Bush Defends The Indefensible Plan
To The Editor Of The Day, New London CT:
Published on 9/4/2007
On vacation during the waning days of his troubled presidency, in an age of climate meltdown, President George W. Bush chose to make a priority out of increasing hunting possibilities. He ordered federal land management agencies to “facilitate the expansion and enhancement of hunting opportunities and the management of game species and their habitat.”
This might have been some people’s first notice that the Interior Department last year created a 12-member Sporting Conservation Council. Constructed to advise agencies on expanding hunting, the council’s members include officials from hunting groups such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited and Safari Club International.
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns says President Bush’s order will effect “a natural balance among hunter, habitat and wildlife” — as though guns were part of nature’s balance.
What’s true of international relations is true for our interactions with the natural world: To achieve a true natural balance, we should learn to live in respectful harmony with the rest of the planet’s community, of which we’re all a part.
Joan Lownds
Darien, CT
Editor’s note: The writer is with Friends of Animals.
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20 Comments
On September 7, 2007, Leno Sislin wrote:
In his final years as president (how did that happen…..) Mr. Bush is keeping to his patterns of wanton and terrible destructiveness. First, thousands of our finest young men and women are sacrificed on the altar of his vanity…not to mention the Iraqis who died as a result of being in the way of Bush’s War..
And now, as a final blow, Dubbya wants all his cronies to be able to go anywhere at any time and kill defenseless - and in many, many cases, already disappearing species!!! for “sport”.
What a horrendous, evil thing this is, just the idea, let alone its implementation.
We must do EVERYTHING WE CAN TO STOP THIS!
On September 7, 2007, V Adams wrote:
Well, isn’t FOA going to urge its members to send emails? Let’s do it!
On September 7, 2007, Joan Lownds wrote:
Here is an email address to contact Bush:
president@whitehouse.gov
On September 7, 2007, Katherine Ryan wrote:
Sadly … In the words of Rodney King… “Why can’t we all just get along?” We have enough destruction going on in this world right now. We have enough animal species struggling to survive and on the brink of extinction. The human race might not be too far behind. Let’s bring out the hunters who have nothing else productive to do and have them control all species by killing them off! Why would that be? Because we can’t control our own species! Why don’t humans worry about the problems that they have created and leave animals to take care of themselves ( which they usually do just fine) and with added help of caring human beings. If we are supposedly such an intelligent species, then why don’t show it by trying to help all to live harmoniously on this blasted planet instead of killing everything off. Every animal and decent person has a right to live a humane decent life. Now there’s an idea…. Live peacefully and respect all living things.
On September 7, 2007, joe wrote:
without hunting there would be over population of some animals
[Blog editors’ note: Dead wrong, Joe. The overpopulated species is the homo sapien. It’s high time to control human behavior. Start by putting the weapons down and focus on human encroachment, consumptive habits, and birth control.]
On September 7, 2007, Greg Abrahamson wrote:
Bush’s run in the office seems a lot like two books found in the Bible. Genesis and Revelations. If God does exist, and I hope that He does, He will have his work cut out for Him when it comes time to punish our “fearless” leader. With any luck Bush won’t decide it would be fun to launch a few nukes and make truth out of my beliefs. I for one am thankful he doesn’t have any descendants capable of pulling off a run for office.
On September 8, 2007, J.J. wrote:
I’m curious about something. What do animal rights activists think about carnivorous or omnivorous animals that kill other animals for food?
On September 8, 2007, Ellie wrote:
Just when I thought the Bush administration couldn’t be more despicable, here is yet another dimension of its kill mentality. War against Iraq. War against nature. War against sentient living beings, human and non-human.
On September 8, 2007, Traeh79 wrote:
J.J. - To your question about what do we Animal Rights Activists think about carnivorous/omnivorous animals that kill other animals for food…..simply put - animals kill for food/survival. Man is the only animal that kills for the thrill of it.
