The Humane Scorecard

Found this site and its associated blog hopefully of interest to those, like myself, who are animal lovers and defenders.

The site:

Humane Society Legislative Fund (HSLF): http://www.fund.org

Associated Blog: "Animals & Politics" http://hslf.typepad.com/

The HSLF keeps a scorecard on how congress members vote on animal/humane-related bills. Very insightful. My personal philosophy is that if an individual shows a lack of compassion for animals then they likely have little or no compassion for their fellow human beings.

Here's the HSLF's webpage which has links to current and previous congressional sessions' votes on animal-related issues: http://www.fund.org/humanescorecard/

NOTE TO SKINNER &/or MODS: Any chance of adding a new topic forum, e.g., "Animal Welfare"? There are a LOT of folks who so love their pets more than anything else in the world and will vote from their guts where the issues of animal welfare or animal protection are concerned. I'm not talking about PETA-type activists; I'm talking about those typically inert individuals who would not otherwise give a snit about national politics UNLESS it involves making the world a safer, gentler place for kitties, doggies and the other animals of the world. This is a demographic generally ignored by politicians, but politicians would do well to consider that there are MILLIONS upon MILLIONS of animal lovers in this country who will make it a point to get out and vote if they believe their vote will somehow help protect innocent animals. Such compassion for animals is also a marker of character: A candidate that expresses concern for and commitment to improving the welfare of the voiceless, such as animals, will surely strike a resonant and heart-gripping chord with the animal-loving, pet-owning masses.

Thank you for these links - I am bookmarking right now.

I knew about Romney's tying the family dog to the top of car, but I had not heard the story about Huckabee's son murdering a stray dog and Huckabee's strongarm tactics to cover it up.

Also surprised that McCain seems to have done quite a bit that is good for animals. And that Edwards has voted in defense of inhumane animal traps.