Medical Research and Animal Rights

That was quite an editorial (“Misplaced Sentimentality,” April 27). I don’t think I’ve ever seen the animal rights movement--excuse me, the “so-called” animal rights movement--so easily dismissed. Since you obviously can’t address the real issue--that animals are not ours to use, period--you resort to name calling: eccentric, cranks, self-righteous, zealots, silly, self-absorbed, vulgar.

It seems to me that those who defend using helpless animals any way they please are the ones who are self-absorbed. The fact that you came out against animal rights was no surprise, since you virtually ignore the movement and run pro-research articles. But such a shrill, mean-spirited editorial does all your readers a disservice, regardless of where they stand on the issue.

In fact, it was the most self-righteous, silly, and vulgar thing I have ever seen written on the subject.

JOYCE WISWELL

Santa Barbara