Douglas Subbiondo - Nature Works - San Francisco, California - Personal Vegan Chef - Landscaper

Recent

my letter to the editor of the ny times

in response to Home Again on the Kitchen Range

Respect the Buffalo -- Save Ourselves

In response to executive director of Slow Food USA, Erika Lesser's remark of the American buffalo, "You have to eat it in order to save it," I respond: To save ourselves, respect the buffalo.

A perusal of the Slow Foods Ark of Taste website revealed further evidence that an important concept has been lost to the Slow Foods Movement. Of particular breeds of sheep, cattle and fava beans, SFI states, "All are endangered products that have real economic viability and commercial potential."

The relegation of these viable species to mere products for our consumption is disrespectful to life everywhere, and reveals a deep-seated human arrogance. The wild buffalo of North America are native before us. They simply belong here, and their presence enriches the planet. They need not trade of themselves their meat to be granted the right to stay.

There is cause to eat buffalo meat. But, please: the American buffalo are sacred in their own right. The Native Americans knew this -- and used the whole thing.

Posted 8/20/2007 link |