It’s been a while since I mentioned Clay Aiken, the Raleigh native who went on to snag the silver medal as American Idol. Now I know Clay’s the best thing since indoor plumbing, but I don’t know much else about him, except that he’s generally a good guy.

Recently, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals made a reference to Clay Aiken in a recent ad campaign about neutering. The ad read “Neuter your pets. It didn’t hurt Clay Aiken.” As you can see, the ad copy doesn’t really make sense, and one wonders why Clay’s name was even mentioned (other than perhaps to improve the web hits through search engines, but who would stoop so low?)

It turns out that in an interview Clay once made mention that he doesn’t like cats. “They’re satan,” he said, in what was probably an innoculous statement. PETA didn’t take kindly to the remark, apparently believing that everyone must swear allegiance to cats. “If Clay makes a pro-cat statement, we’ll consider withdrawing the ad.”

I think PETA’s cause is generally a noble one. Animals do suffer in our world, and it’s not right. I don’t always approve of their means of getting attention (although the “naked model” method is an exception 🙂 ). But this has gone too far.

I don’t approve of them attacking Clay. Sure, his music career was born in cheese. His fifteen minutes may have been up a long time ago, but the fact of the matter is that Clay’s a good kid. Before he made it “big,” Clay worked as a YMCA counselor. That’s right, he did social work. And I happen to believe anyone doing social work deserves a ton of respect.

So to PETA, I say “call off the dogs!” Leave Clay alone. This is still a free country and Clay is entitled to hate cats if he chooses. Quit picking on good-hearted pop singers and bring back the naked models!