A n i m a l W r i t
e s © sm
The official
ANIMAL RIGHTS ONLINE newsletter
Publisher ~ EnglandGal@aol.com Issue # 05/24/00
Editor ~ JJswans@aol.com
Journalists ~ PrkStRangr@aol.com
~ MRivera008@aol.com
~ SavingLife@aol.com
THE ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE ARE:
1
~ Engineering the Brave New World
2
~ Website of Note
3
~ Seal Hunt Continues
4
~ The Vegan Social Support Network
5
~ Why Is Animal Rights Important?
6
~ Animal's Agenda Website & Animal Rights Library and Archives
7
~ Traveling With Kitty by Car
8
~ For Big Spook (Poem)
9
~ Quote To Remember
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Engineering the Brave New World:
Reality Ain't What It Used To Be
by Steve Best
- sbest1@elp.rr.com
Literature
is not mere fiction, it provides crucial sources of information about society.
Most notably, perhaps, Upton Sinclair's novel The Jungle (1906) informed the
public about both the filth of the meat industry and the miserable lives of the
working class. As clear by this example, literature offers concrete
explorations into everyday experience sociological analysis cannot. Moreover,
literature often dispenses profound warnings and anticipations of things to
come. In the words of media theorist Marshall Mcluhan, artists are the
"antennae of the future" who see and feel changes before the scientists
and philosophers.
From
18th century on, with novels like Frankenstein (1818), The Island of Dr. Moreau
(1896), and 1984 (1949), writers have advanced important warnings about the
kind of world we may someday live in. But perhaps the most profound literary mapping
of social transformation was Aldous Huxley's Brave New World. Written in 1931,
it is an excellent example of how science fiction has become, simply, science
fact, and how fast our technological world changes. Huxley's major mistake was
not in predicting what would happen, but when, failing to appreciate that
scientific and technological knowledge double every five years. When Huxley
penned Brave New World, he believed that cloning was centuries away. In 1997,
however, only 66 years after the publication of his masterpiece, the first
adult mammal cell was cloned and the world said hello to Dolly.
In
Brave New World, "Ford is Lord," because it was Henry Ford who
championed mass production, mass consumption, and the engineering paradigm
inaugurated by industrial capitalism. In Huxley's dystopian vision, both
biological and social reality are engineered: individuals are conceived on
assembly lines, customized according to predestined classes, then cloned in
huge batches. Biological reproduction gives way to genetic replication; babies
emerge not from a womb but a petri dish, as parents are replaced by
technicians. This "brave new world," as the "savage" from
the novel first imagines it, is one of complete dehumanization. There is no love,
families, marriages, long-lasting bonds, religion, or spirituality; the only
allegiance individuals have is to Ford, the State, and the pleasure drug, Soma.
Unlike
Orwell's 1984, Huxley depicts a people who are controlled by rewards, not
punishment, by non-violent manipulation, not coercion, and by indulgence in
pleasure, rather than puritan asceticism. Huxley realizes that the most
powerful form of control is when individuals don't feel determined, when power
is conflated with pleasure, when people have nothing to resist and feel
comfortable with their alienation. Freedom does not exist in 1984 or Brave New
World, only in Brave New World no one cares. Hence, the politics of pleasure --
the frenzied pursuit of pleasure distracts individuals from the task of
citizenship and social involvement. Immersed in a society of spectacles, where
everything from TV news to education to politics is determined by the codes of
entertainment, individuals are safely marginalized, having a nice day while the
ruling elite consolidate power. Huxley
is warning us that people are sacrificing freedom for pleasure; the masses are
becoming what sociologist C. Wright Mills called "happy robots," only
the savage put it better: the hedonists of Brave New World aren't happy,
they're just numb.
