A n i m a l W r i t e s © sm
The official ANIMAL RIGHTS ONLINE newsletter
Established
1997
Editor ~ JJswans@aol.com
Issue # 09/12/04
Publisher ~ Susan
Roghair..........EnglandGal@aol.com
Journalists ~ Greg Lawson............ParkStRanger@aol.com
~ Michelle Rivera..........MichelleRivera1@aol.com
Webmasters ~ Randy Atlas..............ranatlas@earthlink.net
~ Trevor
Chin................tmchin@yahoo.com
Staff
~ Alfred Griffith.............agriffith@igc.org
~ Andy Glick.................andy@meatfreezone.org
~ Sheridan Porter.........Pad4Paws21@aol.com
~ Bill Bobo....................RunRun@aol.com
~ Katie Vann.................Vann167@aol.com
~ Michelle Michelson....LTEAM6@aol.com
THE ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE ARE:
1 ~ Humane USA Endorses John Kerry For President
2 ~ Bill Clinton Pays For His Choices
3 ~ Vegan Mentoring Program
4 ~ Job Opportunities
5 ~ Join World Farm Animals Day 2004
6 ~ On Deaf Ears
7 ~ Memorable Quote
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~1~
Humane USA Endorses John Kerry
for President
http://www.humaneusa.org/article.asp?article_key=109&n=1
Can you believe it? President George W. Bush has gone out of his way to attack
animal advocates on his presidential campaign website!
That’s right, in their bid for reelection to the White House, the Bush-Cheney
2004 team posted a report for hunters titled “John Kerry on Hunting,” which
attacked not only the Democratic nominee, but also the entire animal protection
community! The Bush-Cheney website includes these direct quotes:
• “John Kerry has the highest rating on the Humane Scorecards sponsored jointly
by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Fund for Animals. Both
groups are firmly committed to ending hunting in this country.”
• “HSUS’ website says ‘sport hunting – the killing of wild animals as
recreation – is fundamentally at odds with the values of a humane, just and
caring society’ (emphasis added).” (www.hsus.org/ace/12035; viewed 7/5/04).
• “Heidi Prescott, the National Director of the Fund for Animals, said in a
1995 speech that the Fund for Animals is ‘unalterably opposed to the killing of
animals for sport’ (emphasis added). (Speech by Heidi Prescott to the 4th
Annual Governors Symposium on North America’s Hunting Heritage, August 1995).”
(All quotes from “GeorgeWBush.com :: John Kerry on Hunting,”
www.georgewbush.com/News/Read.aspx?ID=2930; viewed 7/20/04)
Based solely on the positions that animal advocates take against the
recreational shooting of animals, the President’s campaign took aim at groups
that work on a broad range of animal issues – from pet overpopulation to animal
fighting to protecting habitat. He’s slamming two organizations that work to
protect animals from cruelty, and he’s belittling his opponent for having a
strong record on matters relating to the humane treatment of animals.
President Bush, though, has always portrayed himself as a friend to trophy
hunters. He recently hosted leaders of about 20 hunting organizations,
including the Safari Club International, National Rifle Association, and U.S.
Sportsmen’s Alliance, at his ranch in Crawford, Texas. And as Governor of
Texas, he was named “Governor of the Year” by the Safari Club – one of the
world’s most influential and extreme trophy hunting organizations.
Among its other notable programs, the Safari Club provides 29 “hunting
achievement” awards to its members who kill animals throughout the world. For
instance, to win the “Africa Big Five” award, a hunter must kill a lion, a
leopard, an elephant, a rhino, and a Cape buffalo. The hunter gets credit
whether he shoots the animal in the wild or at a canned hunting facility either
here in the United States or at one in South Africa.
To win all 29 “hunting achievement” awards, a Safari Club hunter would have to
kill 322 different species and subspecies of mammals. The number of hunters in
this pantheon of shame increases every year. It’s just sickening.
After President Bush assumed office in Washington, D.C., he appointed Matt
Hogan to be the deputy director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – the
number two position at the very agency charged with protecting wildlife and
enforcing laws such as the Endangered Species Act. Mr. Hogan was not only a
trophy hunter himself, but he also happened to be the former chief lobbyist for
the Safari Club.
So, it’s Hogan who now helps shape federal wildlife policies and who often
represents the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Capitol Hill. It is the
equivalent of Dracula guarding the blood bank. The very people who kill and
otherwise exploit wildlife are setting the rules.
