- New York Times article by Julia Preston - September 4, 2008This article was produced in light of new video evidence, produced without the knowledge or consent of the plant's owners, revealing that the strict guidelines required for Kosher food processing were being violated and the rights of the animals disregarded at an unspecified Agriprocessors meat packaging plant. The video showed several instances of apparently nonreligious workmen administering secondary cuts to the animal's throats, a practice that requires the approval of a rabbi trained in ritual slaughter. This article relates to our recent classroom discussion of Hobbes vs. Locke and their influence on American politics, because obviously in a society inspired by the beliefs of Thomas Hobbes, such infringement on religious beliefs would be very difficult to monitor given the inherent individuality of a Hobbsian worldview. In contrast, the values promoted by John Locke would imply (and indeed require) the enforcement of some sort of regulation to ensure compliance with strict religious dietary requirements.
Personally, I see this whole issue as being something of a moot point. Loathe as I am to assault religious beliefs, the idea of mass producing beef that has been killed in accordance with specific rules is tinged with a certain amount of irony. It is my opinion that there is no practical difference between a cow that has been killed by a trained rabbi and one that has been killed in any other way, be it natural, vehicular, or as a result of some sort of projectile weapon. Aside from that, and despite my beliefs that the animals should not be subject to unreasonable or unnecessary amounts of pain, the difference between one slit of the throat and two is not very significant, and does not merit the amount of indignation being directed at it.
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