A n i m
a l W r i t e s © sm
The
official ANIMAL RIGHTS ONLINE newsletter
Publisher ~ EnglandGal@aol.com
Issue #
01/13/02
Editor
~ JJswans@aol.com
Journalists ~ Park StRanger@aol.com
~ MichelleRivera1@aol.com
~ sbest1@elp.rr.com
THE FIVE ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE ARE:
1 ~ An Open Letter To All Activists
2 ~ Compassion For Animals Action Symposium
3 ~ In The Beginning....
4 ~ The Olympic Torch/Tiger Tour Continues
5 ~ The Key To Paradise
6 ~ Memorable Quote
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~1~
An Open Letter To All Activists
by Michelle Rivera - MichelleRivera1@aol.com
I
received the following letter from an Animal Writes subscriber
who lives in my area. I have met her once or twice and have called on her
a few times when I needed help for an animal. Her letter to me was so
filled with hope and optimism, that I asked her if I could share it with all of
you. She gave me permission to do so and so here it is, slightly
edited. It is my desire that you will have the benefit of the energy,
truth and pride that emanates from this letter. It certainly made my day
and gave me courage and strength to keep up the good fight for a while
longer. The italics peppered throughout the letter are mine.
Hi Michelle.....I read your "Heart's Desire for the New Year" in the Animal
Writes Newsletter ....My heart goes out to you and to the animals and
to all of us who are trying to create compassion for animals in our
world....some quotes come to mind that I can't remember exactly but one is
about the tragedy of circumstances when "good men do nothing." The
other is about it being better to "light one candle than curse the
darkness." ("All that evil needs to prevail is for good men
to do nothing" and "All the darkness in the world can not extinguish
the light of a single candle" ~St. Francis of Assisi)
ONE ANIMAL AT A TIME
I often have to tell myself that even though I might only be able to save one
animal now and then, or write a protest letter to a congressman/corporation,
etc. once in a while, or do on-line research sometimes to help someone find
transport for an animal to a new home....that if I didn't do these little
things, we would be that much farther behind in the struggle.....it is so
heart-breaking when we see our efforts fail.....but I can tell you, that people
like yourself (see yourself here, reader, please) have ALREADY changed
the world......
THE WORLD IS CHANGING FOR THE BETTER RE: ANIMAL WELFARE
I have been interested in animal welfare for twenty years, although have not
had the opportunity to really get involved until recently. The attitude
of people towards their companion animals these days and the number involved in
movements such as humane farming, has grown TREMENDOUSLY in the past
decade.
I used to think there was something WRONG with me, 15-20 years ago, that I
would cry over the animal's plight or have a heart-felt terror that I would
have to move somewhere where I couldn't keep my animals, when my husband
(ex-now) didn't care about this.......indeed, everyone around me was
indifferent, thought it was ridiculous or thought I was nuts.
But, these days, I don't have to EXPLAIN my feelings about my dog and
cats---strangers understand and commiserate----I know that I wouldn't have to
risk being labeled insane if I wanted to take a day off to stay home with my dog,
after she had minor surgery.....recently I was putting up posters for a lost
dog I had found (we got the owner, happily) and EVERYONE----people who ran the
bars, grocery stores, etc. ----were SO helpful, interested and really
cared about this dog getting back home.....Also, I have been looking for a new
rental house recently and the number of landlords who allow pets is HUGE, when,
in Boca twenty years ago, NO ONE allowed pets.......
OUR BIGGEST GIFT IN THE FIGHT IS THE INTERNET
And, the biggest God-gift of all has been the internet, giving us all a chance
to connect globally----although this miracle of electronics also has its
"dark" side, it allows us light-beings to really reach out and get
the message to thousands, not just to hundreds....and this is really how I got
involved on a local level with animal welfare, myself. This has to have
been the case for so many of us who are "newbies" to the rescue
scene. But, miraculously, now you have new recruits to help you in the
fight as a result of this spectacular invention.....
So, for what it is worth, I can tell you that things have changed a LOT, due to
people like yourself, who are in a high-profile position, with a unique chance
to make a difference, and to inspire the rest of us. (She is talking to the
collective "yourself"-take a bow!)
