I visited Phoenix, AZ where I stayed with friends and did two book signings, including a standing room only event at a local bookstore in Tempe.

Attendees at the book signings included people who have been members of Farm Sanctuary for years and others who were just learning about the hazards of factory farming.  One audience member raised his concern that our government was attempting to quash the voice of animal and environmental activism, such as through passage of the AETA (Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act).  I responded, expressing the importance of our right to free speech, which is critical to the health of our democracy.  

Agribusiness has sought to silence its critics for decades, and the AETA is just one more episode along those lines.  So called “food disparagement” laws have been on the books for years, and when people have raised concerns, such as when Oprah Winfrey questioned the safety of U.S. beef, the matter can end up in court.  What does it say about an industry, when it goes to such great lengths to hide its actions, and to prevent people from speaking out and expressing their concerns?