The arugment that all killing and ill treatment of animals equals the same thing is "rediculous". There is a difference between outright slaughter that is done in a manner to minimise distress to the animal (and no there's no way to remove distress) and outright torture, which is what we're talking about here. People who gorge themselves on this food knowing how it's produced get no respect from me. Chicago, in this instance, does.

I lived in Chicago for four years, when I went to college there. Found it a pretty unremarkable city, but this bit of news has made me proud to be a one-time Chicagoan.

I really don't think the ban of a cruel practice (because ultimately this ban is about not torturing ducks, not about turning people in vegetarians) should be termed "rediculous" (sic #4). If people really really need their fatty liver of force-fed ducks (and how many people in the city eat it on a regular basis anyway?), I'm sure they can spare the time to make that drive/flight to the suburbs/next state.

No, what I'm really riled about is that Chicago is, like, banning smoking in bars! OMG, like, don't tell me when and where I can, like, smoke!

I'm a meat eater; but the image of geese with metal pipes down their throats soured me on foie gras a long time ago... ditto with veal calves locked in cages.

Not sure how I feel about Chicago legislating vegetarianism in this case, but hey... it's not like it's a staple food.

I'm sure the people of Chicago will live as well. However, I sure ain't going to live there. What a silly law. Are they going to outlaw veal next?

Foie gras is delicious but very guilt-inducing. I love it, but my husband hates what some foie gras manufacturers do to make it, so I haven't had it in years. I do sneak in goose liver pate, though.

God, I always knew Chicago sucked. What a rediculous law.

um, not being able to consume foie gras is not a tragedy. it's a good thing. i think the people of chicago will live.

Plenty of foodstuffs are gross and/or cruel in preparation, but so damn tasty on the plate (or on a stick). If the thought of having what becomes your meal killed -- or fattened up before it is killed -- bothers you, then go veggie. You can still have a lot of tasty things to eat, and it's closer to guilt-free.

Otherwise, don't tell me what I can and can't eat. "Humane killing" is an oxymoron -- humane means to show compassion, sympathy, or understanding. There is nothing humane about slitting the throat of an animal to turn it into a sandwich or plate full of goodness.

The idea of a guy butchering a pig doesn't bring a smile to my face. Neither does foie gras.