Two Steps Back for Moral Progress

in connect, etc., musings, notable posts, pop culture, quotes by faryl on July 29th, 2009No Comments

(photo credit: John Morris)

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. – Mahatma Gandhi

If you agree with Gandhi, then after reading the following two bits of news, you’ll likely agree that this nation’s greatness and moral progress have taken a couple of steps in the wrong direction.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love animals. At times, I prefer them to people (I openly admit that while watching “Marley and Me”, I thought the ending would be far more bearable if they offed one of the kids instead of the dog).

So while The News is rarely uplifting these days, I found the most recent local broadcast especially depressing. I don’t mean to be a “Debbie Downer”, but I thought a couple of stories deserve some additional attention/awareness.

The first was, sadly, no huge surprise. The Ringling Brothers will be in San Diego soon, providing a timely backdrop for sharing this video footage from PETA of circus employees abusing the elephants.

Now I know PETA can be a tad extremist so I understand taking this story with a grain of salt. (Plus I seem to remember the Today Show alluding to this going on – so this isn’t exactly breaking news.) That said, with the option to watch both the latest Pixar and Disney releases in full 3D, is it really necessary for any animals to be beaten (or even slightly agitated) just for the sake of a couple of hour’s entertainment?

I mean really, if your kid’s old enough to tell the difference between a circus elephant and Snuffleupagus at Sesame on Ice, they’re probably too old to be taking to the circus anyhow. They’re certainly old enough to be taught the value of being an conscientious consumer that uses ethical judgment when making purchasing decisions.

Please don't beat us! (photo credit: William Warby)

The other story was news to me – although apparently the practice has been happening for some time now.

The Unites States military uses live pigs for target practice and then kills them.

There’s even a name for it. It’s called “Live Tissue Training” and “involves purposely injuring the pigs, then euthanizing them after the training is completed”.

Apparently “They use pigs to help re-create battlefield injuries,” per Lt. Dan DeSousa of the San Diego County Department of Animal Services.

According to this article

The pigs are used to train military personnel in critical lifesaving techniques such as stopping massive hemorrhaging and clearing airway blockages, according to military officials.

“It has proven to be the single most-effective medical-training method for teaching combat care,” according to a statement issued by the Marine Corps.

Now don’t get me wrong – I support our troops one hundred percent. I want to be clear – I have the utmost respect and gratitude to those men and women who choose to put their lives on the line to protect our country. Living in San Diego, we’re surrounded by reminders of the sacrifices our military personnel – and their families – have made.

So I don’t mean to sound insensitive when I ask – isn’t there another way?

Must we kill pigs?

Allegedly pigs are as smarter than a three-year-old child – at least as smart as dogs. Would it be acceptable if these were canine targets?

We're too cute for Live Tissue exercises! (photo credit: bobcatnorth on Flickr)

I’ve got plans this weekend, so before I get too caught up on my soapbox, I’ll stop here and include the links below so you can read the articles yourselves. I’m curious to hear your point of view.

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