I have not had an addition to my boycott list in a while. I actually have never really liked the newest addition to my boycott list and I am not exactly sure how to boycott this organization, but I cannot overlook what they have said.

PETA - we all know who they are and what they stand for. The idea behind PETA - the ethical treatment of animals - is fine. America is a free country and I support PETA's right to do what they want as long as they stay within the confines of the law and as long as they do not insult people. That last little big - about insulting people - is apparently the part they have trouble with.

Last week PETA named Aretha Franklin at the top of their "Worst" list. Not only did they slam her for wearing fur, but they said many derrogatory and personally insulting things about Aretha Franklin that I think were just plain uncalled for.

Aretha Franklin is a national treasure. Talk about a strong role model! No, she has not been perfect - particularly in her younger days - but her mistakes aside, she has been a strong, independant woman who is extremely talented and gifted.

Aretha Franklin has had 20 #1 R&B singles - a record that still stands. She was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors. Using her voice, she made a life for herself and is living the American dream. If she wants to wear a fur coat, then she ought to. She has earned that fur coat many times over I am sure.

I know people object to wearing fur and leather (yes, if you object to wearing fur, you must also object to wearing that leather jacket and those Jimmy Choos. If you don't, you are a hypocrite of the first order. Period.) and I support their right to do so just as much as I do anyone's right to wear a fur coat. What I object to is the nasty and personal insults that are hurled at a woman in her 70's who has worked very hard for her place in the world. It's not right.