By Eilene Robbins Rohde -
[email protected]
In my work for the Pet Facilities Law for the State of
Wisconsin, I have talked to many legislators. Tonight, one of them
called me to report that despite his efforts, he is running into
opposition for the law from other legislators who view our advocacy as
nothing more than the work of "a small bunch of animal rights
activists."
Why is the term "animal rights activist" used in an
attempt to belittle and marginalize humane-minded people? As children,
we are taught in school, in church and in scouts to be actively "kind to
animals." Scout troops give children merit badges for animal work...our
whole culture tries to teach children kindness. But when we, as adults
who learned our childhood lessons well, speak out for animals and
express the "humane-ness" that has become part of our personalities...
we are labeled as crazy, "humaniacs" or tagged as "animal rights
activists" as if our activism were a disease.
This is a sad and tragic aspect of our culture...that
humane people have to defend their very spirit of kindness...and to
those who "represent" us, at that.
People who speak and work for animals are in the company
of great scholars like Jane Goodall and Albert Schweitzer, great authors
like Jim Willis and Mathew Scully, and great statesmen like Mohandas
Gandhi. I am far more comfortable in their company than that of any
legislator who would belittle our efforts with trite tags and insulting
labels. I am satisfied knowing that we understand natural beauty,
incredible loyalty and unconditional love from animals. And I, for one,
could do without "representation" from anyone who viewed our compassion
as a liability. I'd rather not have "lawmakers" who would discredit us
for being "humane".
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Eilene Ribbens Rohde is the director of an effort to pass the important
Pet Facilities Law in WI, which was recently "gutted" by a state finance
committee, and the Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project. For more information on
the PFL (and a model website on a legislative effort), see:
http://www.egressetch.com/WisconsinPFL/
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