Sometimes you just have to laugh at PETA. I think they mean well, but....

[Wonk]

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/local/6751938.htm

(snip)

Last week, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals raised a stink about Robinson's Racing Pigs and Pig Paddling Porkers at the Cabarrus County Fair, which runs through Saturday in Concord. Worried that stressed-out oinkers were in danger, the group filed a formal complaint with the county Sheriff's Office.

In the event, four miniature pot-bellied pigs -- with names like Soggy Bacon and Spamu (think Shamu, the whale at SeaWorld) -- race around a track, then through a 24-foot-long, 2-foot-deep pool in a kind of biathlon. The winner gobbles a large chunk of Oreo cookie; the losers get the crumbs.

Sheriff Brad Riley called in an expert. Before and after one such swim, veterinarian John Harroff examined the pigs' body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and other indicators.

"The pigs had no problem swimming in a relaxed manner," Harroff wrote in his report. "In my opinion, they thoroughly enjoyed their swim -- not to mention their Oreo cookie treat."

PETA had complained that pigs are not designed to swim and that their fragile lungs are prone to pneumonia.

[Don_G]

1. I Like Some Of Their Ads

I'm sure Pamela Anderson means well too!

[patrice]

2. The world needs true eccentrics.

I'm glad they are keeping that particular discussion alive.

[Cocoa]

5. well said

I love their sense of humor, and it's hard to argue against their cause.

[Kanola]

3. PETA is too extreme and emotional

to get across their viewpoints. They piss people off because their tactics are too extreme and confrontational. If you really want change you do not act like PETA. IMHO the just love the media coverage. If they were serious about change they would calm the fuck down and try to figure out ways to communicate with people who think differently from them without pissing them off. PETA does not have that pragmatic tactic and they are over emotional divas for their cause.

And this is from an animal lover.

[fabius]

4. PETA poster child for "wacko liberal" organizations

unfortunately.

Also the women who equate looking at them to rape.

[Kool Kitty]

7. "Wacko liberal organizations"?

Could you name a few, please?

[ott]

6. PETA does more for the environment, animal rights, human health, and...

...worker's rights than any other one organization.

I would personally pick different battles but they know what they're doing. They know how to get media attention to constantly bring up the same tired argument; that exploiting animals for food or fun hurts them and is unethical, from pretty much anyone's standard, given the facts.

I'm all about supporting PETA. I understand the reasons for their actions. I've seen what they're working to stop.

[classics]

8. "pigs are not designed to swim"

Can I get a copy of that blueprint?