PETA strikes out (virtually) against Sarah Palin

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals was never destined to be pals with Gov. Sarah Palin; that much goes without saying.  But a new online game featured on PETA's website has ruffled the Alaska governor's feathers (or at least the feathers of someone claiming to work for her), according to Politico's Amie Parnes:

PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said she received a call from someone who claimed to be from Palin's office demanding that PETA take the game off their website, Bruce Friedrich, PETA's VP of policy and communications recounted to Shenan.

When Newkirk asked for the gentleman's name, he yelled into the phone, "Just take the game down or you’ll read my name on the lawsuit,"  Friedrich said.

The game in question, "Holiday Snowball Fight", allows users to rack up points by successfully throwing snowballs at PETA's famous foes, including Palin, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and designer Donna Karan.  (No word on if Karan, who recently agreed to stop using fur in her designs, will be removed from the virtual snowball war for good behavior.)

PETA blogger Liz Graffeo responds to the lawsuit threat:

Guess what, Sarah? We've checked with our legal team, and they say that it's "protected parody," or "fair game," so the game stays! After all, we're throwing snowballs, not shoes.

In real life, the moose and other animals Ms. Palin blows to smithereens don't stand a chance. But, hey, our game is virtual and nonviolent. To be honest, I'm not quite sure why Sarah is so mad about the game anyways. Wielding a gun and decked out in a sexy bikini and pageant ribbon, I'd think she'd be quite proud of how PETA's portrayed her.

Politico reports that William McAllister, Palin's communications director, said he "could care less about the game" and denies that anyone representing Palin's office knew about the call.

--Lindsay Barnett

Photo: Associated Press/The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, Robert DeBerry

Comments

[gentlemaneyecandy]

What does "Big Oil" and PETA have in common?
Big Oil and PETA do not want Sarah Palin opening up Alaska to oil exploration and producing more crude oil; therefore, keeping the price of oil from going up.

[Joanne]

Why would you waste a perfectly good snow ball?

[Jerry]

I went to the PETA site to play the game, but Sarah Palin isn't in it. Did they remove her after all?

Chickens

[Dawn]

I hate this woman. Would you please make her go away?! I am not a vegetarian but I do know how to make my food humanely.