 newbie reply
I just registered here. I've been out of the industry for a couple of years, taking time to be a stay-at-home dad. As far as the Foie ban business goes, I just see it as political correctness infecting the industry I love. I already feel as if i'm in the minority in this industry, being somewhat politically conservative in my views. I think most of us got into this profession specifically to work with Foie Gras, Caviar, sweetbreads, veal kidneys, and all the other stuff that makes chefs weepy.
If I had recieved such a letter from some unhinged, moonbat group, the only thing that would keep me from immediately using it to housebreak whatever pet I have at the time, would be my employees and my customers. I would show it to the police, so it is on record. I would ask my staff if they are willing to endure the excitement that is to come, and then drive on. Enough with these jerks. Look up what they did to Laurent Manrique, a talented, well respected chef and genuinely nice individual. The secret videotaping of family members as a threat is completely off the charts in my book. These are tactics used by drug cartels and Eastern European mafiosi.
I think radicals and their brethren food police in state and local governments have done enough damage to our industry. While I appreciate the positions of other members like foodnfoto (not picking on you, BTW), most of us have worked too hard to get to our positions just to be forced to do something contrary to what we believe in. When you engage these guys, you legitimize them. You accept the premise of their letter. Giving in to them will embolden them to go to the next restaurant, or go after the next food product they find offensive. The philosophy of these people, deep, deep, down inside is the elimination of the human race. Humans are the bane of the Earth, in the minds of these folks. The fact that they are humans themselves is what makes this so insane. You can't reason with them because this kind of extreme liberalism is based on emotion.
If a chef or owner does not serve foie gras for whatever reason, moral or otherwise, I have no problem with that. As long as it is that individual's own decision.
Everytime we give in to some group like this, we head further towards a place from which we can't return.
Just my thoughts, glad to be here.
Roger Lake  | 
