COVINGTON, Ky. – Every year, it’s a tradition; the President of the United States pardons a turkey for Thanksgiving. One bird is saved from being one family’s main course. But one man says that everyone has the power to pardon turkeys this year by not eating them.
The presidential pardon is only a drop in the bucket, when there are nearly 270 million turkeys slaughtered, said Kenneth Beckett of Covington. For him, the pardon is an opportunity to "call attention to the deplorable conditions turkeys endure in the name of a national holiday."
He said that pardoning a turkey this year shows compassion for an "innocent animal and our concern for our family’s and our planet’s health. It’s a most fitting way to give thanks for our own life, health, and happiness." And he thinks that everyone should give thanks this way.
Beckett has been a vegan for 31 years and thinks that turkeys belong free, not next to the mashed potatoes and gravy on a Thanksgiving dinner plate.
The 71-year-old divorced man said that while he will be enjoying Tofurkey, the tofu version of turkey, being vegan is more than about food.
"Being vegan means never having to say you're sorry…seriously, animal agriculture negatively impacts not only our environment, but our health, as well as senseless suffering of animals, including wildlife," said Beckett, whose daughter is a vegan as well.
According to Beckett, the definition of a vegan is a person who "abstains from consuming animal flesh and by-products," whether as food, clothing or entertainment. They consume a plant-based diet of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds and nuts.
Dubbed by many as "Turkey Day," this Thanksgiving Beckett will feast on stuffing and gravy, mashed potatoes with vegan margarine, oven-roasted vegetables and cranberry-blueberry sauce, alongside his Tofurkey. And for dessert, vegan coconut-pumpkin pie, fruit juice and green tea.
"I will be joining millions of other Americans in observing this joyful family holiday with non-violent healthy, vegetables, fruits and grains," he said. "I can enjoy a plant-based diet that's nutritionally sound and doesn't involve torturing other living beings to satisfy my appetite."
Beckett said that if people want to show that they care about turkeys, they should try something different this year, like a turkey alternative.
Food or no food, turkey or Tofurkey, Thanksgiving means the same thing for most. It’s a day to come together and remember what you’re thankful for.
"Thanksgiving is yet another opportunity to share food and friendship, we invite friends and family to share in a compassionate feast that satisfies the body and soul."
