“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” Leo Tolstoy
Monday, January 23, 2012
Richard Dawkins interviews Peter Singer
I couldn't imagine a more interesting pair of people to have a discussion. My only surprise is how easily Peter Singer has Richard Dawkins on the ropes. I admire Richard for being humble though and acknowledging the logic of Peter's arguments. Many interesting philosophical topics are presented here, which all relate to animal eating.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Nelson Mandela
When I read quotes by Nelson Mandela I am struck by how powerful, inspiring and beautiful his sentiments are. Although he was my president I did not realize what a beautiful mind he has. I feel so fortunate to have been alive and in South Africa when he was freed and became president. I hope that his words and life are an inspiration to all to strive for peace and equality on earth, to work bravely for the oppressed.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Homage to writers
Incredible writing that explains exactly what is so wrong with the slaughterhouse.
"The uproar was appalling, perilous to the ear-drums; one feared there was too much sound for the room to hold--that the walls must give way or the ceiling crack. There were high squeals and low squeals, grunts, and wails of agony; there would come a momentary lull, and then a fresh outburst, louder than ever, surging up to a deafening climax. It was too much for some of the visitors--the men would look at each other, laughing nervously, and the women would stand with hands clenched, and the blood rushing to their faces, and the tears starting in their eyes. Meantime, heedless of all these things, the men upon the floor were going about their work. Neither squeals of hogs nor tears of visitors made any difference to them; one by one they hooked up the hogs, and one by one with a swift stroke they slit their throats. There was a long line of hogs, with squeals and life-blood ebbing away together; until at last each started again, and vanished with a splash into a huge vat of boiling water. It was all so very businesslike that one watched it fascinated. It was pork-making by machinery, pork-making by applied mathematics. And yet somehow the most matter-of-fact person could not help thinking of the hogs; they were so innocent, they came so very trustingly; and they were so very human in their protests--and so perfectly within their rights! They had done nothing to deserve it; and it was adding insult to injury, as the thing was done here, swinging them up in this cold-blooded, impersonal way, without a pretence at apology, without the homage of a tear. Now and then a visitor wept, to be sure; but this slaughtering-machine ran on, visitors or no visitors. It was like some horrible crime committed in a dungeon, all unseen and unheeded, buried out of sight and of memory.”
― Upton Sinclair, The Jungle. (photograph Gail Eisnitz) (jb)
"The uproar was appalling, perilous to the ear-drums; one feared there was too much sound for the room to hold--that the walls must give way or the ceiling crack. There were high squeals and low squeals, grunts, and wails of agony; there would come a momentary lull, and then a fresh outburst, louder than ever, surging up to a deafening climax. It was too much for some of the visitors--the men would look at each other, laughing nervously, and the women would stand with hands clenched, and the blood rushing to their faces, and the tears starting in their eyes. Meantime, heedless of all these things, the men upon the floor were going about their work. Neither squeals of hogs nor tears of visitors made any difference to them; one by one they hooked up the hogs, and one by one with a swift stroke they slit their throats. There was a long line of hogs, with squeals and life-blood ebbing away together; until at last each started again, and vanished with a splash into a huge vat of boiling water. It was all so very businesslike that one watched it fascinated. It was pork-making by machinery, pork-making by applied mathematics. And yet somehow the most matter-of-fact person could not help thinking of the hogs; they were so innocent, they came so very trustingly; and they were so very human in their protests--and so perfectly within their rights! They had done nothing to deserve it; and it was adding insult to injury, as the thing was done here, swinging them up in this cold-blooded, impersonal way, without a pretence at apology, without the homage of a tear. Now and then a visitor wept, to be sure; but this slaughtering-machine ran on, visitors or no visitors. It was like some horrible crime committed in a dungeon, all unseen and unheeded, buried out of sight and of memory.”
― Upton Sinclair, The Jungle. (photograph Gail Eisnitz) (jb)
Sunday, January 15, 2012
animals as commodities
Rhino poaching in South Africa has sky rocketed with 1 or more rhinos killed per day in 2011.
They are killed for their horns which are extremely valuable in Asia for "medicine" and decorations.
They are not always killed first, rather their horns are hacked off and they are left to die in agony. This is terrible and heartbreaking. Not only will these beautiful animals go extinct very soon, but they are suffering tremendously and having their lives terminated. I hate that this is a completely illegal act ignoring the will of the majority of South Africans, but it is also totally part of world system that views animals as commodities of utilitarian benefit to humans. The only difference is that South Africans value these rhinos as a symbol of national wilderness and beauty, while Asians view them as medicinal and decorative commodities. South Africans are not necessarily against the murder of rhinos as legal hunting continues in South Africa. If these animals tasted good then we would eat them as indifferently as all the other millions of animals that are raised for our consumption. My heart is aching.
A news story.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Powerful
link
Dr Steve Best's video definitely has the feel of propaganda, but the videos of animal abuse are real and normal in all forms of animal exploitation. It is a powerful video, but I don't think I would share this to convince others as I don't think the truth needs to be made so slick to be effective. I prefer a more compassionate and educational approach.
Dr Steve Best's video definitely has the feel of propaganda, but the videos of animal abuse are real and normal in all forms of animal exploitation. It is a powerful video, but I don't think I would share this to convince others as I don't think the truth needs to be made so slick to be effective. I prefer a more compassionate and educational approach.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Cruel and useless animal experiments
Another example of cruel and useless experiments done on rats, mice and dogs. It makes me so sad. If you're willing to accept that animal testing is morally acceptable, it seems that every ill-conceived and deplorable experiment can be carried out. How about we study humans when we want to know something about them?!