My people do me proud! A recent article in the National Catholic Worker praises the social and environmental benefits of being vegetarian. Granted, I'm not a Catholic per se, but as a Christian, the Catholic Workers are my favorite siblings. They work for—not just talk about—human rights, in the States and abroad, by putting their feet (and, in this case, their forks) where their faith is. They're also not afraid to take on issues that catch them some heat.

The article goes on to say that the "only diet for a peacemaker is a vegetarian diet," which is what we've been saying for years! I love that the Catholic Workers are owning up to this fact, too, and am hoping that Christians all over will be inspired by this. At PETA, we've got our own Blessed Are the Merciful video, which you can view here.

Of course, almost every religion has its own message of peace that, if you look closely, includes animals. But this article really struck a chord! I always found it a bit insincere that people were comfortable following a faith that preaches love and understanding yet don't blink when it comes to eating those who need exactly that.

I'd love to hear about how you all relate religion and vegetarianism, too, so comment and let me know.

Peace!

Posted by Missy Lane

Well, Rudy Giuliani’s office hung up on us when we offered the once presidential hopeful an ambassadorship last week, but Omar Osama Bin Laden (the estranged son of the more notorious OBL) and his wife are talking to us. We sent a letter yesterday urging the bin Ladens to cancel plans to organize a “grueling” endurance horse race across the Sahara Desert as “a way to promote peace.” That’s a 3,000-mile horse race across North Africa, scheduled to begin in March. We didn’t think that sounded like a barrel of laughs for the horses. As PETA’s president puts it, "If this were a rally in which cars were in danger of overheating and breaking down, I'd be all for it. But horses are flesh and blood. Such a grueling race will mean fatalities, not peace. Animals have not declared war on us - they should be truly left in peace."

The bin Ladens got back right away and some important assurances have already been given. More on this later. You can read our letter to bin Laden here.

Three dogfighters knocked out of the ring (or should that be pit) early! Two more of Michael Vick's alleged accomplices entered guilty pleas in Richmond today, and there is no doubt that Michael Vick is huddled with his attorneys, deciding whether or not he will follow suit early next week.

According to The Houston Chronicle, "A statement of facts signed by Taylor as part of his plea agreement placed Vick at the scene of several dogfights and linked him to betting. Taylor said Vick financed virtually all the "Bad Newz Kennels" operation on Vick's property in Surry County."

If Vick is ultimately tied to betting on these dogfights, it is likely to trigger a lifetime ban from the NFL under the league's personal conduct policy, which does not look kindly on illegal gambling. Does anyone else think it might be a good idea for the policy to include a similar stance against charges of electrocution and drowning?

PETA was present at the hearing, and I've posted some images for you below.

Now back to your regularly scheduled programming.