What's in a Name?

Again, searching material on Peta.org, I noticed they have been on a crusade since 2003 to change the name of the town Rodeo, California because of the way it conjures up images of violence and animal cruelty. Apparently they offered the town $20,000 in veggie burgers for the schools in exchange for the name change (by the way, the name would have changed to 'Unity').

This response: http://www.songbites.com/observations/10292003.html
is a humorous reaction to the exchange, though I disagree with some of his points.

I suppose I'm mostly bothered by two of his claims, the first being: "While I do enjoy a good hamburger as much as the next guy, I admit that there are some inhumane people out there." I still find it difficult to encounter "self-aware omnivores," where an individual both savors the taste of meat, but admires the actions and motivation of the veggie activists.

And the second: "Unfortunately for [PETA], they failed to make an impact with the people of Rodeo." Although the town declined the name change offer, the event has absolutely made an impact on the Rodeo, CA community and anyone else who encountered the story. This little moment in time made people at least consider the violence and abuse of Rodeos. Often enough, a person is only 'set in their ways' until those 'ways' are challenged. And sometimes challenges happen late in life, or worse, never at all. Meeting an opposing viewpoint can inspire introspection and reestablish values and beliefs. Thus the townspeople can't help but consider the implications of the name Rodeo.