Down with soy, slaughter
Thanks to Linda Falkenstein for her article "Rebuilding the Burger" (4/24/09) on meat consumption and its impact on the environment. I appreciate your emphasis on the connection between meat production and global warming as well as the non-meat alternatives available in Madison.
Often I am frustrated to read books and articles on vegetarian and vegan diets that recommend soy as the "healthy" meat substitute. Not only is soy detrimental to the soil and the environment, it also poses a number of health risks documented in the scientific literature. There are better options for protein sources.
I have been a vegetarian for eight years and have tried all of the vegetarian burgers you reviewed. I was pleased to see that walnut burgers made the top of your list. But while I agree that Amy's California burger is one of the tastiest mass-produced burgers, with the added bonus of being soy-free, I would give Amy's a higher eco-rating than Boca since it is a more ethical, environmentally friendly company.
Ann Casper
Imagine billions of cats and dogs raised in terrible conditions and then killed so we could eat them. Then imagine that this system of eating cats and dogs results in tremendous environmental damage.
That's what I thought of when I read your great cover story. Even though the focus was on the environment (and remember, beef isn't the only meat that's not good for the environment), it would have been reasonable to mention the lives that are destroyed so we can literally turn their bodies into hamburgers!
So yes, enjoy the tasty, more sustainable veggie burgers that Falkenstein surveys (my favorite is the Nature's Bakery tofu-walnut burger). But also feel good that the only red on those burgers is ketchup.
Edward Zapala
Divided on the bishop
Jim Beyers' column ("Standing Up to Bishop Morlino," 4/24/09) proclaims Bishop Morlino a tyrant and a dictator.
But many Catholics who have tried to obtain good, solid catechesis, for ourselves and our kids, have been tyrannized by "religious education" programs offering up inane pabulum and pap, along with a big, fat dose of heresy. Parents who questioned these programs were subjected to intimidation. The phrase "Catholic doctrine" was taboo.
We, the faithful, and our families have a right to learn the clear, unambiguous teachings of our Catholic faith. That right has been long neglected, perhaps even denigrated, here in the Diocese of Madison.
Nobody has the right to a salary from the diocese.
Who among us is prepared to question the rigid "teachings" of Mr. Beyers and Call to Action (a group whose views are "unacceptable from a doctrinal and disciplinary standpoint," according to Cardinal Battista Re, prefect of the Vatican's Congregation for Bishops)?
Well, Bishop Morlino is, thank God. That's why over 800 people signed the letter supporting the bishop, whereas the "open letter" Mr. Beyers refers to had fewer than 50 signatures.
Diana Goodavage, Fitchburg
In a way, maybe this action of firing Ruth Kolpack is a sign of the Spirit working. It reveals just how out of touch some of the church hierarchy are.
You bet we won't leave - the Spirit works from the bottom up.
Thank you, Ruth Kolpack and Jim Beyers. You are both very brave!
Ann Frigo, Platteville