On September 9, 2007, Richard wrote:
War on wolves. We just came back from our farm property and saw that two of our baby donkeys (miniature ones) were killed by wolves. Wolves are like Nazi’s. All they do is kill and eat. Really wonder what people see in wolves. They are predators nothing else. Anyone wanting wolves how about volunteering to be ripped to shreds and eaten alive. Doesn’t sound like much fun to me. We will hunt, snare and eliminate best we can these killers. These animals don’t any purpose for us. What if it was our kids on a walk. But hey some folks would rather see a fed wolf and a dead kid. You people are sick in the head.
[Blog editors’ note: That’s tragic indeed, but please understand one critical reality: the wolves aren’t to blame. If one breeds or keeps “miniature donkeys” in an area where wolves or other predators seek food, the latter are not morally culpable for eating. Not to dismiss your pain, but — unless you were attempting to rescue these donkeys — you have undertaken a dangerous hobby, and frankly one that’s best discontinued for good. Wolves didn’t breed those babies and put them where they can’t escape predators; humans did. Calling animals “Nazis” for doing what they have always done to survive far before our species even came to this hemisphere is uncalled for, no matter how intense your grief.]
On September 10, 2007, anne helm wrote:
Will someone please send this man to outer space?
On September 10, 2007, anne helm wrote:
I already like this blog.
I am all for a LOT less humans, and a lot more animals.
Let Mother Nature go forth.
On September 11, 2007, Adam wrote:
I have worked with wolves from Oregon to Idaho to Yellowstone. I am very sorry for your loss, but they are not Nazis. We humans could learn a lot about how to raise our families by studying a wolf pack. Watch how the adults interact with the pups. Watching this should be required for all human parents. This is perhaps the most noble and majestic species I have had the privilege of working with. They are not vicious killers, and your children would be very safe.
On September 22, 2007, Leslie wrote:
Hmmmm…just one comment for all of you who think it’s “ok” or “cool” to kill wolves—Did you realize that your family dog comes from a wolf?Yes,our dogs are related to wolves.Would you kill your dog? Probably not huh?—well then LEAVE THE WOLVES ALONE!
On September 23, 2007, matt wrote:
hmmm, Calling animals “Nazis” for doing what they have always done to survive far before our species even came to this hemisphere is uncalled for. ya, because for thousands of years humans survived by eating grass and leaves, so doing anything other for food would be wrong, unlike the wolf. will you people step back and listen to what youre even saying? dont hunt if you dont like to, and i wont eat tofu cuz i dont want to. my god.
On September 27, 2007, Sally wrote:
I live in an area of the midwest that has cougars. We all have adjusted because they are majestic, seem to live on whitetail deer and by and large leave people alone. I have seen one, unforgetable. It travels along and seems to know it is respected. Now, there are people here who no longer lamb in the spring. It is worth it to have this lovely species here. We can co-exist. Peace requires a broad mind, willingness to compromise and a joy in the heart. God Bless you all
On September 28, 2007, Heather Winters-Jones wrote:
The Nazi crap really needs to end. Like someone said, wolves are killing to eat. They are efficient. Does that make you jealous or what? They deserve to be here. I personally think they rock.
On October 1, 2007, Margaret Geisler wrote:
I just can’t believe the ignorance of people, “Wolves are Nazis” …?
Wolves are from God, for a definite purpose, as all animals are. It is all the “Chain of Life”.We (man) are dictating what should live and what should not, we are playing “God”.
When will we wake up and learn to love our diverse world of animals? Seems to me a Nazi like person is in our beloved White House. Speak of dictators…….well need I say more?
Read the book “In the Shadow of a Rainbow” it will open your eyes and heart. It should be on the reading list of all schools.
On October 11, 2007, dawn wrote:
maybe it would be better if the human race would just disapear from the face of the earth then and only then the animals, plants, fish, the whole world and its contents created by God could live in peace and contentment without fear of mankind harming them and thier world with thier greed, pollution and never ending so called technology etc
On October 16, 2007, Christa Rachael wrote:
Wolves are Nazis for killing to eat?
Then humans are all Nazis, too, because most of us eat meat.
Trust me, being killed by a wolf is a lot more humane than being killed in a slaughterhouse. In a slaughterhouse, you get shot in the head—but sometimes that doesn’t work. Sometimes you get skinned alive. Right before you die, you see friends and family being torn apart.
Who’s the Nazis now? :P