[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

I agree with you except on one item mentioned below. The requirement for the labeling American beef is beyond discussion, debate or different points of view. Period! (Notwithstanding the "Free Trade" fraud.)

Unfortunately, there was recently a big scandal regarding kosher meat-it really was not kosher. The slaughter house was in Iowa I believe.

[sten]

then it should be immediately closed and the owners sued into bankruptcy for fraud

[EinNYC]

If you mean the Agri-Processors scandal, it involved using a cruel slaughter technique that was in violation of Jewish law.

Schechita (kosher slaughter) is supposed to be humane and cause a minimum of suffering. It involves severing the carotid arteries, trachea, etc. all in one swift stroke with a specially sharpened knife that has been inspected for perfect sharpness (no nicks in the blade) right before each slaughter. It must also be done by a specially trained individual. Basically, the animal should be "dead before they even feel the cut".

At the Agri-Processor plant in Iowa, they were caught on tape rummaging around with a hook in newly-slaughtered cows' throats before they even lost consciousness, to remove a certain bit of tissue. This was a clear violation of Jewish law. Also, some of the slaughters resulted in cows getting up and walking around with their throats cut, clearly showing that it was not done properly. Properly schechted animals should lose consciousness within about 30 seconds, NOT be trying to get up and walk, or actually walking.

I was always leery of Agri-Processors products (Rubashkin brand), and after a bit of research, stayed away from them. My suspicions were proven correct after the above scandal AND the illegal labor practice scandal.