Ellie,

It may be semantics, but then again it may not.  I just think it is
important that we not deceive ourselves into thinking we are somehow
performing some noble deed on the animal's behalf when we use words like
"merciful" and "compassionate."  If extraterrestrials visited our planet
and began gathering up humans to kill and eat, they too might say they were
doing so with compassion and mercy, but it would be more to assuage their
own feelings of guilt than out of any true compassion for the humans.
Would the families of the people that were eaten feel gratitude that their
loved ones were killed with "mercy" and "compassion" because they weren't
tortured?  I'm afraid I wouldn't be so charitable.  If the ETs felt true
compassion for us, they wouldn't kill us.

Mark

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> From: Ellie Rotunno <[log in to unmask]>

> I think your comments have to do with semantics. Couping up animals and
> feeding them poorly, and otherwise torturing them is surely unmercifull.
> Killing animals quickly and painlessly for food is merciful, ie, it is
> done with compassion.