With
trivial qualifications, our world is Huxley's Brave New World, shaped by a few
"world controllers," artificial birth technologies, genetic
engineering, and cloning. We can't biologically clone people yet, but it
doesn't really matter because we already know how to clone them socially,
through religion, schools, mass media, and advertising, conditioning
individuals to take their stations at the machines of production and
consumption. With virtual game environments, multisensorial spectacles like
Terminator 2 at Disney World, and gadgets such as the "intensor
chair" that encloses one in a moving, simulated world of images and
sounds, we have good approximations of what Huxley called the
"feelies." From prozac and
valium to xanax and librium, we also have our own versions of Soma that make
people affectless and help them adjust to the deadening performance principle
of capitalism. (As Huxley said: "Any good intoxicant reconciles you to the
world.") In the society of the spectacle, nearly everything is culture
dope. Today, Marx's dictum would have to be revised: mass culture, not
religion, is the opiate of the people.
But,
as Huxley predicted, we are now in the process of applying the same mass
production paradigm to the control of nature as we have the organization of the
economy and society. Literally, we are engineering nature; we are designing,
creating, and mass producing new life forms by intervening at the microcosmic
level. With genetic engineering, we are embarking on the most radical
experiment humankind has ever attempted, creating entirely new species of
plants and animals, while cloning ever more animals and recklessly
transgressing well-established species boundaries.
Humankind
is in the midst of a second genesis governed by the mentalities of profit, scientific
reductionism, and the domination of nature. If current dynamics continue, soon
a few biotech corporations like Monsanto and Du Pont will own the patent rights
to the DNA of all life -- and yet there is no significant public debate, media
coverage, or legal regulation of this dangerous revolution that will make
reality as we know it obsolete.
Strolling
through the new zoo of scientific surreality, one finds a menagerie of bizarre
"transgenic" species, including tobacco plants that contain firefly
genes (so they glow in the dark), fish and tomatoes altered with antifreeze
genes (so they can withstand cold temperatures), potatoes infused with chicken
genes (to get your meat and potatoes in one dish?), chickens modified with
cattle genes (to create a larger "macro-chicken"), pigs that have
human DNA (to increase their growth rate and size), a "geep" (a cross
between a goat and a sheep), and a wide variety of genetically altered foods
consumed by the public without their knowledge.
The
biotech industries assure us there are no dangers to genetic engineering
technologies, that they are not different in kind from traditional ways of
cultivating and breeding new and improved species of plants and animals. It is
true that human beings have always manipulated the natural world with various
technologies, and that they have altered plants and animals in myriad ways, but
genetic engineering truly is unprecedented in its nature and power, Never
before have we been able to cross species boundaries, to directly mix the DNA
from different species, and to engineer biological changes as rapidly as we are
doing today. Given that we now have the
technologies to steer evolution according to human design, the key question
becomes: are we wise enough to "play God," to design new life forms
and control them and their environment, to understand the full implications of
the changes is nature we are already creating?
We
need to distinguish among the different aspects of the rapidly unfolding
genetic revolution. Applied to plants, genetic engineering is called
"biotechnology" and mainly involves attempts to design plants
containing pesticide resistant genes. Used on animals, genetic engineering is
known as "pharming" and concentrates on transforming animals into
pharmaceutical factories (with medicines secreted in their milk or blood) and
creating ever larger bodies that will reap maximal profits. Employed on human
beings, genetic engineering seeks to control and cure diseases, but it
unavoidably veers into eugenics and the portentous project of creating designer
babies. In each case, the corporate/science/technology complex decides that
nature is not good enough, does not grow fast or large enough, and accordingly
seeks a new and improved nature it can control and, in some cases literally,
milk for profit.
To
be sure, there are many promises of genetic engineering, such as improved
agricultural productivity, development of new medicines, and curing disabling
diseases. But with the promises also come frightening perils: "biopollution"
as genetically altered plants breed out of control; increases in monoculture
and antibiotic resistant bacteria; still more exploitation of animals,
permanent damage to the human genome; and a new Gattaca-like society organized
around genetic discrimination.
