When President Biden continued a decades-long White House tradition of “pardoning the turkey”, and since “pardon” signifies a crime is excused, what exactly is the crime the turkey is pardoned for? If Biden’s two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, were pardoned for their “crimes," then the other 250 million turkeys on the table on Thanksgiving were apparently being punished for their “crimes" by being slaughtered and eaten. How many know that along with chickens, turkeys are the most abused of all factory farm animals? There are many savory and delicious plant-based alternatives to turkey and other animal meats, which we can consider during the December holidays.

Anne Stericker

East side

Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.