I SEE CHANGES IN THE POLITICIAN'S ATTITUDES, TOO
I am glad that the state's attorney at least returned your calls and was
obviously interested in the dog-fighting case....I have found that this
response is becoming more the norm with the politicos......we animal lovers are
indeed becoming a force to be reckoned with.....and I also would like to think
that these politicians individually care about animals, too....that helping us
help animals is not just done for political expediency
I have encountered some interesting, compassionate senators and
congressmen while working on getting the law passed to stop automatic
euthanization of retired military dogs by the government, (it passed, thanks to
Bill Clinton, who signed it on the way out of office) Even on this level,
I think that animal--compassion is truly wide-spread,,,,
I didn't mean to write so much, Michelle, but I wanted to give you my
perspective from the outside--looking--in. Unfortunately, although you
are in a wonderful position to make a difference, you also are forced to
confront, on a daily basis, the dark side of this struggle. (She is
referring to the fact that I am involved in cruelty investigations and rescue
at our local shelter) I am only trying to tell you how much you mean to all
of us out here and how people like yourself have TRULY made changes that you
might not always be aware of.....
I pray to St. Francis all the time----I find that he is a VERY powerful saint
who has truly helped me with my animals in times of great need.....I don't know
what your beliefs are, but I know you believe in something .........Prayer is
the greatest tool of all in this struggle, I believe.....
Tara in Boca Raton, Florida
I hope that this letter has lifted your spirits has it has mine. And I thank
you, Tara, for sharing your sunshine today.
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~2~
Compassion For Animals
Action Symposium
Presented By:
VEGETARIAN EVENTS
FEBRUARY 22-24, 2002
SHERATON GAINESVILLE HOTEL
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA
Join us in this beautiful Gainesville setting to
gain a greater understanding of a compassionate lifestyle and the plight of all
sentient beings. Raise your awareness and take it back to your community.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
*Hear experts in Vegan Nutrition, Animal Ethics and Environmental Issues
*Participate in Panel Discussions
*Enjoy Great Vegan Meals, Morning Exercise Classes, Exhibit Hall
*Network with Like-Minded Individuals & Form Friendships that will last a
Lifetime!
Speakers
(SCHEDULED THUS FAR)
Don Barnes, Animal Protection Institute (former animal researcher)
Lorri Bauston, Farm Sanctuary ( farmed animal activist)
George Eisman,Vegan Nutritionist, Author, "The Most Noble Diet"
Bruce Friedrich, PETA (vegetarian activism)
Jim Mason, Author, "An Unnatural Order" and co-author of "Animal
Factories"
Ric O’Barry, World Society for the Protection of Animals, Author, "To Free
a Dolphin"
Wayne Pacelle, HSUS (political activism for animals)
Myriam Parham, Florida Voices for Animals (vegan nutrition)
Heidi Prescott, Fund for Animals (hunting issues)
Carey Theil, Grey2K USA (greyhound advocacy)
Susan Hargreave, Earthkind and EarthSave Miami (humane education)
Jenny Stein and James Laveck, Director and Producer of "The
Witness"(media)
Dr. Elliot Katz, In Defense of Animals (veterinarian, activist)
Doug Clifford, WSKY Radio (media)
Invited: Jeff Novick, Pritikin Longevity Center, Director of Nutrition
Questions?
Contact Event Coordinator: Chas Chiodo @ 386-454-4341
chasmo@netcommander.com
www.vegetarianevents.com
FOR BEST RATES, REGISTER EARLY
Symposium Information
From the Friday reception to our Sunday departure
the Action Symposium will engage your mind & restore your spirits. Come to
this event to learn from the past and begin to create a more peaceful world.
Symposium Schedule:
* Friday, February 22: 3-10 pm registration, 7-10
pm reception. Register early so you can meet other attendees and enjoy music
& refreshments.
* Saturday, February 23: Lecture Series in the am, Lectures and Panel
Discussions in the pm.
* Sunday, February 24: Lecture Series in the am, Lectures and Panel Discussions
in the pm.
Talk one on one with experts of the animal rights and vegetarian movements.
Learn how to effectively organize outreach/community education programs and
conduct classroom/community presentations. Increase your knowledge in animal
ethics, human health and environmental issues.
Housing:
Stay on-site to take advantage of the special
$69/ night (available until Jan. 22) Sheraton Symposium room rate (up to 4
people/room). For reservations call the Sheraton, 2900 SW 13th St.,
Gainesville, FL 32608 @ 352-377-4000. Call or Email Chas at 386-454-4341, chasmo@netcommander.com
for off-site accommodations, including companion animal-friendly hotels/motels
and camping options.
Meals:
Symposium Meals will be Vegan. Individual meals
can be purchased (see below). There are many vegan-friendly restaurants within
3 miles of the Sheraton. Carpools can be arranged.
How Do I Pay?
Only Checks & Money orders will be accepted.
Make payable to Vegetarian Events and mail to: PO Box 1057, Alachua, FL 32616
Number
in Party:______
Name:_____________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________
Phone # Day:____________________________________Eve:______________________
E-Mail____________________________________________________________
List
additional names w/ phone numbers & addresses on separate sheet of paper.
