems. I don't eat meat. In
Canada the national and provincial
govts. strongly support the meat
industry, it probably won't work
but it's worth trying to get govt.
to co-operate!
Posted by: Larry Chapman | August 28, 2008 11:44 PM
Yes, keep on pushing this!
Posted by: Kristin | August 29, 2008 12:57 AM
A Brilliant idea However all that money should be pumped into projects that help animals and there habitats. As a Vegetarian I fully support this all the way GO PETA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jade | August 29, 2008 03:34 AM
If you are going to Tax Meat, then I think it's only fair to tax Tofu and all fake meat products.
Posted by: Beth | August 29, 2008 09:38 AM
Wonderful Ingrid Newkirk and Dan Matthews. Perfectly logical proposal. I'll see with Nicolas who is leading the demonstrations in Paris France if we can do something similar in Paris. Our Paris Veggie Pride was successful with more than 500 vegetarian participants.
Joelle
Posted by: Joelle Verdier | August 29, 2008 09:40 AM
I am a vegetarian and i believe eating meat is wrong but do we really need to punish the poor even more? some people cannot afford any food at all, they cannot afford more pricey vegan substitutes. this is a funny gesture but just not a good idea.
Posted by: jessica | August 29, 2008 12:52 PM
I AM A VEGAN MANY YEARS, YES DEAD FLESH, MEAT AS YOU CALL IT SHOULD BE TAXED LIKE OTHER DEVICES, BUT MEAT IS REALLY MURDER, WHY NOT BE PROSECUTED. NANCIE 8/29/08
Posted by: NANCIE SAILOR | August 29, 2008 04:34 PM
Beth: Tofu and fake meat products don't cause health problems, like meat does. Having been vegan for 16 years, I can attest to the health benefits. Taxing meat is absolutely fair, since people should pay for their own health problems. What is unfair, however, is for someone like me, who never needs to go to a doctor and who is not on any meds, to have to pay for those overweight people who have health problems because they will not eat properly or exercise. Not only should we tax meat, but people should have to pay out of pocket for those drugs they take due to their own laziness. It is about time that the financial burden be shifted back to those responsible instead of being borne by everyone.
Posted by: Antigone1000 | August 29, 2008 06:42 PM
Like so many other people have stated before me, this idea is absolutely ridiculous. There are already people out there who can barely afford to put food on their tables now! I myself tried vegetarianism, but found it far too expensive to keep up, not to mention I kept throwing up after my meals because the taste of veggie burgers and the like just doesn't sit well with my stomach. I also began to have dizzy spells from what I assume to be lack of protein and other needed nutrients. There are some people out there who need to eat red meat. Like, for example, myself. What am I supposed to do? Cause myself endless suffering because of the tofu burgers I throw up every time I eat them. I can't even stomach the smell of them anymore because of the onslaught of nausea. So, again, what am I to do if this tax comes through and I simply can't afford to eat? Am I supposed to be eating ten tubs of peanut butter a day? Which, I'll tell you now, would make me extremely obese and actually kills one of the "purposes" behind this taxing. And this isn't me being a "meat eating Nazi"- this is a person who gave it a chance and just couldn't stomach the taste. But, back to issue at hand- taxing meat. If you did do this, it would DESTROY our economy. People aren't buying things NOW because they can't afford them- just wait until they can't even afford to feed themselves! And if you want proof that people can't feed themselves now, just go to one of the big cities. Even my sister [whom I live with] struggles to put food on the table with the good, steady income she has now. Yes, that's right; this post is coming from somebody that is in a bit of financial trouble as it is. If we aren't in a depression now, we sure as hell will be if this tax goes through- which is highly unlikely considering that if a fifteen year old [myself] came up with these logical assumptions that the politicians [or one of their smarter underdogs] will come up with these and more. Good luck with this one- I have a STRONG feeling that you are definitely going to need it. And before any of you jump on me for being evil and a meat eater, I'll tell you right now: what goes on in Slaughterhouses some of the time just isn’t right. Animals shouldn't be put through torture like that. However, I've done a ton of research myself and have talked to a few people who work in dairy farms and the such, and they've told me that animals aren't always treated as badly as you see it. Only in extreme cases are animals tortured or hurt badly. But, seeing as I now get to sit down to a delicious lobster stew, I'll post this so all of you can "stew" on my own response. Really, no pun intended.
