PETA founder and President Ingrid E. Newkirk dispatched letters to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid urging them to extend vegetarians the tax break currently given to hybrid car owners for purchasing a vehicle with low carbon emissions.

As a vegetarian, I feel compelled to mention that this is a complete waste of brain power.

I can prove that I bought a Toyota Prius. How exactly do I prove that I'm a vegetarian? Do you want me to record everything that I eat?

What if I eat something non-vegetarian by accident? If it's not clearly labeled as non-vegetarian (like products containing Carmine or Red #4), does that invalidate my refund?

Do I get this refund every year, or is it a one-time thing? Purchasing a hybrid is a one-time thing, but I purchase a vegetarian diet every time I go to the store.

What level of vegetarian do I have to be to qualify? I'm ovo-lacto (I eat eggs and dairy). Does that count? My wife is a pescevegetarian (she still eats seafood). Does that count? Or do I have to be completely vegan? What if I have some leather clothing?

Not a very well-thought-out argument there.

-pb