Meals provided ONLY w/reservations postmarked by Feb 8!
Register early for best rates; space is limited.
Please reserve:
____ @$85 Full Symposium w/5 meals postmarked by Dec. 8
____@$35 Full Symp. No Meals by Dec. 8
____ @$90 Full Symposium w/5 meals postmarked by Jan. 8
____@$40 Full Symp. No Meals by Jan. 8
____ @$95 Full Symposium w/5 meals postmarked by Feb. 8
____@$45 Full Symp. No Meals by Feb. 8
____ @$50 Full Symposium w/ NO meals after Feb. 8
____ @$25 Saturday Only (Meals Extra) ____Breakfast ____Lunch ____Dinner (rates
below)
____ @$25 Sunday Only (Meals Extra) ____Breakfast ____Lunch (rates below)
____ @$65 Student w/ I.D. Full Symposium w/5 meals postmarked by Dec. 8
____ @$70 Student w/ I.D. Full Symposium w/5 meals postmarked by Jan. 8 ____@$15
Std. w/I.D. Full Symp No Meals by Jan. 8
____ @$75 Student w/ I.D. Full symposium w/5 meals postmarked by Feb. 8
____@$20 Std. w/I.D. Full Symp. No Meals by Feb. 8
____ @$30 Student w/ I.D. Full Symposium w/ NO meals after Feb. 8
____ @$15 Student w/ I.D. Saturday Only (Meals Extra) ____Breakfast ____Lunch
____Dinner (rates below)
____ @$15 Student w/ I.D. Sunday Only (Meals Extra) ____Breakfast ____Lunch
(rates below)
Individual Meals per day, Breakfast $8. Lunch $12. Saturday Dinner $14.
Total______
Please
Note: A limited number of discounts for volunteers are available. Call
Vegetarian Events at: 386-454-4341
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~3~
In The Beginning...
by Robert Cohen - i4crob@earthlink.net
http://www.notmilk.com
On the first day, God created the Holstein cow and said,
"You shall go to the field with the farmer, and into his barn, seven days
per week, even on the Sabbath. All day long you'll suffer under the hot sun,
and be injected with growth hormones that will stretch your udder and give you
infections. You'll then be injected with antibiotics. I've decided that you'll
never experience the actual act of lovemaking to reproduce your species.
Instead, the dairy farmer will stick his arm up to his shoulder in your anus
while he feels for your ripe egg, and with his other hand he'll artificially
inseminate you by injecting sperm through a straw through your abdomen. Your
children will be immediately taken from you after birth. You will hear their
crying, and you will cry too, but in a couple of weeks your emotional pain will
pass. Of course, during all of this you'll be giving your milk to support the
farmer. After your time is up, you'll be stuffed onto a truck with other cows and
driven to a slaughterhouse where your neck will be cut until the blood drains
from your body. Then men will baste, roast, pickle, smoke, saute, grill,
and bar-b-cue what is left of you. I will give you a life span of forty
years."
The cow said,
"What did I do to deserve this? That's a very tough life you want me to
live, God. Five years of that udder hell is more than enough for any creature
to endure. Be a mensch and permit me to give back the other thirty-five
years."
And God agreed.
On the second day, God created the dog. God said,
"Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or
walks past. I will give you a life span of twenty years."
The dog said,
"That's too long to be barking. Give me ten years and I'll give back the
other ten."
So God agreed.
On the third day God created the monkey. God said,
"Entertain people, do monkey tricks, make them laugh. Let scientists open
up your brain and implant electrodes and chemicals. I'll give you a
twenty-year life span."
The monkey said,
"That's horrifying. Monkey tricks for twenty years? Caged for experiments?
I don't think so. The dog gave you back ten, so that's what I'll do too,
okay?"
And again God agreed.
On the fourth day God created man.
God said,
"Eat, sleep, play, have sex, enjoy. Do nothing, just enjoy. I'll give you
twenty years."
Man said,
"What? Only twenty years? No way, God. Tell you what, I'll take my
twenty, and the thirty-five the cow gave back, and the ten the dog
gave back and the ten the monkey gave back. That makes seventy-five,
okay?"
"Okay," said God. "You've got a deal."
So that is why for the first twenty years we eat, sleep, play, have sex, enjoy,
and do nothing.
For the next thirty-five years, we slave in the sun to support our
family.
For the next ten years, we do monkey tricks to entertain our
grandchildren.
For the last ten years, we sit in front of the house and bark at
everybody.
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~4~
The Olympic Torch/Tiger Tour
Continues
From SHARK.news@sharkonline.org
The
Olympic torch is making its way across the country…with SHARK’s Tiger Truck hot
on its heels! We are continuing to educate the country that a rodeo threatens
the spirit and integrity of the Olympic games. We are also showing
Olympic officials that we will not let up until the rodeo is out…for good!!
