A n i m
a l W r i t e s © sm
The
official ANIMAL RIGHTS ONLINE newsletter
Publisher ~ EnglandGal@aol.com
Issue # 06/06/01
Editor
~ JJswans@aol.com
Journalists ~ Park StRanger@aol.com
~ MichelleRivera1@aol.com
~ sbest1@elp.rr.com
THE SEVEN ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE ARE:
1 ~ Why Rights For Animals? by Shell
2 ~ A Primer For Online Activists by Michael
Cerkowski
3 ~ Clyde Beatty - Cole Bros. Circus
4 ~ Website of Note
5 ~ All-Star Charity Auction
6 ~ Another by WantNoMeat@aol.com
7 ~ Memorable Quote
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Why Rights For Animals?
© Shell 2001
http://www.theanimalspirit.com/whyar.html
from myREBAdog@worldnet.att.net
"What
do you do?"
"Well, I have a boring day job, but for the most part, I'm an animal
rights activist."
Blank stare.
"Oh, that's nice. I see my friend over there. Nice to meet you!"
I've had many different reactions from people when I tell them I'm an animal
rights activist. The above scenario is the most common. People don't know what
to say to the lady who wants animals to have rights. After all, I look so
normal!
Animal rights activists are not, as some call us, "fantasy-based
hippies." We do not all belong to
"lunatic fringe groups," as USA Today hinted. We are just ordinary
people, with jobs, families, and bills to pay, who happen to take notice of the
inexcusable suffering of nonhuman animals by the hands of humans.
The animal rights movement isn't something new. Historically, great people such
as Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Edison have spoken on behalf of animal rights.
The more people come to accept that we should not inflict suffering on other
sentient beings simply because we are capable of it, the more backlash we get
from people who disagree.
One thing I often hear people say is that animal rights activists are selfish
and try to force other people to do things.
In response to that statement, I ask you this: Is it selfish to fight for the
rights of voiceless, sentient beings who are tortured, abused, exploited, and
killed on a daily basis? Or is it selfish to fight for the right to keep on
torturing, abusing, exploiting, and killing voiceless sentient beings on a
daily basis?
I cannot speak for all animal rights activists, but as for myself, I hate
attention. I'm a very private person. I don't scream and curse in people's
faces or throw red paint on fur coats. I talk to people who will listen, I
answer questions that people ask, and I protest against what I believe to be
wrong. Slowly I reach people, one at a
time. In turn, those who I have reached spread the message and reach others.
I have nothing to gain, except some free time and peace of mind, from nonhuman
animals gaining basic rights. If this fight was over, I could spend more time with
my family and more time doing things I enjoy. Believe it or not, I don't enjoy
being an animal rights activist. I'd much rather create a fun web site filled
with jokes, funny pictures, and happy stories. I'd rather write a newsletter
that made people smile and laugh. There is nothing particularly fun about
writing letters on behalf of a cat that was set on fire by some bored kids. I
don't get much pleasure finding homes for one domesticated animal after
another, going broke in the process, while some people continue to breed more
litters of these animals. I don't enjoy going to a restaurant and having to
smell the corpses of animals and have a mental picture in my head of how those
animals became dinner. I hate lying awake at night thinking of the animals
in laboratories who are alone and
scared.
But what about children? If I had a dollar for every time I heard that, I'd be
one rich activist. Why worry about animals in labs and farm animals becoming
dinner when children are suffering? If adults were allowed to torture, abuse,
exploit, and kill children on a daily basis, I would fight for their rights
too. After all, I fight for voiceless animals. But children are protected by
law. Yes, laws are broken, but society makes those who break these laws against
children pay for their crime. In a recent court case which dealt with a dog
that was murdered, the murderer was sentenced to read the "Lassie"
books. Can you imagine the murderer of a child being sentenced to read
"Mary Poppins?" It wouldn't happen.
Some final thoughts:
Just because a person has the power to do something, doesn't mean it's right.
The human species is protected by laws, and the strong are not allowed to take
advantage of the weak. Now we need to extend those laws to protect other species
as well.
