PETA Uses Pres. Reagan to Pitch Vegetarian Diet

WASHINGTON (AP) - The animal rights group PETA is using a Washington icon to call attention to the benefits of a vegetarian diet.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals unveiled a billboard at Lafayette Square Tuesday, featuring a photo of Ronald Reagan and the tagline "Win One for the Gipper: Go Vegetarian. Animal Fats Double Your Risk of Alzheimer's."

Reagan died in June of complications from Alzheimer's. PETA says medical research shows that the saturated fat, cholesterol, and toxins in meat, increase your risk of developing the disease. The group says the same studies show plant foods help prevent Alzheimer's.

Reagan's estate has rejected PETA's request for an endorsement, but the group is still hoping his widow, Nancy Reagan, will support the campaign.

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