HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST

Regarding the recent spate of letters urging us to respect and affirm the
rights of animals and stop eating meat, I'll be happy to support that cause
- - when we have shown respect for and affirmed the rights of humans.

When our prisons are no longer disproportionately filled with young black
men. When no man or woman can be denied housing or employment because of
being homosexual. When no child goes hungry in the wealthiest nation on
earth. When those with illnesses have equal access to quality medical care
and affordable prescription drugs.

When evangelical Christian zealots cease trying to ram their faith down the
throats of Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, agnostics and atheists. When
teachers are permitted to teach truth and facts, instead of lies and
political propaganda disguised as "American history" or "abstinence education."

When our legislators start representing citizens instead of kowtowing to
corporations, HMOs and oil lobbyists. When we stop the barbaric murders of
vengeance politely termed "capital punishment." When we admit defeat in the
farcical "war on drugs" and focus those billions on treatment and education
and rehabilitation.

When that day comes, I'll be thrilled to support animal rights. In the
meantime, how about working on these and other abuses and denials of human
rights?

Richard Snyder
Bensalem