Politics

Back in the 1980s, I discovered VT and was a loyal fan (I still have some old copies). But a few years ago, VT became slick and very politically correct ("Carrot & Stick" was even dropped). Gone were the articles that mentioned animal rights. In their place were cheery, hip, middle-of-the-road pieces sure to offend no one. However, when I read the November 2006 issue, I was pleased to rediscover an old, reliable, entertaining and informative friend--Carrot & Stick is back! I've been a vegetarian since my 20s (I am now 60). Keep up the great work.

Kate Boyle

Via email

I always enjoy reading your "Carrot & Stick" column but frequently think that the position VT takes is counter to what will work. A stick was given to the FDA for overreacting to the E. coli spinach scare. This wasn't a scare. This was three deaths and 199 people who became ill. Perhaps the stick should be to the FDA and the press for not making a bigger deal about the 73,000 annual cases of E. coli and the 61 annual deaths it causes. But to believe that finding and fixing the problem with spinach is an overreaction and puts politics before health (something common among vegetarian activists). What I'd prefer to see VT do is lead the effort to discover the cause of the E. coli outbreak, help farmers prevent it from happening again, and help consumers keep informed about what to watch for.

George Reis

Via email

I have subscribed to your magazine for a very long time, and this is the first time I was motivated to write to you. You gave China a "Carrot" (January 2007) for its wind energy program. While we all agree that alternative forms of energy are absolutely necessary, China deserves no praise while it's responsible for arming a ruthless genocide in Darfur. I hope you will look at the whole picture before rewarding countries and organizations who may be trying to help the environment, but are also massacring babies.

Eileen B. Weiss

Via email

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