Biden spares turkeys amid activist backlash over tradition
This is one of Joe Biden's final decisions as President of the United States, as he "pardoned" two turkeys before Thanksgiving. This custom has been upheld for 35 years. Activists are outraged by the "act of mercy," believing it to be "a nod to industrial turkey farmers."
George H. W. Bush initiated the tradition of issuing "pardons" for turkeys in 1989. This tradition is associated with the Thanksgiving celebration and Abraham Lincoln's decision. In 1863, the first President of the USA spared the life of a bird before Christmas at the special request of his son.
For 35 years, successive presidents of the United States have maintained the tradition of "pardoning" two birds. Joe Biden has not broken with this custom. The outgoing politician spared two turkeys, Peach and Blossom from Minnesota, from being slaughtered and eaten.
Based on their temperament and commitment to being productive members of society, I hereby pardon 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 perceive it as "an advertisement and promotion for farming birds for meat." Representatives of PETA appeal to Joe Biden annually to refrain from participating in the traditional "pardon." However, these appeals have been ineffective year after year.
PETA activists' opinions are extremely critical. In their view, the traditional "act of mercy" is "a nod to industrial turkey farmers." The organisation's president, Ingrid Newkirk, expressed these sentiments in a letter to Joe Biden.
The White House has not officially responded to the organisation's allegations. It's worth noting that eating turkeys for Thanksgiving is a tradition dating back to the 15th century, even before the United States declared independence.
