Recently in Political Correctness Category

Venturing out at lunchtime today to pick up a Big Issue and a copy of the CEN I was alarmed to see that a Cambridge restaurant has been attacked by so called animal rights activists.

Midsummer house is one of the trendier restaurants in Cambridge and has recently bowed to the pressure of activists by removing foie gras from its menu. You can read the online news reports here:

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news_home/displayarticle.asp?id=257435

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn%5Fnews%5Fhome/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=257755

Personally I am appalled at the hypocrisy of the activists in this case since they are showing complete ignorance of the scale of bad animal welfare in this country's meat industry in general.

While there is no doubt that the forced-feeding of the animals (duck or goose) involved in fois gras production is ethically dubious, the scale of it pales into pure insignificance compared to the millions of fowl that are reared in broiler houses in this country. Other, larger animals such as pigs and cows fare no better in supplying our nation's appetite for cheap meat.

If any of these activists have indulged in a Tesco chicken or a beef burger at a chain then they should take a long hard look at their actions in Cambridge
and perhaps think twice before throwing bricks through windows.

I would also be willing to bet that the majority of Midsummer House's other meat supply is sourced from much more well treated livestock than most of the eateries in the city.

Some might say that activists' actions at this end of the market will influence things further along the chain. If that were true then shouldn't there also be demonstrations against Formula 1 events by activists concerned about cars causing climate change?

What the activists fail to realise is that most of the public aren't interested in high-end restaurants and what they serve. They are happy to buy cheap chickens from Asda because it is perceived as 'normal'.

I would much prefer to see a peaceful demonstration outside my local Budgens than read about violent protest at low-volume eateries!

The Danish editor of Jyllands Posten Comics has presented us with his new cartoon strip depicting Mohammed... with Jesus this time! The cartoons are fresh off the press from Daneland, so enjoy!

[ Note from the editor - This entry was created by Chenapan at his outrage at what is happening out in Europe, and his desire to defend our freedom of speech. Readers may find it gratuitously offensive, including it would appear, our very own Jack Straw ]

The BBC reported today that Tessa Jowell, the government's culture secretary has backed a call from viewers for greater representation of disabled people on TV.

Well that's fair enough I suppose, but any portrayal of disabled people usually falls into the usual stereotypes.

Anyway, it appears that 61% of viewers believed "there should be more portrayals of disabled people in a wide variety of roles - including as presenters."

Right on! I think the news should be read by quadraplegic deaf mutes.

For gods sake, give the job to people who are best qualified for it, disability shouldn't come into it.

grrr!