PETA to POTUS: Turkey 'Pardon' Is a Misnomer

For Immediate Release:
November 16, 2011

Contact:
Kristin Richards 202-483-7382 

Washington -- With a week left before President Barack Obama "pardons" two turkeys, PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk fired off a letter to the president asking him to rename the traditional Rose Garden ceremony and say that he will "spare," instead of "pardon," the turkeys. As Newkirk explains in the letter, which appears below, turkeys haven't committed any crimes, so it's inaccurate to "pardon" them. Semantics—as any movement for social change realizes—is important.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

Newkirk's letter to President Obama follows.

November 16, 2011

The Honorable Barack Obama

President of the United States

The White House

Dear Mr. President:

I'm writing on behalf of PETA and our 3 million members and supporters—as well as the millions more people who have rescued turkeys or are religious or ethical vegetarians—regarding a longstanding White House tradition: the turkey "pardon." As I'm sure you know, "to pardon" means "to exempt a guilty party from punishment." We would like to propose a more appropriate term for the event: "spare." The difference between "spare" and "pardon" may seem slight, but as you know, our language choices have a lasting influence on the way that we, as a culture, view the action described. These turkeys, as well as the millions of turkeys slated to be violently killed for the holidays, are innocent bystanders, not criminals. It would be more accurate to "spare," or refrain from harming, them.

Thank you for your consideration, and happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

Very truly yours,

Ingrid E. Newkirk

President