President Bush has not only appointed bad people to positions of power, but
he’s also been hostile to the environment in which wild animals live. He has
advocated drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and he has
reversed a ban on road building in 58 million acres of our national forests.
With more roads blazed through our national forests, we’ll see more poachers,
more hunters, and more loggers despoiling our natural heritage.
Those are just some of the reasons why Humane USA is endorsing John Kerry in
the presidential race. In truth, we are disappointed that John Kerry is also a
hunter, and that his campaign has pandered so much to hunting groups. We need
to look toward a day when all politicians recognize that the animal-friendly
vote is much more crucial to political success that the hunting lobby.
But in terms of public policy, if not in personal participation, John Kerry is
the clear choice for people who care about animals. He has been a strong
advocate and supporter of pro-animal legislation throughout his political
career. He has regularly scored high ratings on the Humane Scorecard, most
recently scoring 100+ during the 108th Congress. Among his efforts to secure
protection for animals:
• Kerry was the co-author with former Sen. Bob Smith (R-NH) of the successful
effort to halt an annual $2 million subsidy for the mink industry – terminating
a taxpayer give-away to the corporate mink industry. Kerry and Smith shepherded
this amendment through the Senate during debate on the Fiscal Year 1995
Agriculture Appropriations Act, and they have repelled subsequent efforts by
legislators aligned with the mink industry to revive the taxpayer boondoggle.
• Kerry has a notable record of co-sponsoring animal friendly legislation,
including support of measures to combat cockfighting, bear baiting, canned
hunts, puppy mills, the bear parts trade, the exotic pet trade, steel-jawed
leghold traps, and the abuse of “downed” livestock.
• Kerry has also exerted leadership in securing important funds for animal
protection. In recent years, he and Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) co-authored
letters sent to the leaders of the Senate Subcommittee on Agriculture
Appropriations to increase funding for existing animal protection laws,
including the Animal Welfare Act and the Humane Slaughter Act. Thanks in part
to Kerry’s leadership – and his collaboration with the powerful senior member
of the Appropriations Committee, Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) – the Congress has
provided more than $26 million in new funds for animal protection programs in
recent years.
The President of the United States has a major impact on public policies that
affect the lives of animals. The Animal Welfare Act, Humane Slaughter Act,
Horse Protection Act, and a long list of other federal laws need proper
enforcement if their original purposes are to be fulfilled. The president also
shapes how Congress views new legislative proposals to protect animals from
cruelty and abuse. We need John Kerry – not George W. Bush – in the White
House.
Next year, we expect the Congress to consider bills that would crack down on
“puppy mills” – where dogs are housed in squalid, overcrowded conditions and
bred relentlessly to supply the pet trade, even though there are thousands of
healthy and adoptable animals at shelters.
The Congress is also expected to take up legislation to require that antifreeze
manufacturers add a bittering agent to their product. Tragically, thousands of
pets and dozens of children each year die from ingesting sweet-tasting, yet
toxic antifreeze that spills in garages, driveways, or roadways.
And the Congress will probably take up legislation to ban the slaughter of
horses for human consumption. Every year, more than 50,000 horses are
slaughtered in the United States, and they are sold to France, Belgium, and
Japan for human consumption.
Finally, Congress is expected to consider legislation banning the “canned
hunts” of exotic animals such as zebras and giraffes, where the animals are
raised in captivity, hand-fed, trapped behind fences, and shot by trophy
hunters at point-blank range. These are the same “canned hunts” promoted by
President Bush’s friends at the Safari Club! We need to take the White House
back from the Safari Club and their cronies!
-----------------------------------------------
About Humane USA - http://www.humaneusa.org/about/index.asp
Formed in late 1999, Humane USA is the nation's first major political action
committee devoted to the task of electing humane-minded candidates to public
office at the federal and state levels.Humane USA has been formed by leaders of
major animal protection organizations, including The Humane Society of the
United States, The Fund for Animals, Farm Sanctuary, ASPCA, Doris Day Animal
League, Animal Welfare Institute, The Ark Trust, Animal Rights Foundation of
Florida, and others. Its board of directors, advisory board, and advisors are
top grassroots and national animal protection leaders. Strong animal
protection laws are produced by humane-minded elected officials, and the best
way to secure a large crop of humane-minded legislators is to support them
during their election campaigns.
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~2~
Bill Clinton Pays For His
Choices
By Stewart David - Carolinaanimal@aol.com
Carolina Animal Action
Bill Clinton's surgery is all over the
news. You can't log onto the Internet, pick up a paper, or turn on
the TV without seeing something about it. Yet no one is mentioning that
Clinton had Dr. Dean Ornish, author of Dr. Dean Ornish's Plan for
Reversing Heart Disease, at the White House during his presidency.
