The British are said to be fond of animals. For many of them a dog or a cat is part of the family and must be well looked after.

Large sums of money are spent on veterinary bills and pet food. A trip to a supermarket will reveal whole aisles dedicated to our animal friends.

However, in the same supermarket, you can find battery chickens which have been factory farmed in cramped conditions and injected with antibiotics to contain disease, growth hormones to fatten them for market and tranquillizers to stop them from going mad.

Aware of the contradictions in their treatment of animals and the risks of mad cow disease, many British people are turning to vegetarian diets. Some have joined animal rights groups and have taken part in protests against the meat trade, especially the export of live animals for slaughter overseas.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Many vegetarians believe that factory farming is a cruel and unnecessary practice and that our diets would be healthier if we ate less meat. Do you agree?

2. Animal rights protesters argue that the export of live animals for slaughter is uncivilized and should be prohibited under international law. Do you agree?

3. "Keeping animals in zoos and circuses to entertain human-beings is selfish and inhumane." Do you agree?

4. Bullfighting, fox-hunting and whale-hunting are part of some countries’ traditions. Do you think that Spain, England and Japan have a right to continue these traditions?

5. "The British spend far too much money on household pets. They would do better to have fewer cats and dogs and to use the money to help poor and hungry people." What do you think?

6. Would you ever wear a fur coat?

7. Is it right to use animals for medical research or to test cosmetics?

PHOTO CREDIT: profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...159004095

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President Obama is praising the passage of a major anti-smoking bill. The bill is historically important because it will give the government sweeping authority over tobacco products. Obama has declared that he intends to quickly sign the bill into law. When he does, the Food and Drug Administration will then have the power and ability to regulate tobacco products.

The fight over the bill has lasted more than half a century. It's taken years and years to weaken the immense power of the tobacco companies. Just twenty-five years ago, cigarette packages had no warnings. Consumers didn't fully understand all the health risks of tobacco. Just thirty-five years ago, tobacco was advertised on TV. The commercials reached millions and millions of viewers, suggesting that smoking was cool and fashionable. The new bill will likely save at least 400,000 lives per year. In addition, it's expected to save the government and health care companies more than $100 billion. Smoking-related illnesses cost this much each and every year.

Some specific points of the new legislation include:

1: Tobacco companies won't be able to sponsor sporting or entertainment events.
2: Outdoor tobacco advertising will be banned within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds.
3: Tobacco won't be sweetened, nor will it contain herbs, spices, or other flavors. As a result, fewer younger smokers will pick up the habit because unflavored tobacco may taste too strong.
4: Cigarettes labeled as "light" or "mild" give the wrong impression of being less harmful. These won't be sold.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Do you think the new law can really be called "sweeping?" What do you think will really happen?
2. Do you think a similar law would get passed in your country? Why/not?
3. Do you think that someday smoking will completely disappear? Why/not?
4. Do you think that smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol will be made illegal like other drugs?
5. Why is Obama so keen on passing this bill? Please explain.
6. What do you think about smoking and smokers? Please explain.

PHOTO CREDIT: www.flickr.com/photos/dubby/474185294/

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