I am writing in response to Frank Gray’s column, “Pushy, preachy PETA out to ruin our best fest “ (Sept. 6), regarding PETA’s request to do completely away with any non-vegan food choices at the Johnny Appleseed Festival.

If I am not mistaken, PETA’s mission is to influence others to join their cause. Logic states that the more people that are behind them, the more successful they will be in promoting their agenda.

Please help me to understand how alienating every other person who does not think their way is helping their cause. Typically, when I am attempting to gain the buy-in of a colleague or a group of individuals, compromise and collaboration seems to be the best course of action toward us all coming together peacefully. I may not get everything I’m asking for, but I’ll take baby steps over no forward momentum any day.

I support a person’s right to be a vegan. I support their right to enjoy the Johnny Appleseed Festival just like everyone else. Therefore, I fully support any discussions they would like to bring to the table regarding the offering of alternative food choices for the vegan patrons at the Festival.

PETA, however, does not wish to compromise. Their request was to do away with meat all together, to completely alienate those of us who enjoy turkey legs and other non-vegan dishes traditionally offered at the festival.

Their approach continues to stir up negative emotions and anger from those of us who are already skeptical of their methods. Consequently, their agenda and their cause go largely ignored by the people they are attempting to influence.

If they want my buy-in, if they want my support, then meet me half way.

JEN SENGER Fort Wayne