Bill and Hillary were considering a low-fat vegetarian diet. But then
Bill went on the Atkins Diet and later the South Beach Diet, both loaded
with animal fat. Dietary cholesterol is only found in animal products,
and the more cholesterol you eat, the greater your chances of heart
disease. Why is it that the media will never discuss vegetarianism when
the science overwhelmingly shows that a low-fat vegetarian diet helps prevent
heart disease, cancer, stroke, obesity, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, etc.?
If the Clinton's had taken Dr. Ornish's advice, Bill wouldn't be in the
hospital today.
This is a great opportunity to let people know that eating animal products
isn't only deadly for the non-human animals. The media seems to
think that heart disease is caused by a deficiency of statin drugs or the
aging process. Nonsense.
Here's a link to a great fact sheet (Cholesterol and Heart Disease) that can be
downloaded and given to friends as well as used in writing a letter to the
editor. http://www.pcrm.org/health/prevmed/cholesterol_heartdisease.html
A few of the facts are:
Atherosclerosis is not caused by old age.
The main reason that older people are more likely to have heart problems
than younger people is that they have had more time to indulge in unhealthy
habits.
Heart disease is reversible.
Of course, all of these hurricanes are probably linked to global
warming, and the media won't talk about that, either. Denial is not
a river in Egypt, it's an attitude in America.
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~3~
Vegan Mentoring Program
Dr. Weseloh - Doctor@nts-online.net
http://www.vegan-info.com
VEGAN
is now offering a mentoring program for new vegans and those interested in
learning more about veganism. Those desiring a mentor will be put in
touch with someone who is geographically close, if possible, in order that they
can recommend supermarkets, restaurants, groups and events that are vegan-friendly.
Just contact Dr. Weseloh at: Doctor@nts-online.net and you will be put in touch
with someone as soon as possible. Please provide your gender, age, geographical
location, and mention any preferences as to the gender or age of the person
that will be mentoring you. Feel free to include any other personal
information that you feel would be helpful in making a good match. All
correspondence will be by e-mail unless both parties agree to communicate
otherwise.
We are currently seeking people who wish to serve as mentors. We already
have 12 mentors lined up. They need not be experts on veganism; just
people who are caring, helpful, and willing to offer encouragement and support
to those new to veganism. Mentors must understand that they may be put in
touch with people who are not ready to become vegan, but are merely curious
about the lifestyle. Please contact Dr. Weseloh personally at:
Doctor@nts-online.net if you would be interested in serving as a mentor. Please
include your gender, age, geographical location, and indicate if you have any
preferences as to the gender or age of the person you will be mentoring.
Feel free to include any other personal information that you feel would be
helpful in making a good match. All correspondence will be by e-mail unless
both parties agree to communicate otherwise.
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~4~
Job Opportunities
ONLINE CAMPAIGN MANAGER – Best Friends Animal Society
seeks an online campaign manager for its nationwide No More Homeless Pets
campaign. Candidate will have a proven background in grassroots
campaigning, marketing communications, and have a technically savvy ability to
use the latest web-based tools to create and manage our dynamic online campaign
goals. Candidate will also have extensive online writing, editing and
project management experience and the ability to work independently as well as
with others. Candidate must be willing to relocate to Kanab, Utah.
For more information and a complete job description, visit the Best Friends
website at: http://www.bestfriends.org/aboutus/employment/currentjobs.cfm
Please send a resume with cover letter to:
Courtney Cox, Human Resources
Best Friends Animal Society
Kanab, UT 84741-5000
Phone: 435-644-2001 ext 152
Fax: 435-644-8949
Or email to courtney@bestfriends.org
<><><><><>
SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY PROGRAM MANAGER – Best
Friends Animal Society seeks a southeast community program manager for its
nationwide No More Homeless Pets campaign. Candidate must reside in one
of these locations: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina,
South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia. Candidate must facilitate the
development of partnerships between organizations, shelters, veterinarians, and
individuals. Represent Best Friends at national events and
conferences. Launch and support No More Homeless Pets community programs
as part of Best Friends’ national outreach to help create no-kill
communities. Candidate must have an extensive background in the humane
movement: 5+ years of experience working for or with a humane organization.
