Dear PETA,
I'd first like to start off by saying that I am a huge advocate for most of the causes you represent. I frequently sign your online petitions and I promote you on social media. In fact, three years ago you inspired me to take up a vegetarian lifestyle. However, as an LSU student, I can't help but find fault in your reasoning as to why LSU shouldn't adopt a new mascot. My first issue is in your article titled "Mike VI is Dead: Tell LSU to Stop Exploiting Tigers!" you stated that LSU "drags the newest version of Mike the tiger, a live tiger mascot, into the stadium for football games." Okay, so this whole statement is completely wrong. LSU officially stopped bringing Mike into the stadium in 2015. Also, Mike is not dragged into the stadium. It is completely up to the tiger if he wants to get into his stadium trailer or not. In fact, Mike VI only attended 32 out of the 57 home games since his first year as the mascot in 2007. So let me just say it louder for the people in the back: MIKE ISN'T FORCED INTO HIS STADIUM TRAILER.
Another point I'd like to touch base on is the fact that ya'll believe he is deprived or uncomfortable. Um, what???
I live in a dorm probably an eighth the size of Mike's habitat, but you don't see social services knocking down my parent's door say I'm deprived. The habitat is actually ranked among the largest and finest tiger preserves in the United States. Along with that, he has a whole medical school dedicated to ensuring his health. HE RECEIVED CANCER TREATMENTS AT MARY BIRD PERKINS FOR GOD'S SAKE.
But the last point that I really want to stress is that in your article you stated, "What do captive, caged tigers have to do with Louisiana State University (LSU) football? Oh, that's right: nothing." Well let me just say this: yes, a tiger does have nothing to do with football; however, if you have ever stepped foot on LSU's campus then you can't honestly tell me that Mike the Tiger has nothing to do with LSU's culture. Can you honestly say that you can't feel the pride and love that radiate off people when they talk about Mike? There's not a single thing a person could say that could convince me that Mike is not a part of LSU. Mike is just as crucial to this campus as the students are. Don't believe me? Just look at these pictures taken of Mike's habitat hours after LSU announced his death.
So yeah, Mike may not be able to score a touchdown and he may not be able to help me pass my phycology exam, but he is the reason that me, and many other students, bleed purple and gold. And he is definitely one of the reasons that I am so proud to call myself an LSU tiger.
Sincerely,
A proud LSU student