Given
the history of how scientists and corporations have employed technologies, the
pervasive commercialization of science, and what has already happened with the
use of GE and cloning technologies, I fear that we will see the dark side of
the genetic revolution more than the bright side. The utopias of genetic
engineering can never come to pass, because -- quite frankly -- they are rooted
in the wrong conceptual paradigm, in determinism and reductionism, whereas
nature is organized in a holistic and self-organizing mode. That is why the new
genetic creations from "Flavr-Savr tomatoes to Monsanto's Round Up Ready
corn crops to transgenic pigs -- have failed so miserably.
Sorry
to bring the bad news, but the Brave New World has arrived.
This review originally appeared in "Life Giving
Choices", the newsletter of the Vegetarian Society of El Paso (VSEP).
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Website of Note
Below
is a link to a page of the Alliance for Justice website that's an order form
for publications covering legal aspects of non-profits and political activity
-- including candidate questionnaires, votter guides and advantages of
simultaneously operating a 501(c)(3) (non-profit, gifts are tax-deductible),
501(c)(4) (non-profit, gifts are not tax-deductible) and a PAC (political
action committee).
http://www.afj.org/pubs.html
Alliance for
Justice also offers other services to advocacy non-profits.
Source: "Lisa
Markkula" <markkula@msn.com>
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Seal Hunt Continues
With
the advent of spring comes a grim reminder of cruelty to animals - Canada's
commercial seal hunt. The International Fund for Animal Welfare has campaigned
for many years to put a final end to this slaughter - today, we are asking for
your help.
IFAW
has created a website www.canadasealhunt.ca devoted to the various issues
involved in the hunt. This comprehensive site will contain daily reports from
the hunt, as well as links to press releases, studies, and surveys. We will
also be presenting links to the websites of the Canadian Sealers Association
and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Our
goal in allowing site visitors to consider both sides of the issue is to
illustrate that sealing proponents' positions are indefensible. We are
confident that upon consideration of all the facts, the public will decide that
the ethical, economic, and conservation arguments all lie with those that would
put an end to this hunt.
Canadasealhunt.ca
will also contain a link to an important action page for those wishing to stop
the hunt. On this page, site visitors will be able to:
* locate and email their Members of
Parliament
* send an email to the Minister of
Fisheries and Oceans
* email a letter to the editor to
their local newspaper
* email the site to their friends
We
are attempting to have as many activists as possible visit the action page over
the next few weeks. In addition to providing a link on your website, any help
that you can provide in publicizing this action page to your membership would
be greatly appreciated.
Your
organization has been vocal in advocating for justice for animals - please
support us now in our efforts to bring national attention and visible
opposition to the largest slaughter of marine mammals in the world. We have
buttons and banners available at:
http://www.canadasealhunt.ca/banners/huntgoesonline.gif
http://www.canadasealhunt.ca/banners/makeupyourownmind.gif
http://www.canadasealhunt.ca/banners/makeupyourownmind2.gif
http://www.canadasealhunt.ca/banners/sealbutton.gif
Source: Leslie
Dickout
IFAW Canada
dleslie@comnet.ca
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The Vegan Social Support Network
Are
you a vegan who feels lonely and/or isolated because of your beliefs? Do you
wish there was a fellow vegan who you could talk to either in letters, on the
phone or face to face, or in a combination of these ways? If so don't worry
because there are fellow vegans around who want to help you. And they are:-
Gerard Bane - who can be contacted
by letter at 59 Chapel Rd, Ramsgate,
Kent, CT11 0BS and by telephone on
(01843) 589010 (evenings preferred),
and who is also willing to be a host
to vegan visitors and travel anywhere in
Kent or London (providing it's
within 2 hours traveling time).
Denise Berry - who can be contacted
by letter at The Essence of Sanctuary,
7A
Heath Close, New England Rd, Haywards Heath, West Sussex,
RH16 3JW and by telephone on (01444)
412835 (9am to 9pm preferred), and
who is also willing to be a host to
vegan visitors.
Adrien J Dyson - who can be
contacted by letter at The Essence of Sanctuary,
7A Heath Close, New England Rd,
Haywards Heath, West Sussex,
RH16
3JW and by telephone on (01444) 412835 (9am to 9pm preferred), and
who is also willing to be a host to
vegan visitors.