We need to stop discriminating against certain species just because it was what
we were taught to do. People tend to become outraged when something horrible
happens to a dog or cat. As an animal rights activist, all I'm trying to do is
extend that outrage to include other animals, such as monkeys, deer, cows,
pigs, chickens, rats, etc.
I'm not an extra special person. I don't have any remarkable qualities. I
didn't come out of the womb vegan. I use to eat meat and dairy and wear
leather. But I have come to the conclusion that it is not right to hug your cat
while eating a cow. And I'm trying my hardest to make others come to that
conclusion also -- one person at a time.
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A Primer For Online Activists
Copyright 1999 by Michael Cerkowski
Distribute freely, but do not modify
INTRODUCTION:
Although this document was conceived as a guide for new animal rights
activists, the principles discussed can be generally applied to virtually any
activist working online. It is not intended to be a list of absolute rules, nor
is it meant to be a strict characterization of my own posting style. It IS
meant to be used as a reference by people who have little or no experience with
online activism.
ONLINE DIALOG:
The Internet has been around in one form or another for several decades. This, along with the somewhat parallel
development of dialup Bulletin Board Services (BBS's), has resulted in the
evolution of an Online Culture of sorts, with its own "nettiquette."
For someone posting online for the first time,
cyberculture can be confusing at best, and downright offensive at worst. Since the Internet isn't going to change for
the sake of new people (known as "newbies"), it is important to be
able to understand this medium, and to use it to communicate effectively. Since
the cyberculture vocabulary extends to acronym-like abbreviations, and to
punctuation-based indicators of tone called "emoticons," I have
included a short list of the most common shorthand expressions, and a helpful
link, at the end of this document.
While it is very important to understand whether the post to which you
are responding was intended to be serious, or just tongue-in-cheek, the most
vital aspect of online activism is your own presentation; how you represent
yourself and your cause, and how well you communicate.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
When you are posting online, people don't know what you are like, how nice you
are to your family, or how intelligent you are at your job. They often don't
even know your gender. Consequently, your online identity consists almost
entirely of what you write. I say "almost," because many people adopt
online aliases, either to help protect their identities or to make a statement
about who they are and what they believe. This means that if you post
under the name "MoltenDeath" or "AK-47," you have lost
quite a
bit of your audience's respect and empathy before you write a word. If you want
to use an alias, it's a good idea to pick one that isn't instantly offensive.
The first time that you post in a newsgroup or other online forum, it is
important to think about what you want to say before you click the
"send" button. If you are angry, take the time to calm down a bit
before you respond. Your first post doesn't have to be profound, but it's a
good idea to avoid being remembered as "that jerk." This is of course
a good idea for all posts, not just your first one. Depending on the situation,
you may want to indicate that you have been following the discussion, and
perhaps
explain why you have decided to participate. That doesn't mean that you are
expected to tell the Story of Your Life in your first post, or that anyone will
appreciate it if you do.
It's generally better to slip into a discussion than to crash it. That means
following a topic "thread," and reading a few older posts if
necessary, before you participate. Try to get a sense of the topic, and of the
positions and personalities of the people involved in it. This will help
you to contribute something meaningful.
CIVILITY:
One of the worst things an activist can do in any discussion is to lose his or
her temper. This may not be obvious to everyone; there are many people online
who view personal insults and inflammatory rhetoric (known as
"flames") as a perfectly acceptable everyday conversational
style. Some people, often called
Trolls, post not to advance the discussion but to provoke angry
responses. Don't fall into the trap of fighting Fire with Fire; the only
people who truly appreciate that sort of "debate" are those who will
never change their minds, and those who make better opponents than
allies. The better way to win a skirmish is to be the one who remains
calm, not the one who comes up with the nastiest flame. If you do lose your
temper, apologize. When dealing with people who just can't be civil, humor,
used in an appropriate manner (not as a substitute for debate) can be
effective. Avoid "baiting," or deliberately provoking anger.
