A Place For

Everyone’s Opinion

To the Editor:

I am writing in reference to a rebuttal written by Cristian Montanez entitled “Why Worry About Animals When Babies Are At Risk!”

Supposedly, Mr Montanez was responding to a letter from 12-year-old Katharine Bloxsom. Katharine’s letter, titled, “The Harsh Life of Animals” was an eloquent and intelligent plea written on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of animals who are slaughtered for fur each year. She encouraged everyone to acknowledge that local stores such as Wet Seal used such fur — and to boycott them if you wanted to show your support for the animals.

I refuse to believe that Katherine’s age is the reason she chose this topic to speak out about. I am a decade older than her, and find it to be a very important issue. She should be applauded for having the courage to speak her mind in a very public forum.

Instead, Mr Montanez took Katherine’s letter, dismissed her views as childish (as if the only issues young people find valid are those involving fluffy, cute animals) and turned it into a platform upon which to spew his antiabortion views. There is a time and a place for everyone’s opinion; and I encourage Mr Montanez to get his own platform next time.

Sincerely yours,

Kelly A. Doherty

22 Dodge Farm Road, Washington Depot            January 27, 2005