From:
http://www.humaneusa.org/fed_leg/107/byrd_042902.htm
On Thursday, April 25, 2002, The Humane Society of the
United States hosted a gala to present its annual humane awards. Special
recognition was given to seven legislators, six federal and one state,
as well as four corporations, each of which had made significant efforts
to promote the protection of all animals. Awards were also given to
Christine Stevens and Dr. Richard Leakey for their lifetime work in
animal protection and conservation respectively. The awards acknowledged
courage as much as actual legislation to protect animals.
Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-WV) has been a great friend to
animals. Below is the moving speech he gave at The HSUS gala:
From ancient days, before the ink of history, man has
held dominion over the animals. Should we be able to peer through the
mist of those distant times, we might witness the process by which man
turned from gatherer to hunter, and, skill permitting, began to use the
flesh of animals as a source of food and survival in a cold world full
of danger and a perilous future. Later, the relationship of man and
animals began to evolve through so-called domestication, and animals
became a more reliable source of food. A partnership of sorts was formed
in which animals came to bear the brunt of labor and the title "Beasts
of Burden."
Over this same stretch of time, man developed social
compacts from which sprang the seeds of modern civilization, and which
led to pursuits of philosophy, and an emphasis on morality. The process
was slow in development and uneven in allocation among and within
societies. Even today, attitudes and actions persist that run counter to
a higher understanding about the value of life and the lives of all
things. For better or worse, man is destined to rule this world, and
with that charge comes the heavy responsibility of benevolent custody
and faithful husbandry to all creatures found within nature. To fail in
that duty is to denigrate the sanctity of all life. Choices in our
treatment of animals are a good barometer of how well we are carrying
out our stewardship of God's beautiful world. Man may choose to rule
this world, or attempt to do so, but for all his worry over property
rights among his own species, it is well to remember that it is only God
who holds title to this planet.
Maintaining civilization sometimes seems a process of
constant struggle with those who, either because of ignorance or a
deliberate scheme, would prefer to stress efficiency and materialism
over more elusive concepts. To balance those forces, those of us who
hear a different drummer must educate, legislate, and promulgate better
understandings and guidelines aimed at bringing mankind into closer
harmony with nature. The Congress embodies the collective will of the
American people, and those of us who serve there recognize that our duty
is to the people in our states. But, we also have a duty to safeguard
the spirit of this nation and all that it represents in terms of
philosophy and ideals, as well as law. You honor me this evening for my
work in pursuit of these higher objectives, and I am very grateful.
Your organization works to enrich the condition of man
by improving his relationship with nature, and in particular, his
relationship with the animal kingdom. You bring to the public discourse
a better understanding of the conditions in which animals exist and,
unfortunately in many instances, of the inhumane manner in which they
are treated. You remind us all that animals share this planet with us,
and that their space, their comfort, and their lives are not without
importance. You remind us of man's higher purpose in the larger
universe. Public debate is enriched by your participation, and the lives
of God's creatures greatly benefit because of your contributions.
Animals are man's fellow occupants on this blue-green
ball, slowly spinning through eternity, and they enlighten and enliven
our lives in many ways. They provide us companionship and friendship.
They ward off loneliness. They assist the blind. They protect us. They
help maintain the balance of nature. While there are those who object to
the practice, they feed us. They benefit us in ways we don't even
recognize. In return, it is our duty to ensure that their lives and, in
some cases, their deaths, are free from unnecessary discomfort. Animals,
deserve our respect because, they, too, are creatures of God. Combating
cruelty and apathy towards the welfare of animals is a high and moral
calling. I commend you for your altruism, and I am proud to count myself
among your number. We cannot correct all the problems overnight, but we
can make changes today, and we can make changes tomorrow. We have come a
long way towards the goal of fostering more humane treatment for
animals, but we still have much to do.
This evening, together we pause to reflect on our
achievements and to contemplate future strategies. I am humbled by your
recognition of my work, your encouragement, and the hope that our
efforts may inspire others to a more sublime level of humanity through
empathy with the animals with which we share this lovely world.
Go on to Zambia Trying To Step Into The Ivory Trade
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