ARGUMENT 101:
When debating matters of fact, avoid the pitfall of posting your own opinion as
established reality. If you believe that something is true, but do not
absolutely, positively know it to be true, it's a good idea to indicate that by
writing something along the lines of "It's my understanding that..."
or "I'm pretty sure that...". This can save you enormous grief if you
turn out to be mistaken. On a similar note, remember the Monty Python
"Argument Sketch": contradiction is not debate. Support what you say
with reasoned arguments, facts, or both.
When paraphrasing someone, never use double quotation marks. Use single
quotation marks, or none at all. Never edit a quote to change the meaning, and
if you do edit for length, indicate that you have done so. Always indicate whom you are quoting.
There are a handful of descriptive terms that get bandied about in online
discussion groups. They describe tactics that do not represent honest debate.
Avoid stating that a person or source is completely untrustworthy because they
have lied in the past ("poisoning the well"), appealing to emotion
rather than intellect ("ad hominem"), excusing behavior on the
grounds that the opposition engages in it (tu quoque), and avoid attributing a
position to someone that they do not hold, and then rebutting it ("straw
man fallacy"). You may be accused of engaging in these tactics
anyway; be prepared to defend your posts in a reasonable manner. Avoid
using a double standard: judge your opponents and their organizations by the
same ethical yardstick you use to judge yourself and the organizations that you
support.
Even when arguing passionately, try to refrain from using excessively dramatic
language, and, especially, don't make sweeping generalizations. The latter can be used to dismiss your
position out of hand, even if it is quite valid in a more limited sense. For
example, the statement "Many animals in slaughterhouses die in a manner
that isn't fast or free of extreme suffering" is a little dramatic, but
defensible. The statement "All animals in slaughterhouses die a slow,
horrible death!" is not accurate, and will, rest assured, be used to
discredit you.
LISTEN!:
The most valuable asset that an activist can bring to a debate is an open mind.
Listen to what your opponents are saying, and if it repels you, think about it
anyway. Even Trolls can present valid arguments. Remember that no side is
wrong (or right) about everything, and that you can learn valuable lessons from
your opponents. What you learn can help you to grow as an activist and as a
person. Try to give yourself some time away from the fray on a regular basis;
it will help you to remain calm, sharp, and most importantly, sane.
SOURCES:
When looking for facts to support your argument, one of the absolute best
places to look is in the material provided by partisan, biased organizations
*who support the opposing position*. Quote a statement by PETA to support a
pro-animal rights argument, and the opposition will laugh. Quote a statement
from one of their own sources, like the NRA or AMPEF - one that presents facts
that speak against their own interest in this case -- and they will be hard
pressed to refute it. Relatively neutral sources, of course, are also
excellent. Remember that all sources are biased in one way or another, and
don't treat any advocacy group, no matter how close to your heart they may be,
as infallible. Above all, think for yourself!
NETSPEAK:
IMO - in my opinion
BTW - by the way
AFAIK - as far as I know
LOL - laughing out loud
ROTFL - rolling on the floor laughing
EMOTICONS:
:) happy, friendly, or joking
;) winking or joking
:( unhappy
Many variations of these, and others, exist. They are used to indicate
tone and mood in a medium where those things are not always readily apparent.
The use of asterisks to indicate *emphasis* (as italics are used) may be
desirable, because typing in all capital letters is often considered to be
SHOUTING.
More useful information for newbies can be found at:
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Clyde Beatty - Cole Bros. Circus
from - SDurbin@tulsa.cc.ok.us
Any
and all activists need to be on the alert to video tape the warm-up and
performance of Bessie.
Bessie is 58 years old and is kept in a pen by herself. Her left front leg is
causing her excruciating pain. On Wednesday, the handler said she was just
stiff from riding in the truck but later claimed she has arthritis and there is
nothing that can be done for her. Handler claims that the screams you hear are
squeals of "contentment."
