Vegetarian Leader Attacked in Hate Crime
It's not often that I get up on my tallow-free soapbox, so I hope you'll forgive me this once.
As vegetarians, we all have to defend our beliefs on occasion, whether they are grounded in moral, health or environmental concerns. We explain why we don't eat hamburgers and then go on eating our tofu. But for some people, educating the public about what's wrong with steak is a daily mission. Vegetarian animal activists perform thankless work, from which we, and of course, farm animals, benefit greatly.
And one of the finest vegetarian advocates I have ever met was just temporarily silenced.
Nathan Runkle, the openly gay founder of Mercy for Animals, was brutally attacked in what appears to be a random hate crime. Fortunately, Nathan will recover, and I'm hoping our vegetarian community will rally to offer support.
Let me tell you a bit about why Nathan deserves our support.
As a teenager, Nathan was risking his own freedom to rescue injured farm animals and document the abuses of factory farming. At 22, he led the challenge for Trader Joe's to give up battery-cage eggs in favor of cage-free. Now, at just 24, he is the director of a national non-profit, and a leader in the vegetarian advocacy movement. When I first met Nathan several years ago at a conference, I, like many others, was stunned to learn how young he was, as he is a dedicated, articulate, and obviously intelligent young man. Then again, a year or so later we scarfed down some soy ice cream together while singing along to old Alice Cooper remixes after a volunteer event.
Before I step off my soapbox, I encourage you to check out Nathan's work at MercyforAnimals.org and learn about the efforts and goals of this organization, spearheaded by Nathan Runkle, a vegetarian hero.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Nathan.
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Comments
Apparently this world needs more mercy for humans as well as for animals. Get well soon, Nathan!
From Nathan and Mercy for Animals:
MFA has long worked to bridge the gap between the common prejudices which lead to oppression and abuses faced by both animals and minorities. In recent years MFA has joined gay advocates in gay pride marches by forming human rainbows preceded by banners declaring, “No one is free when others are oppressed.” The organization has also been a lead opponent of gay rodeo events, citing the community’s obligation to protect animals from needless violence.
You don’t need to convince me Nathan deserves our support: No one should be the victim of a hate crime, ever. The fact that Nathan has done so much to allieviate the pain of other beings makes the attack even more outrageous.
Nathan, get well very, very soon. And fight on!
Where can I write to Nathan? I would like to send him some words of encouragement. I am so sorry this happened to him. May God bless you Nathan.
It is incomprehensible to me how humans can do this to each other, as well as animals. If the world had more people like Nathan in it, it would be a much better place.
I wish him well.
I am sick of people trying to silence others who stand up for what they believe in and I have the greatest respect for the courage that these people display, no matter what.
I am trying to do my small part by trying to eat more fruits and vegetables and less meat and helping animals.
I mhave been involved in a TNR with my niece where people are complaining and poisoning the cats and when we try to do something, a couple people insist on feeding the cats and say its cruel not to. The cats will not go into traps unless they are hungry-we have put up fliers, explained TNR but it is so frustrating.
The stupidity of people never ceases to amaze me.
It is an unfortunate situation,these animals have eyes,they feel pain just like us humans.The day will come when we will stop raise these inocent animals to kill for food
I am GLADLY and OPENLY a vegetarian. I also happen to live in Ohio. I’m sorry, but I think this young man was attacked because of his SEXUALITY, it had NOTHING to do with his concern for animals. The man who attacked him just looked at him as a HOMOSEXUAL….NOT as a VEGAN/VEGETARIAN/ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST….
Jenny, you can send Nathan an encouraging email at info@mercyforanimals.org
Yes, Lynn, you’re right. Nathan was randomly beaten for being gay, not because he was a vegetarian or vegan. But as Jamie says, the fact that Nathan has devoted his life to fighting for compassion for others makes it all the more so outrageous that he was the victim of someone else’s misdirected anger.
And I’ll second what Nuria said: “If the world had more people like Nathan in it, it would be a much better place.”
The poor guy! I’m so sorry to hear that he was attacked by some scumbag. I hope he’s going to make a full recovery. Thank you for letting me know about this; I’m going to the Mercy For Animals website now to see if I can donate in Nathan’s honour.
Not a total vegetarian but I cannot imagine anyone doing something so cruel for such a reason. I am so sorry, Nathan, that you had to bear the brunt of someone so cruel.
I´m relieved that he survived the attack and the worst didn´t happen!He´s a precious person in this world.
Thank you Nathan for everything you have done to help the amimals and the world. I wish you a soon recovery.
Cowards always attack the kindest people, I hope he can recover soon. Vegan hugs from Italian activists
All the way from Italy – thanks for showing your support and keep on fighting for what’s right!