To point out hypocrisy is often to belittle or ignore the larger argument. Colleen Kruse points out that her friend, Megan the Vegan Pagan, eats only organic food in an effort to be healthier, yet she smokes [Motley Krüse, April]. A clear hypocrisy, even if they are American Spirits. President Bush promotes the building of hydrogen-powered cars, yet in the same week offers a big tax break to businesses that buy SUVs and pickups. Hypocrisy? Yes. It doesn’t follow, however, that organic is pointless or that hydrogen-powered cars are bad. The Environmental Protection Agency, surely the president’s most beloved organization, just released stricter guidelines for evaluating the risks of certain chemicals used in pesticides, having discovered the greater likelihood that children will get cancer from exposure to pesticides than adults. To explain all the reasons why it is better to avoid pesticides would be just as trite as the incongruity Kruse points out in her stereotypical depiction of someone who buys organic foods. Colleen Kruse and her ill-used friend can keep their cancer, and I will keep a wary eye on hypocrisy.
Steffan Hruby, Minneapolis
Leave a Reply