Biden's Turkey pardon tradition: A controversial gesture
This is one of Joe Biden's last such decisions. As President of the United States, he "pardoned" two turkeys before Thanksgiving. This custom has been upheld for 35 years. Activists are outraged by the "act of mercy." They believe it's "a nod to industrial turkey farmers."
The tradition of issuing a "pardon" for two turkeys was initiated in 1989 by George H. W. Bush. This tradition is associated with Thanksgiving celebrations and Abraham Lincoln's decision. In 1863, the first president of the USA did not kill the bird before Christmas at the special request of his son.
For 35 years, successive presidents of the United States have upheld the tradition of "pardoning" two birds. Joe Biden did not break with this custom. The outgoing politician saved two turkeys, Peach and Blossom from Minnesota, from being slaughtered and eaten.
Considering your temperament and commitment to being productive members of society, I hereby pardon you, Peach and Blossom, - said Biden during the traditional ceremony.
Activists are not pleased with the act of mercy. They believe it's an advertisement for farming
Animal rights activists are not enthusiastic about saving the two birds. On the contrary, they think it is "an advertisement and promotion for farming birds for meat." PETA representatives, as they do every year, appealed to Joe Biden not to participate in the traditional "pardon." The activists' appeals have been ineffective every year.
PETA activists' opinions are extremely critical. In their opinion, the traditional "act of mercy" is "a nod to industrial turkey farmers." The organization's president, Ingrid Newkirk, used these words in a letter to Joe Biden.
The White House has not officially responded to the organization's allegations. Eating turkeys for Thanksgiving is a tradition that dates back to the 15th century, even before the United States declared independence.
