Biden's Thanksgiving turkey pardon ruffles feathers again
This is one of Joe Biden's last such decisions. As President of the United States, he "pardoned" two turkeys before Thanksgiving. This custom has been upheld for 35 years. Activists are outraged by the "act of mercy," believing it's "a nod to industrial turkey farmers."
3:33 PM EST, November 26, 2024
George H. W. Bush initiated the practice of "pardoning" turkeys in 1989. This tradition is closely linked to the Thanksgiving celebration and Abraham Lincoln's decision. In 1863, the first president of the USA chose not to kill a turkey before Christmas at the special request of his son.
For 35 years, successive presidents of the United States have upheld the tradition of "pardoning" two birds. Joe Biden did not break with this custom. The outgoing politician saved two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, from Minnesota, from being slaughtered and eaten.
Considering your temperament and commitment to being productive members of society, I hereby pardon you, Peach and Blossom, - said Biden during the traditional ceremony.
Activists are not pleased with the act of mercy. They believe it's an advertisement for farming
Animal rights activists are not enthusiastic about saving the two birds. On the contrary, they think it is "an advertisement and promotion for farming birds for meat." PETA representatives have, as every year, appealed to Joe Biden not to participate in the traditional "pardon." The activists' appeals have been ineffective year after year.
Opinions from PETA activists are extremely critical. In their view, the traditional "act of mercy" is "a nod to industrial turkey farmers." These words were used by the organization's president, Ingrid Newkirk, in a letter to Joe Biden.
The White House has not officially responded to the organization's allegations. It's worth noting that eating turkeys for Thanksgiving is a tradition that dates back to the 15th century, even before the United States declared independence.
