Last Friday I volunteered and did my first PETA protest

I didn't want to post something controversial as Marta and I went int the weekend celebrating our 35th anniversary. Last Friday I stood in front of the QWest center before the Barnam & Bailey circus started a weekend stand. I held high a sign with a baby elephant roped up for training. His legs unusable. The look on his face. The text read "An elephant never forgets". Kids seemed to get the message more than the adults. The eleven of us didn't expect to turn anyone away since they had tickets already. We did hope we would plant the message. Mission accomplished in my opinion. I used to think PETA was out there. Not anymore. I'm in good company. I still have my sign.

Watch a few PETA videos with an open mind. Think about if you allow this type of behavior to happen to your best friends and loved ones at home?

OS

There's more slaughter of wildlife going on down there in the Gulf than any circus could do.

Not to take anything away from your message (which I agree with), but I want PETA to put their resources where it'll make the most difference.

There's no lack of awareness of the issue, there are scads of other groups involved, and PETA really isn't a wildlife or environmentally-focused group compared to many others. Beyond that, I'd guess that plenty of Gulf-coast PETA members are involved. Honestly, I don't really get this criticism of one particular group as not being involved enough...

Seems to me that a full-blown campaign against BP would make them more mainstream and credible in that ultimate goal.

But of course, correct me if I'm wrong.

other groups don't also have. On the other hand, the elephant thing may be news to many people. So, I disagree that jumping on the "BP sucks!" bandwagon would be using their resources where they can have the most impact.

As for mainstream and credible, I think that ship has sailed - my bet is that there's at most 0.0001% of the North American population with a chance of changing it's mind about PETA, no matter what they do or who they do it to. So I don't say you're wrong - it's your opinion after all - but I don't think the PETA criticism is valid here.

It may be PETA's mission to expose all those ignored, forgotten and "Wow, I never knew that" issues.

I wish them luck in that endeavour.

Additionally, the BP oil spill is not an everyday occurrence. PETA focuses on the intentional harm of animals.

PETA's propaganda tactics are not well suited to the BP disaster.

I am glad you are doing this. Circuses are bloody disgusting and need to be eliminated. I loathe them.

I can tell you from personal experience that you likely will not turn anyone that has tickets away, but you cause them to think better next time (unless they're heartless idiots). I've been protesting RB for many years and have had folks I know and work with see me. Every single one has told me that after seeing me, they went to the circus, but then did some research. Then never went again. Some of them join me early each year when the circus comes around here every year. These are meat-eating, leather wearing, Tide using folks and I love having them there.

Also, PETA is kinda out there. But not about everything.

Thanks again.

It truly breaks my heart to hear about their mistreatment...

This article appeared four years ago in the NYT magazine detailing the effects of PTSD from human brutality on elephant herds resulting in their lashing back violently. It is an incredibly poignant story and one I would encourage others to read.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/08/magazine/08elephant.html

You mean we don't allow war and torture and a massive prison system?

I protested Nam. I've protested Iran. I protested Karl Rove when he was in town. I protested Red Lobster over the Canadian harp seal kill. I just added to my list with the elephants.

mailing list because the e-mails were so heartbreaking), it was PETA that made me aware of animal rights and animal cruelty many years ago. I'm forever grateful and I applaud you for your service. :hi:

Happy Anniversary!

enough about PETA to look into the issues regarding animal cruelty. Your protest probably had a greater impact than you will ever know.

I grew up on a farm. My father taught me from a very young age that he absolutely would not tolerate mistreatment of animals under any circumstance. Personally, I can not fathom why anyone would ever mistreat an animal because it's just beyond me how anyone could possibly do that to them. And yet they do. It sickens me to no end to see an animal abused. We definitely need stricter laws regarding treatment of animals. And Steve, you have taken the critical first step in that regard. Public awareness is key to getting the laws changed and for that, I (and many, many animals that can't speak for themselves) thank you.