Fear Factories Prompt #1

To begin building his argument Matthew Scully introduces the complexity of the issue. Scully states that on a moral level everyone knows that cruelty to animals is "cowardly and a disgraceful sin" (pg 106), however, when it comes to the treatment of farm animals Scully suggests that few politicians are willing to out right oppose the factory farms.  To support this claim Scully provides examples of well know political activists who have never made mention of animal cruelty, like the conservative columnist he was interviewed by.  To follow this Scully introduces the idea that the avocation for these animals is our obligation.  We have to protect them because it is our religious duty to see them as Gods creations.  Scully boldly states that treating animals decently is an essential requirement of living with integrity. Although Scully continues to incorporate the immorality of animal cruelty he also introduces the law into his argument. This strengthens his argument by showing that other have previously tried to change the laws surrounding animal welfare, which give the reader a sense of community.  The reader is able to feel like he will not be alone if he chooses to become anti-factory farms. Then Scully begins to state the ideals that conservative are supposed to live up to and states how they can be applied to animal cruelty. For example, Scully states that conservatives are supposed to respect tradition then he states how factory farms contradict that value.  All these points combine to build Scully's argument.  Also his use of sources show his deep understanding of the field and give accountability to what he is claiming.