From a reader:

Jonah: Interesting subject. Please note the interesting twist: the dairy states, with left-wing politics, enslave the dairy cows’ for their femaleness. The dairy cow is defined by her sexualilty and has no choice at all. In fact, her sexualilty is manipulated for optimal milk production. On the other hand, in the (red) beef states, the beef cows are steers. Hence, they become qualified for their vocational service by the loss of their sexuality. I don’t like to use the word “ironic” but it seems appropriate to this cultural inversion. Please note also, the “odd man out” role of intact bulls in both cultures. With a focused vocation which is also their avocation, the prize bulls are often housed separate from the other cows, preserving the mythology that comes with their sexual status. The milk cows must be protected from the marauding and voracious sexual appetite of the bull. The beef cows must not be reminded of the raw power which could have been their future, a future which was nipped in the bud. Please do not ask me for insights on the pervasive and pernicious “happy pig” theme in advertising for bar-be-que restaurants. It is a dark and disturbing comment on our twisted relationship with pig–who would be our partner in a truly civilized culture, as opposed to this hell created by George Bush!