For more information and a complete job description, visit the Best Friends
website at: http://www.bestfriends.org/aboutus/employment/currentjobs.cfm
Please send a resume with cover letter to:
Courtney Cox, Human Resources
Best Friends Animal Society
Kanab, UT 84741-5000
Phone: 435-644-2001 ext 152
Fax: 435-644-8949
Or email to courtney@bestfriends.org
<><><><><>
WEST CENTRAL COMMUNITY PROGRAM MANAGER -- Best Friends Animal Society
seeks a west central community program manager for its nationwide No More
Homeless Pets campaign. Candidate must reside in one of these
locations: Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, or Wyoming. Candidate must facilitate the
development of partnerships between organizations, shelters, veterinarians, and
individuals. Represent Best Friends at national events and
conferences. Launch and support No More Homeless Pets community programs
as part of Best Friends’ national outreach to help create no-kill
communities. Candidate must have an extensive background in the humane
movement: 5+ years of experience working for or with a humane organization.
For more information and a complete job description, visit the Best Friends
website at: http://www.bestfriends.org/aboutus/employment/currentjobs.cfm
Please send a resume with cover letter to:
Courtney Cox, Human Resources
Best Friends Animal Society
Kanab, UT 84741-5000
Phone: 435-644-2001 ext 152
Fax: 435-644-8949
Or email to courtney@bestfriends.org
<><><><><>
STAFF WRITER AND GRAPHICS PRODUCTION ASSISTANT – Best Friends Animal
Society seeks a staff writer and graphics production assistant for its
nationwide No More Homeless Pets campaign. Candidate will have a proven
background in writing, designing, and producing newsletters, printed brochures,
manuals, advertisements and other marketing and promotional materials both for
online and printed publications. Candidate needs excellent writing
skills, editing and proofreading experience as well as the ability to work
independently, manage multiple projects and have strong technical skills:
4+ years of design/desktop publishing experience. Candidate must be
willing to relocate to Kanab, Utah.
For more information and a complete job description, visit the Best Friends
website at: http://www.bestfriends.org/aboutus/employment/currentjobs.cfm
Please send a resume with cover letter to:
Courtney Cox, Human Resources
Best Friends Animal Society
Kanab, UT 84741-5000
Phone: 435-644-2001 ext 152
Fax: 435-644-8949
Or email to courtney@bestfriends.org
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~5~
Join World Farm Animals Day
2004!
Be a voice for the animals this election year!
www.WFAD.org - new
site with downloadable Action Kit
Participating is easy and effective.
Hold an event on or around Oct 2nd... you decide the details.
* Leaflet or Information Table
* Vigil, State Capitol Demo or other event
WE PROVIDE instructions, materials and media.
YOU PROVIDE a few hours and a lot of heart.
PLEASE REGISTER YOUR PLANS www.WFAD.org or call 888 FARM-USA.
Register your intent, even if your plans are incomplete (you can update
anytime). After you register, you can request an Event Pack
with an official WFAD banner, color posters, handouts, stickers and more!
Please join thousands of activists in all 50 states and around the world
as we speak out for the animals.
This World Farm Animals Day is dedicated educating public officials and the
public-at-large about the need to end the cruel and unnecessary suffering and
death of 50 billion farm animals. Regardless of your dietary choices or other
forms of activism, please help us help 98% of all animals.
If we don’t speak for the animals, who will?
Sincerely,
Dawn Moncrief,
WFAD Director
www.WFAD.org
dawn@wfad.org
888-FARM-USA
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~6~
On Deaf Ears
By Elisa Murphy
copyright 1996
Don't come here with your problems
No matter how big or how small.
We've seen practically everything.
Whatever you say, we've heard it all.
My kid developed allergies,
We're moving, we've no room.
We can no longer care for him.
So, please, keep him here with you.
We have so many animals
I just can't see that he can stay.
You get mad at me
And beg, "ISN'T THERE A WAY?"
I try to explain the problem
But it falls on deaf ears.
You go ahead and sign the papers.
Through all of your tears.
As he is carried into the back room,
You put the blame on me.
Don't you understand YOU are the problem?
Is it that hard to see?
I'm so tired of fighting back,
I just stand & shake my head.
One more innocent life is taken,
Nothing more can be said.
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~7~
Memorable Quote
"Think of me tonite
For that which you savor
Did it give you something real,
or could you taste the pain of my death in its flavor?"
~Wayne K. Tolson, from "Food Forethought"
«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»
Susan Roghair - EnglandGal@aol.com
Animal Rights Online
http://www.oocities.org/RainForest/1395/
-=Animal Rights Online=-
«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»
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