Reader jumps to conclusion about cruelty

As an omnivore, I was deeply frustrated in the letter sent by Nick Kalivoda on Thursday (See “Mistreatment of animals not OK.”)

To jump to the conclusion that the animals at Tate Plaza earlier this week were treated like slaves and subject to “barbaric” treatment is, to be quite honest, ridiculous. How can you be so sure of how these animals are treated on a normal basis just by their short, few hours spent at Tate?

Now if you had gone down to Columbus and confirmed your accusation of cruelty, then you would be perfectly entitled to the comments you made. For all you know, the zebra could be treated better than anyone who read your erroneous judgments.

Could it also be that these so-called “slaves only used for entertainment” were injured or born into captivity and cannot be safely returned to the wild?

Don’t get me wrong. I am not, in any way, for the mistreatment of animals as I am an aspiring veterinarian. But in the future, do a little research before accusing someone of something like animal cruelty.

MATT BUFFINGTON
Junior, Lawrenceville
Pre-Veterinary

Football popular in the South

(This letter is written in response to Phillip Henry’s Monday letter, “The Red & Black devotes too much space to football.”)

Disgusted is a strong word. I assure you Phil, you are in the minority on this issue.

Just in case you forgot where you were, this is the South. You are attending a school in the Southeastern Conference, where football is a religion.

Just because the season isn’t going according to plan, it doesn’t mean people are less interested in football.

I also wouldn’t blame this on The Red & Black – that’s ridiculous.

Why don’t you pull out your campus map and look and see where the center of campus is located? It would be Sanford Stadium if you didn’t already know.

Wow, who would design a campus around a football stadium? It wasn’t The Red & Black.

If you don’t want to read about football, don’t read those articles. If you’re tired of football coverage, go to another school. Pack up your yogurt and fruit salad and move to New York.

JOSH LEE
Senior, Snellville
Management

Consider safe transportation

Do you drive when you go out on the weekends? If so, you should start considering cabs as your new means of transportation.

Cabs circulate downtown constantly. Ride with a couple of different services in the local area and establish a regular driver. Doing this provides a friendly driver who often will cut you deals for riding so frequently.

If you still insist on driving, consider the driving service Zingo.

No matter what form of transportation you take, consider the options and make sure they are safe.

TYLER BOERCKEL
Sophomore, Athens Business Administration