Tina is the lead elephant, followed by Jewel and then Bessie. Before each
performance, the elephants are usually warmed up ... allowing them to walk
around in a circle, holding each others tails with their trunks. Bessie can
hardly walk. Tina is doing her best to comfort Bessie and going as slow
as possible. Handler is hooking Bessie and constantly yelling at Tina to hurry
up which she momentarily does. Tina continues to try and comfort her comrade
and go as slow as possible.
All elephant handlers are wary of ARA's and all are using walkie-talkies.
Please mail tape to the address below and you will be reimbursed.
THANK YOU!!!!!!
ISPEAK
998-C Old Country Road, # 142
Plainview, NY 11893
(516) 383-5620
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Website of Note
Let
the animal exploiters know what you think. Use this free Fax Service.
Interpage (TM) Network
Services(sm) WWW Free Fax Service Index
http://www.interpage.net/sub-wwwfax.html
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All-Star Charity Auction
from icon@zip.com.au
http://www2.animal-lib.org.au/auction/auction.tpl
On
July 1st, Animal Liberation Australia will hold a celebrity auction on
Ebay. Here's a small amount of info on just some of the celebs that are
donating items to the auction:
Daniel Johns from silverchair has donated some autographed clothes and a framed
autographed photo; Adalita from Magic Dirt has donated her pink sparkly top she
wore in her DIRTY JEANS video; Uri Geller has bent a spoon for us that once
belonged to his good friend Salvador Dali, Brian Canham from Pseudo Echo has
donated his autographed silver stage trousers, female hard rockers Nitocris are
donating one of their guitars complete with signatures from all of the band members.
Joan Jett is donating her own much-loved autographed gloves from when she
toured in 1981 through to 1983, PLUS there's an autographed photo of her AND
she's written a special letter -- just for you!
The highest bidder can meet Frenzal Rhomb, The Screaming Jets, hot new band
SULO or gorgeous model Annalise Braakensiek (http://www.annalise.com), and
there's quite a few autographed posters.
We've also got a very special stage outfit complete with signed codpiece from
Shihad (!), a limited edition Mambo lithograph signed by Reg Mombassa, a signed
Billy Idol photo, a signed Martin Amis book from Chrissie Hynde, one of the
actor Jack Thompson's favorite hats, a 1993 rare Pearl Jam autographed poster
and the band POISON are giving us one of the autographed heads from their
drums. We have an autographed Masters Apprentices Greatest Hits CD signed by
the original members (Jim Keays, Colin Burgess, Glenn Wheatley, Doug Ford).
There were only six of these particular CD's signed and that was probably the last
time the original members will ever perform together or be in the one place to
autograph anything.
And...umm....we've got hilarious comedian Arj Barker's autographed and well
worn y-fronts!!!!!
From Spy V Spy we've got 1 Rare Promotional fold out poster, 1 Very Rare
Brazilian Tour Poster (worded in Portuguese) and 1 Copy of a recent limited
release of their album "Early Cases"
From INXS we have a signed "Lose Your Head" tour book. This
tour book was NEVER RELEASED publicly -- and was to be the tour book for the
1997 Australian "Lose Your Head" tour, but was withdrawn when Michael
Hutchence died. These are rare books!!!! All in all we have an INXS pack
containing the "Lose Your Head" tour book, the Elegantly Wasted
poster, and a pair of Jon Farriss signature drumsticks. YOU JUST GOTTA
HAVE 'EM!!!!!
.............................AND WE'VE GOT SO MUCH MORE!!!!!
We have received so many wonderful items -- this is truly going to be an
auction to remember. Most stars are donating signed items of clothing,
posters and photos etc. So far we have received donations and offers of
donations from:-
Daniel Johns (silverchair)
Joan Jett (US rock star)
Fiona Horne (Glamorous Witch)
Jebediah (Aussie band)
Brian Canham (Pseudo Echo - famous Aussie 80s band)
Senator Andrew Bartlett (Australian Democrats)
Natasha Stott Despoja (Australian Democrats)
Frenzal Rhomb (Wacky Aussie punk band)
Adalita (From Aussie band - 'MAGIC DIRT')
Annalise Braakensiek (Spunky Aussie model)
Pearl Jam (US rock band)
Adam (Adam & The Ants)
Vanessa Amorosi (Aussie songstress)
Lo-tel (Aussie band)
Billy Idol (Lip curler extraordinare!)
