Those who are following the debate, most recently and most excellently conducted in the pages of Satya magazine, about humanely raised meat and whether it is or is not an oxymoron, may be interested in reading the letters to the New York Times of October 30, 2006. Most writers seem to be aware of the ironies and inadequacies of the label, and seek in some way to move beyond its limitations.

That the Times should print this selection suggests there is clearly a groundswell of public opinion that wants to address the issue of farmed animal welfare. More than that, however, there is a realization that simply labeling meat humanely raised is not the end of the discussion. Judging from the letters here, animal advocates should not be afraid to push the issue to make people aware of the deeply avoidable cruelties in raising animals for food at all.