Initiative process works as it should

Last week's editorial, "Egg battle reveals cracks," ironically revealed more than a few cracks in Capital Press' understanding of democratic procedure.

The initiative process in Washington that allows citizens to place a measure on the ballot for a vote is democracy in its purest form. It requires a vote of the citizens, unlike the legislative process where deals are commonly made behind closed doors and benefit influential interests.

The factory farming industry has wielded too much control over politicians for years, exempting itself from standards of basic decency when it comes to how farm animals are treated. Thankfully, that is starting to change as citizens take these issues to the ballot.

In Washington state, Washingtonians for Humane Farms is collecting signatures to place a measure on the ballot this November to give egg-laying hens at least enough space to stretch their wings. That isn't too much to ask.

Gene Baur

President and Co-Founder

Farm Sanctuary

College Park, Md.