The 'Right' is Wrong about Animal Rights

By Karen Lee Stevens

Some have called Sen. John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin “A Hero and A Hottie.” What they really meant to say, I’m sure, was “The Old and The Cold.” After all, McCain is getting up in years, and Palin hails from the frigid state of Alaska. But it’s not the wintry weather I’m referring to; it’s the fact that Palin is a cold-blooded killer and the former beauty queen turned Republican Vice Presidential Hopeful isn’t afraid to admit it. Case in point: In a recent Los Angeles Times article, Palin and one of her young daughters proudly pose with a bloodied caribou that Palin had just shot. (A separate article in Vogue magazine reported that a thousand caribou antlers were piled near the driveway of her childhood home.) Yeah, that’s the kind of VP I’m looking for...one that equates quality family time with a good ol’ fashioned killing spree.

It’s obvious that Gov. Palin is no friend to the animals; just consider her voting record: In 2007, she announced a $150 bounty for wolves, presumably because the wolves prey on moose and caribou, two favorite targets for hunters in Alaska. In response, Defenders of Wildlife, an animal advocacy group, filed a suit, which resulted in the Alaska Superior Court ruling that the state Department of Fish and Game did not have the authority to institute a bounty program. Chase wolves and bears to exhaustion and then shooting them from airplanes and helicopters is still allowed and on August 26, 2008, Ballot Measure 2, which would have stopped the aerial gunning of predators, was defeated by state voters, according to Doris Lin, Animal Rights Guide for About.com.

If all this weren’t enough, Palin, who also enjoys fishing and says her favorite meal is moose stew, is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (Ted Nugent must be so proud) and she sued the Bush administration to delist polar bears from the Endangered Species Act because protecting polar bears interferes with drilling for oil and gas.

Barack Obama, on the other hand, believes in compassion to animals, as illustrated in this January 16, 2008 “Time” article entitled OBAMA PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR ANIMAL RIGHTS:

"(Henderson, Nev.) — Democrat Barack Obama says he won’t just be a president for the American people, but the animals too. “What about animal rights?” a woman shouted out during the candidate’s town hall meeting outside Las Vegas Wednesday after he discussed issues that relate more to humans, like war, health care and the economy.  Obama responded that he cares about animal rights very much, “not only because I have a 9-year-old and 6-year-old who want a dog.” He said he sponsored a bill to prevent horse slaughter in the Illinois state Senate and has been repeatedly endorsed by The Humane Society of the United States . “I think how we treat our animals reflects how we treat each other,” he said. “And it’s very important that we have a president who is mindful of the cruelty that is perpetrated on animals.”

Palin may have brawns and beauty, but this pistol-packin’ mama is no Obama.

VALENTINE’S DAY IS NEARLY SIX MONTHS AWAY, but it’s never too early to think about finding that perfect partner—a feline partner, that is. ASAP (Animal Shelter Assistance Program) invites cat lovers to attend its Purrfect Pairs Adoption Fair on Saturday, September 6 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. You’ll not only meet some extraordinary kitties for adoption, but you’ll also learn about the five different feline purr-sonality types, which is based on the ASPCA’s Meet Your Match program:

1) PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR: I’m working undercover to keep an eye on you and your household. You may not even know you’re under surveillance. These cats can vanish into thin air if anyone or anything interferes with their investigation. If you need a cat who knows how to stay out of trouble and will always keep your secrets, I just might take your case.

2) LOVE BUG: Do you seek affection? I do! If you also like petting, purrs, and paws kneading your lap, I think we might have a LOT in common. I’m looking for “someone who enjoys quiet times and togetherness.” Could that someone be you?

3) SIDEKICK: Like all sidekicks, I’m just plain good company. I like attention, and I also like my solitude. I don’t go looking for trouble, but I’m no scaredy-cat, either. If you are looking for a steady companion to travel with you on the road of life, look no further.

4) MVP: I’m a savvy cat who knows the score. I’m pretty unflappable, too. I don’t mind entertaining myself, but a human companion at the other end of the couch and a nice scratch behind the ears always make my day. If you’re looking for a resourceful addition to your team, think about signing this Most Valuable Pussycat.

5) PARTY ANIMAL:  I’m a cat who does everything in a big way. I not only like to be in the middle of things—I like to lead the parade. I’m an adventurous cat, but I’ll still make plenty of time to show you my affectionate side. I’m the demonstrative type, you might say. Want a cat who’s brimming with confidence? That’s me.

Stop by ASAP at 5473 Overpass Road, off Patterson Avenue, or call (805) 683-3368 for more information on this exciting event and be prepared to meet your purr-fect match!

ALSO TAKING PLACE THIS SATURDAY, September 6 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm is DAWG’s (Dog Adoption and Welfare Group) “Make Your Dog a Masterpiece,” which is part of the non-profit organization’s Summer of Love event series. Commission artist extraordinaire, Allison Horst to paint your pup’s portrait or choose from among several other gifted artists and photographers as you meander through the lovely gardens of a private Montecito estate. Find just the right gift for every dog lover among the canine themed decorative items and collectables from Santa Barbara ’s finest designers and shops…or just enjoy the show, the music, the wine, and the fabulous setting! Follow the balloons from Buena Vista Drive and East Valley Road; visit www.sbdawg.net for more information.

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Do you think Karen is right about animal rights? Let her know by sending an email message to her at karenleestevens@cox.net.

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By Karen Lee Stevens,
Founder & President, ALL FOR ANIMALS, Inc.
Copyright © 2008. All Rights Reserved.

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