IS YOUR THANKSGIVING TURKEY A MUSLIM?

    The turkey you serve this Thanksgiving might just be a secret Muslim bird! According to   anti-Islam blogger Pamela Geller*, the US meat industry is not separating “halal” from “non-halal” meat. What’s the difference? Halal is the method of preparing meat according to Muslim requirements. Geller claims that American turkey suppliers like Butterball are “sneaking” halal birds onto non-Muslim tables.

"Across this great country, on Thanksgiving tables nationwide, infidel Americans are unwittingly going to be serving halal turkeys to their families this Thursday. Turkeys that are halal certified -- who wants that, especially on a day on which we are giving thanks to G-d [sic] for our freedom? I wouldn't knowingly buy a halal turkey -- would you? Halal turkey, slaughtered according to the rules of Islamic law, is just the opposite of what Thanksgiving represents: freedom and inclusiveness, neither of which is allowed for under that same Islamic law."  -Pamela Geller
Geller is calling on those who agree with her to boycott Butterball's "stealth halal turkeys" and write to the company to register their disapproval.

Geller also claims that halal slaughter methods are “torturous and painful” for the turkeys.  In my research, I learned that the halal method requires a certified “mature, pious,” Muslim slaughter man who follows a prescribed ritual while slaughtering the turkey. He must face Mecca and say the name of Allah over the bird during slaughter. The animal is not stunned before slaughter, but a sharp, clean knife is prescribed so the animal’s throat can be cut cleanly. The spinal cord is to be left intact during slaughter.  I did find some disturbing videos which supposedly document halal method of slaughter. I started to watch and couldn’t watch the whole clip. It was far too upsetting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_bZzxep87c&oref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Furl%3Fsa%3Dt%26rct%3Dj%26q%3D%26esrc%3Ds%26frm%3D1%26source%3Dweb%26cd%3D3%26ved%3D0CDEQFjAC%26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.youtube.com%252Fwatch%253Fv%253Dh_bZzxep87c%26ei%3DcfLKTr3rJ8jd0QH1_9Vo%26usg%3DAFQjCNFjf-YDQDHBhgRn8MNbRonYWK2dLA%26sig2%3D_dgLb6-rf7_vYYEQ2Y0aBg&has_verified=1

(You must be 18 or older and sign in to view this clip. I STRONGLY suggest you do not allow anyone under 18 to see this. It is incredibly upsetting but I feel it’s important to know exactly what halal slaughter involves.)
If this is truly the way animals are slaughtered for halal, I will be the first to start a campaign to ban it in the US! I intend to contact Butterball myself and follow up with a letter to my congressman!
Which brings me to the question: Does is matter to you if a turkey is  Halal certified? Would you choose not to buy a turkey that was slaughtered and prepared according to these rituals?  We’d like to know what you think.  If you have more detailed information on the subject, or find that what I’ve discovered in my research is not accurate, please comment!

*Pamela Geller (born 1958) is an American blogger, author, political activist, and commentator. She is known primarily for her criticisms of Islam and opposition to Muslim activities and causes, such as the proposed construction of an Islamic community center near the former site of the World Trade Center. She has described her blogging and campaigns in the United States as being against what she terms "creeping Sharia" in the country. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamela_Geller)
FYI: From Butterball’s website

“With expertise in catering to the cultural and linguistic needs of countries all around the world, we are USDA Approved, Russian Approved, and Halal Certified. Butterball has a wide-array of product choices to serve almost any price point and market, and will work with you to meet specific product needs. With both the Butterball and Carolina Turkey brands, you will find all of the high-quality products and experience you need to make every meal a celebration.”  http://products.butterballcorp.com/intl/

TOLL FREE PHONE NUMBER FOR BUTTERBALL: 1-800-288-8372

Joel Coleman
VP/General Manager International Sales
Email: jcoleman@butterball.com
Phone: 919-658-6743 ext. 2320
Fax: 919-658-2381

Scott Singleton
International Sales Manager
Email: ssingleton@butterball.com
Phone: 919-658-6743 ext. 2628
Fax: 919-658-2381
Area of responsibility: Branded, Value
Added and Whole Turkeys