Ros Simmons - who can be contacted
by letter at 59 Chapel Rd, Ramsgate,
Kent, CT11 0BS and by telephone on
(01843) 589010 (evenings preferred),
and who is also willing to be a host
to vegan visitors and travel anywhere in
Kent or London.
Linda Tamani - who can be contacted
by letter at 19 Foxley Fields, Urchfont,
Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 4SN and by
telephone on (01380) 840509.
Volunteers
are urgently required in all areas to make this as widespread a service as
possible. If you're interested in helping, in any way, please contact Adrien J
Dyson (at the above address) as soon as possible.
posted on
behalf of Adrien J Dyson
From: List
Admin <ar-admin@envirolink.org>
posted for /
reply to: "Paul"
<theveggie@themutual.net>
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Why is Animal Rights Important?
It
has been said that "no one is free until everyone is free." This ideology has been the cornerstone of
much social and political change throughout the centuries. It embodies in it the implication that we
humans are by nature sensitive beings who are affected not only by what goes on
inside of us as individuals, but also what goes on outside of us.
The
animal rights movement is as much about people as it is about animals. Civil rights movements have always included
members outside of the oppressed group; the abolition of human slavery in the
U.S. was orchestrated by "free" whites, and the women's rights
movement has always included supporters of both genders. It is incorrect to assume that just because
we are not the direct target of an action, that we are not oppressed by
it. We do not ourselves need to
personally experience torture or imprisonment to be affected by it. The knowledge that such a thing exists is
enough to affect our own happiness, our own sense of freedom.
By
addressing the atrocities inflicted upon nonhuman animals by humans, we are
certainly helping those less fortunate than ourselves. We are also, however, helping OURSELVES in
the process. By eradicating oppression
in all its forms, we speed the creation of a compassionate society that
respects each of us as individuals and all of us as a whole. As we move away from oppressive systems that
perpetuate suffering, we move toward the safety of a community that protects us
all. As long as any segment of the
society is oppressed, all are candidates for oppression. What happens to my neighbor today, can
happen to me tomorrow.
On
a more concrete level, there are literally billions of living, breathing
reasons why people are willing to put themselves on the line for animal
rights. Every year in the United
States, almost SEVEN BILLION animals die at the hands of people:
*
6 billion are slaughtered as food
*
365 million are hit and killed on roads and highways
*
200 million are murdered by sport hunters
*
50 million die in laboratories
*
25 million are murdered for their fur
*
7 million "surplus" dogs and cats are killed in pounds and
shelters
Many
of these animals not only die hideous deaths, but suffer through equally tragic
lives. As the perpetrators of this
suffering, the responsibility for the pain returns to us. Perhaps more to the point: "The blood is on our hands."
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THE ANIMAL RIGHTS NETWORK INC, PROUDLY PRESENTS
The
Animals' Agenda Web Site and Animal Rights Library and Archive!
"Helping
People Help Animals"
That's
the motto of the Animal Rights Network Inc.,
the
not-for-profit publisher of The Animals' Agenda Magazine.
Through
gathering, producing, and disseminating information about animals in society,
we serve the animal advocacy community and educate the public about animal
rights.
Now,
in addition to The Animals' Agenda, here are two new ways that you can access
iformation, to help you help animals:
The
Animals' Agenda Web Site
Go
to www.animalsagenda.org to stay informed about critical animal protection
matters between issues of the magazine.
Packed with useful features, the site contains news and updates, tips
for taking effective action, an overview of the current issue as well as
previously published articles, a special newcomers section, and much more. You can search our directory of animal
advocacy organizations and database of books and resources to find exactly what
you need to help you and help animals.
The
Animal Rights Library and Archive
After
more than a year of preparation, our one-of-a-kind library and archive is open,
by appointment only, to journalists, researchers, lawyers, activists, and other
interested individuals. Growing by
leaps and bounds, the reference collection currently includes more than 1,400
books on animal rights and related matters, 1,000 books about cats, 1,200
videotapes, 450 journals and magazines, and 2,500 individual organizational
files.
