Thoughts on human-kind

Ok, this isn't exactly the normal type of thing I plan(ed) to post on this blog. It isn't about our Republic, our nation or our way of life. It isn't even specifically about the "western world"... whatever that is in our Global Economy Age.

Wait. Maybe it is about our way of life... or a bit about how our way of life should NOT be.

Rather, this is about humankind. It is an open, head-shaking-in-disbelief question about how we, as the human race, can aspire to lofty things like democracy, equality and peace, when horrific, intolerable practices are still... tolerated.

Ignorance is only an excuse as long as you are ignorant. Once you know something, as much as you might like to, you can't unlearn it. You can't put that Genie back in the bottle.

And so, I present to you the following link. It is very disturbing. It is gut wrenching. Even soundless (as I watched it) it is nauseating. I don't want to listen to it.

Viewer discretion advised (don't watch with a small child looking over your shoulder)
http://www.petatv.com/tvpopup/video.asp?video=fur_farm&Player=wm&speed=_med

Background and disclaimer: I am not a tree-hugging liberal, although I am as concerned as the next person about our ecology, environment and the future of both. I believe that animals were put on this earth, in part, to serve and sustain man. I eat meat, wear leather. I tend to think that PETA is an extremist organization, sometimes dabbling in terrorist techniques, and usually over-the-top in its antics.

I don't believe everything that comes out of PETA's mouth. However... what is displayed on this video is inhuman and inhumane. It is not fitting for any culture or society to allow this to happen. Humane slaughter of cattle and other herds for our consumption and use is one thing. Hunting in the western sense is humane and even good for the herd, in that it tends to cull the weakest and makes the herd better. (Hunters are also very interested in protecting the environment, too). Even the raising of fur-bearing animals for their hides is acceptable in my book... AS LONG AS THE ANIMALS ARE NOT MADE TO SUFFER.

There is no doubt in my mind that animals, all animals, have feelings, are self-aware to some degree, and feel real pain. They feel anguish. One only has to look at a dog that has lost its beloved master, to know they feel heartache and heartbreak no different than we humans do. They just can't vocalize it. There is NO EXCUSE for humans to purposely inflict the sort of torture and anguish on innocent creatures as is depicted in this video, period. And certainly not to avoid a little blood on the pelt.

These are some images that are now seared into my psyche. I honestly hope that they are with you, as well. If you have a little trouble sleeping tonight because of this, then perhaps it isn't too late for our species.

Concerned Human