After Chicago, Steve Hindi and Don Hein headed for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where
hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets waiting to see the
torch. The procession of Olympic vehicles paraded down the street, with a
loud speaker announcing, “The torch is coming!” As all the excited eyes looked
for the torch, what they saw instead was the Tiger Truck…right in the column of
vehicles! The crowd wasn’t sure what to make of it, at first clapping, thinking
the truck was a part of the Olympic procession, then there jaws were dropping
as they watched the horrors of animal abuse on the rodeo footage. One
Olympic vehicle (a red Chevy SUV, and yes, you better believe we have it and
the license plate on camera) tried to “chase” the truck away by swerving and
cutting Steve off.
Well, Steve and the Tiger will not be stopped, so on they went to Indianapolis.
Donna Hertel and Steve were in the procession again, only this time behind the
torch. The police were quite flustered, trying to divert the Truck out of the
line-up …but to no avail…and on they went to St. Louis! Here Steve met up
with Colleen Gardner, who would become his driving partner for the next few
cities. Again, TONS of people lined the streets to see the torch. At one point,
as the truck was at a standstill, a man with a little boy approached Steve and
Colleen. He said his son watched the Tiger go by and asked, “Daddy, how
come they are hurting those cows?” He then offered a sincere “Thank you” as the
Truck went on its way. Isn’t it amazing how the little ones get it???
Next stop…Kansas City! This was the most intense experience yet, partly
due to the huge numbers of people that turned out. The police were
extremely “hands-off” here, but that darn Olympic red Chevy turned up again
trying to drive the Tiger off the road. Steve pulled the Truck along side the
Chevy so he could capture the driver on film. The driver commented to Steve,
“Does it make you happy to make the kids cry?” Do I even need to go on
about how this guy can’t even make the connection in his own mind about what
these kids are seeing on the Tiger’s movie screens and what kids will actually
see at the rodeo? Hello????
Tomorrow night [1/12] Steve and Colleen will be arriving in Albuquerque, then
it is off to Phoenix, which also happens to be where the head of the U.S.
Olympic Committee resides. Something tells us she will be in attendance and
will catch more than a glimpse of the Tiger!
Below is the schedule for the rest of the Torch/Tiger Tour. Here is where we
really need your help. If you live near any of these cities, we need you to
find out the exact torch route and times. These have been listed in local
papers. In addition, we need someone who knows the streets well to travel in a
car with the Tiger during the procession to give us direction through the
streets. If you can help us out, please e-mail Donna Hertel (In a few days she
will be on the road with the Tiger, but will be checking e-mail regularly!) at
SharkIntl@sharkonline.org ! Any help with this is much needed and appreciated.
Have a great weekend,
Karen Rappaport
SHARK volunteer
Olympic Torch/Tiger Tour:
Jan. 25 Boise, Idaho
Jan. 26 Idaho Falls, Idaho
Jan. 27 Bozeman, Montana
Jan. 28 Billings, Montana
Jan. 29 Cheyenne, Wyoming
Jan. 30 Denver, Colorado
Jan. 31 Colorado Springs, Colorado
Feb. 1 Vail, Colorado
Feb. 2 Grand Junction, Colorado
Feb. 4 Saint George, Utah
Feb. 5 Provo, Utah
Feb. 6 Ogden, Utah
Feb. 7 Salt Lake City!
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~5~
The
Key To Paradise
by Donna Anderson
As I sit, searching my very soul for a hint of life,
I wonder the true meaning of it all...
Are we a species that dwells on bringing pain to others
when we, ourselves, do not wish to feel it?
Or are we mystic lovers of our earth
with the ability to show our compassion locked deep within?
If so, what will it take to find this precious key
and open the rusty doors to paradise?
Though we are a breed apart,
we share the same polluted air as our fellow creatures.
We see the same night, sun, moon, and stars
shining innocently in the sky.
We have the given intelligence
to love, create, hope, wish, and destroy,
but we now must capture a new intelligence...
The power to sense the pain of others.
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~6~
Memorable Quote
A Prayer
for Animals
"Hear
our prayer O Lord ... for animals that are overworked, underfed, and cruelly
treated; for all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against
bars; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for
all that must be put to death ... And for those who deal with them we ask a
heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words.
~~ Albert Schweitzer
«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»
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=-
&
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not-for-profit publisher of The Animals' Agenda Magazine
http://www.animalsagenda.org/
The Animals' Agenda Magazine: WebEdition
«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»§«¤»¥«¤»
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