Jonny Lang (US singer/guitarist)
Peter Brock (Legendary Australian racing driver)
Zed (New Zealand band)
The Living End (Aussie band)
Bodyjar (Aussie band)
Sonic Animation (Aussie band)
Skulker (Aussie band)
Brian May (British supergroup QUEEN)
Mambo (VERY original clothing company)
Skunkhour (Aussie band)
Uri Geller (The world's best known psychic)
KISS (US BAND)
Greg Chappell (Australian Cricket Legend)
Poison (Famous US glam rock band)
David Bridie (Aussie singer/songwriter)
Chrissie Hynde (Singer/songwriter from THE PRETENDERS)
Jim Keays (MASTERS APPRENTICES)
Boy George (CULTURE CLUB)
Nitocris (Female Aussie band)
Shihad (New Zealand band)
Yann Le Berre (Top Sydney Photographer offering a photo shoot)
Nina Hagen (German Rock Goddess)
Jack Thompson (Aussie actor)
INXS (Aussie band)
Moby (UK Musician)
SULO (Aussie band)
Arthur Boyd (Deceased Very Famous Australian painter)
The Radiators (Aussie band)
Paul Weller (UK Musician)
The Screaming Jets (Aussie band)
The Plasmatics (US Punk Band)
Arj Barker (US Comedian)
Jose Da Silveira (Artist)
Spy V Spy (Aussie band)
We want to make this an auction to remember. The animals need us and we need
money to help them. All of the money raised from the auction (which
commences on July 1st on http://www.ebay.com.au) goes to Animal Liberation. We
are not Government funded and all of our staff are volunteers. We've been
working hard for the animals for 25 years and we are a highly respected animal
welfare organization.
We want everyone to bid high and bid often! Every dollar raised will go
directly to help the animals. Animal Liberation has been fighting for animal
rights since 1976, and this fundraiser will help pay the bills of some
groundbreaking court cases. We've got rent to pay on our office and shop and we
ALWAYS have lots of campaigns to run.
We always need extra funds and we are just so incredibly happy that so many
celebrities worldwide have come out to help us by donating some wonderful
autographed items.
Animal Liberation would love for everyone to get behind us and ......BID!!!!
JUNE BIRD
ANIMAL LIBERATION AUSTRALIA
PO BOX 1179
MAROUBRA NSW 2035
AUSTRALIA
June Bird is an animal rights activist, an author, cartoonist, ex backing
vocalist with Adam & The Ants, drummer, stand up comedian and
actress.
June
lives in Sydney, Australia http://www.animal-lib.org.au/interviews
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Another
by WantNoMeat@aol.com
In the stall goes another steer
the door slams shut in the rear
From this box the innocent peer
he knows his death is right here
Blood stains the ground and wall
realizations of the coming fall
Frantic horn gouges in the stall
to one another the terrified call
This awful death he is bound
he takes his last look around
Captive bolt-a common sound
someone's meal hit the ground
He is hoisted by a thick chain
his throat slit and left to drain
Our greed ordered him slain
us humans selfish and vain
Perhaps in harmony one bloodless day
from this violence we will stray
And society will stand and say
no more death and change our way
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Memorable Quote
"Every man who has ever been earnest to preserve his higher or poetic
faculties in the best condition, has been particularly inclined to abstain from
animal food."
~ Henry David
Thoreau (1817-1862)
American author,
poet, and naturalist
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Susan Roghair - EnglandGal@aol.com
Animal Rights Online
P O Box 7053
Tampa, Fl 33673-7053
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/1395/
-=Animal Rights Online=-
&
Advisory Board Member, Animal Rights Network Inc.,
not-for-profit publisher of The Animals' Agenda Magazine
http://www.animalsagenda.org/
The Animals' Agenda Magazine: WebEdition
«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»
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