Mass. pols vow to ban `reprehensible' gourmet goose treat

The Boston Herald ^ | April 8, 2005 | J.M. Lawrence

[r5boston]

Celebrity chef Todd English could soon serve his last foie gras in Massachusetts.

Following California's example, a group of state legislators aim to ban the sale and production of the culinary delicacy created by force-feeding ducks or geese so their livers swell and become, literally translated, ``fatty liver.''

"Inflicting pain on any animal is morally reprehensible. There is no excuse for this type of behavior,'' said state Sen. Sue Fargo, the bill's sponsor. She said a feeding tube is inserted down a goose's throat so workers can shove ``the human equivalent of 11 pounds of food into its stomach'' daily for weeks.

No foie gras farms exist in Massachusetts. The biggest seller to the region is Michael Ginor, co-founder of Hudson Valley Foie Gras in New York, who contends the process doesn't harm ducks because they're built for binging in preparation for migration.

"We as humans wouldn't want that done to us but we as humans aren't built for it,'' said Ginor, who sells a pound and a half of foie gras for $65.

[r5boston]

"Inflicting pain on any animal is morally reprehensible. There is no excuse for this type of behavior,'' said state Sen. Sue Fargo, the bill's sponsor.

But starving a human to death, it's not cruel.

[PetroniusMaximus]

***Inflicting pain on any animal is morally reprehensible. ***

And abortion's ok... right???

[rlmorel]

Well, as an unfortunate Massachusetts Conservative, I would rather have them focusing on this rather than making trips abroad to Cuba and the Middle East in support of dictators...(rolls eyes)

[ccmay]

Mmmm, I love foie gras. It will be a while before it's outlawed where I live, I bet. Yum. I can imagine its creamy, decadent taste as I sit here. Mmmmm.

I will be eating more of it as a way of thumbing my nose at the politicians and bunny huggers.

-ccm

[pennyfarmer]

She said a feeding tube is inserted down a goose's throat so workers can shove ``the human equivalent of 11 pounds of food into its stomach'' daily for weeks.

I know a few people that 11 lbs. would be considered a snack.

[Jimmy Valentine]

Increasingly I see state legislatures getting involved with this type of nonsense.

It is proof positive that they do not need to meet more than once every four years or so.

regards,

[bill1952]

Stop talkig about Teddy! 8^)

Seriously, this is what the lawmakers in the blue states are concerned with??

Wouldn't want to lower spending and taxes, or secure the borders, or save humans from being starved to death.

Just pet a duck.

[6SJ7]

This is just the 'camel nose under the tent' technique of the legislators. They will start with this. Eventually they will outlaw all meat under the guise of preventing animal cruelty.

What other foods do these 'enlightened ones' think should be forbidden to the unwashed masses?

[MrDem]

My understanding is that the Geese actually go into a state of euphoria and look peaceful and beautiful.

[BykrBayb]

No, no, no! It's about Foie Gras, not Felos Greer.

[goldstategop]

Nope. 'Nother lesson in liberal moral relativism. Animals deserve more compassion than human beings.

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)

[Lazamataz]

Mass. pols vow to ban `reprehensible' gourmet goose treat

Red Staters vow to ban 'reprehensible' Mass. pols.

[Lazamataz]

I know a few people that 11 lbs. would be considered a snack.

Heck, I poo 11 lbs. an hour.

[AD from SpringBay]

Hey Assachusettes Pols - they're geese! Deal.

[Gondring]

So, you're in favor of force-feedings, whether for a goose or a human?

[Semper Paratus]

The "Big Dig" is about to become the "Big Tomb" and these guys are worked up about big goose livers.

[apillar]

THEY'LL GET MY FOIE GRAS WHEN THEY PRY IT OUT OF MY COLD DEAD HANDS !

(Actually, I can't recall ever having eaten foie gras, but since the liberals want it banned you can bet I'm going to start)

[Physicist]

When money falls out of your backside, it's much more convenient when it's in the local currency. OTOH, I've heard that two-dollar bills can be difficult to, uh, pass.

[Certified Horticulturist]

Absolutely delicious...

http://www.hudsonvalleyfoiegras.com/

[PBRSTREETGANG]

No foie gras in Massachusetts?

What will the Kennedy's eat then?!