To
offer feedback on our web site, schedule a visit to the Animal Rights Library
and Archive, or learn more about the programs of the Animal Rights Network
Inc., contact us at:
*
* * * *** * *** * *** * *** * *** * *** * *** * *** * *** * *** * *** * *** * *
* *
THE
ANIMAL RIGHTS NETWORK, INC
1301
S. BAYLIS STREET, SUITE 325, P. O. BOX 25881
BALTIMORE,
MARYLAND 21224, USA
TEL:
(410) 675-4566 FAX: (410) 675-0066
E-MAIL: OFFICE@ANIMALSAGENDA.ORG
WORLD
WIDE WEB: WWW.ANIMALSAGENDA.ORG
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Traveling With Kitty - By Car
Most
cats adapt well to riding in the car if they are already comfortable with their
cat carrier. The carrier should be sturdy & roomy enough to allow the cat
to stand up & turn around. Long before your departure date put the carrier
in one of Kitty's favorite sleeping spots. (The doors on most pet taxis can be
removed for use in the home.) Line the bottom with a something he has already
slept on or use a piece of your clothing that has been worn, but not washed.
From time to time place a food treat in the carrier. If this doesn't entice
Kitty to enter, you will have to resort to feeding him his regular food in it
for awhile
For
the safety of your cat and you, don't ever consider letting him roam freely in
the car while you drive. He could be thrown against the inside of the car in
the event of a quick stop or he could distract the driver & cause a serious
traffic accident. Kitty might feel more secure & consequently, ride more
quietly, if you cover his crate with a towel while the car is in motion. You
might have to experiment to see what works the best.
Before
you leave home encourage Kitty to use the litterbox by pouring fresh litter
into his box. Some cats that are not used to riding in the car eliminate in
their carriers 10-20 minutes into the trip. If you think this is a possibility,
buy some "puppy pads", absorbent, disposable pads (similar to
disposable diapers) & line the bottom of the crate with them. In case of an
"accident", the cleanup will be easy.
Your
cat can go as long as you can without stretching his legs. After you stop, put
on his leash for safety before you let him out into the car & offer him
water & a litter break. Many cats have been lost at rest areas when the
owners stopped for a break, by scooting out the door or through a crack in the
window. His collar should be equipped with an identification tag containing the
telephone number of someone who could be reached while you are on the road. It
is also a good idea to carry an up-to-date photo of your cat for the purpose of
making "lost cat" flyers in case the unthinkable happens. Cats for
Dummies by Gina Spadafori and Paul Pion, DVM has many useful tips for
traveling, among them are the following:
Never
leave your cat unattended in a car--if the heat doesn't get him, a thief may.
If you're traveling with your cat, your meals are mostly going to be of the
drive-through variety. If you absolutely must leave your cat in the car--for
your bathroom break, for example -- park in the shade, roll the windows down a
little & be quick -- & we mean five minutes. Even better, take your cat
& his carrier in the stall with you. He has seen you there before; he's not
going to be shocked. If you want to kick around for a while, shopping &
sightseeing, & still make sure your cat is safe, look up a local
veterinarian in the phone book & see whether you can make arrangements for
a few hour's boarding. Most
veterinarians are very amenable to helping out -- usually at a very reasonable
cost. You can also leave your pet in your motel room -- but always in a crate
for safety.
Source:
Nyppsi@aol.com
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For Big Spook
by Guila
Manchester
I hope you knew
how very much I loved you.
I can't help
wishing God had let you stay.
And yet the
steadfast love and trust you gave me
Is something
time can never take away.
And when I see
a tail that won't stop wagging
I'll know
within that shaggy body, too,
Will be a
heart that holds your kind of loving
And I'll reach
out with love, remembering you.
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Quote To Remember
"If you are not part of the solution,
you are part of the problem."
~
Anonymous
«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»
Susan Roghair
- EnglandGal@aol.com
Animal Rights
Online
P O Box 7053
Tampa, Fl
33673-7053
http://www.oocities.org/RainForest/1395/
-=Animal
Rights Online=-
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