Posted by: Mary | August 29, 2008 07:20 PM
You people are not getting the point- its taxing meat to help save their lives (the animals as well as the people!). If the "poor" can't afford meat then maybe they should find an alternative food source- may I suggest faux meat? And if they can't afford meat they sure as h*ll aren't going to be able to afford the hospital bills after the heart attack!
Posted by: Christine | August 29, 2008 11:47 PM
I think a tax on meat is a good Idea, but with the price of food so high and more people asking for welfare and foodstamps, because they cant aford what is in front of them it would only drive up the crime rate, people will start stealing food and other things to sell just to buy food. It's like asking a homeless man to take a stray off the streets when that's where he himself lives. Why don't we wait till vegan alternatives and the cost of food come down in price first, before we add more to the cost.I am a vegetarian, but my family is not. I can barely aford food for them and much less for myself. It is a good Idea, but the timing is wrong.
Posted by: Alex | August 30, 2008 01:50 AM
You guys are just as bad as the Democrats. Stop telling people what to and not to eat it is very disgraceful, this is the United States and we have the choice to eat what we want. If we don't want to be healthy, that is our choice. We have been eating meat since the beginning of time, and animals eat meat that is a part of life, so get over it.
Posted by: Trey | August 31, 2008 11:59 PM
I just believe the governement should stop to finance the meat producers, not put a tax on meat. That would be a greater pace.
Posted by: Ben | September 2, 2008 01:05 PM
Awesome idea! My entire family is vegetarian! They should tax milk and eggs too!
Posted by: Allisyn A. | September 2, 2008 10:07 PM
Thank you for doing what you guys do. That's a great idea. However, they won't put tax on meat anytime soon because their arguement will be that it is a necessity to live not like cigars or alcohol. But we still have to keep the fight going! Hurray for pink piggy's. Oink! Oink!
Posted by: Juliana | September 4, 2008 10:06 AM
Awesome, awesome, awesome. Peta always has something new and thought provoking going on. Thank you to everyone involved in these displays of basic human ethics.
Posted by: Erlyn Garrison | September 9, 2008 01:36 AM
How can we, average citizens, help get this passed? Please give us action steps! I'm all for it! For those of you that think this idea is ridiculous and that the alternatives are too expensive, how about growing your own fruits and veggies? Then you'd have more money for the slightly more expensive meat-substitutes. If you don't like meat subs, there are plenty of other types of food out there that have protein (beans!). Finally, let's get real here, people. Just because meat has always been a food choice, doesn't make it right. Going to McD's and picking up a hamburger is just too easy. I think if you really want to eat it, you should have to do all of the dirty work yourself. Then maybe you'd realize how wrong it is. If you want to go on being unhealthy, that's your choice. But what choice do the animals get?
Posted by: Casey Hutcherson | September 9, 2008 12:52 PM
You went to campaign for taxing meat to help the environment in a Mustang? A Mustang? A car owned by Ford, a huge contributor to pollution.
Beggars Belief.
A bit like when I watch Madonna crow on about the environment before jumping into a private jet built for 60 to run all over the world.
And this comment...:
What is unfair, however, is for someone like me, who never needs to go to a doctor and who is not on any meds.
...is farcical and ambiguous at best. It's almost as though no vegetarian has visited a doctor.
Posted by: Paul | September 10, 2008 05:47 AM
Paul: I'm a vegan, not on any meds, and never in need of a doctor.......I've been vegan for 16 years. There is research to support that veganism is the best diet for a human.
Posted by: Antigone1000 | September 17, 2008 11:07 AM
Antigone: I'm a meateater, not on any meds and never in need of a doctor....I've been a meat eater for 26 years.
What's you point?
There are a great many meat eaters in the world so it is inaccurate to state figures when trying to form a debate on the subject.
I actualyl agree that a vegetarian diet is healthier, but I will not conceed that a meateater is unhealthy just for that fact. If well balanced with a healthy lifestyle and exercise I do not see health issues being a concern.
I have also just seen that peta are giving away free gas to promote vegetarianism. Which is just amazing to me given the pictures above.
This is why people dislike peta, not because you are vegetarians etc and I agree with what peta stands for and will never buy fur or animal skins. It's the hypocracy. You have the nerve to have a go at meat eaters for the problems the planet faces, and then you offer petrol free of charge?
Unbelievable.
Posted by: Paul | September 19, 2008 03:28 AM