I really dislike them more each year... They put my peaceful home in the center of what sounds like a battlefield! I hate the noise - So does every nonhuman member of my family! I can't imagine what it must be like for all the birds, possums, raccoons and others of US who don't like being assaulted with a nonstop barrage of explosions!
I'm also edgy that over this weekend billions of folks will gather round a fire, to char a piece of someone else... Perhaps even a whole someone else?- A piglet, bird or baby lamb on the spit? They will do this as an "honor" to "freedom"... But this freedom is hollow. It neglects justice to those who would most benefit from it's gifts.
I am not free because
All are not free!
There are still Others who pay the price of blissful ignorance, cruel domination... And frivolous "traditions"!
The more I think of it... Eating animals and fireworks have much in common with each other: They violate the rights of others. They have safety risks. And both are clearly not necessary!
There are alternatives to fireworks.
There are ethical remedies to nonhuman enslavement.
And dietary choices that extend fair treatment to All.
And for those feeling particularly patriotic today: There are even political options...
And because I embrace justice, I also think it's unAmerican...
The day may come, when the rest of the animal creation may acquire those rights which never could have been withholden from them but by the hand of tyranny.
-Jeremy Bentham
Happy 4th... And please live consistent with your values - Go Vegan.
14 comments:
The hollowness of the celebration is emphasized by the fact that not only is government approved oppression and torture of animals common, for the last several years open government approval of torture for humans has been added to the prinicples of "the land of liberty".
But of course... That's a given. From the AETA to the new "communications security" prisons making and keeping us all so "safe".
I dunno... Loud words against old ideas = terrorism... And oppressive laws = "patriotism". :/
Oh the times they are a changing!
Boy, you just love to complain. I don't know what fireworks have to do with eating meat. Enough of this "eating dead animals" crud. We don't say you're "eating dead plants". Either way, saying it is just silly, immature and spiteful.
Although fireworks are beautiful to look at, they are designed to celebrate and re-create the explosions of warfare. It is a celebration of violence and death... a perfectly gruesome accompaniment to the violence and death of the BBQ pit.
You mentioned the "nonhuman" members of your family. I assume they are free to come and go as they please, since you are against animal enslavement and all.
I cannot stand fireworks because they scare my companion animals plus idiots like to attach them to unsuspecting animals such as cats and dogs.
Sorry you're offended by the truth Aaron...
Exactly Jo - Violence and body bbq's - Not what I see representing a "celebration" at all!
Anonymous - The non-human members of my family were not domesticated by me, bred by me, nor they were not "purchased" by me - I did not put a contract or a price tag on their lives. I'm simply trying to give them the best, safest home possible under the conditions that were created by ignorant people that went before me. (thank you).
dynastygal - My vet tells me that the second busiest day of the year in her office is the 4th - The first is New Years. Not only for the animals deliberately harmed by sadists - But the animals and wildlife become extremely disoriented and wind up injured in the process. It's just silly noise meant to liven up a morbid "festivity."
It's wonderful that we are "free" but you'd think we'd learn how to obtain and keep it without further lives paying the price. There's got to be a better way than killing for "liberty". (imho)
Thanks for dropping by! ;)
Oh I see, so you can impose your will upon an animal if you determine it to be "domesticated". And what gives you authority to make that determination? Don't these animals yearn to be free? That seems to be your position on farm animals.
What truth am I offended by? Is it that fireworks have something to do with killing animals, or that not all animals must kill something in order to live? Oh yeah, both of those things are false, I'm just pointing it out to you. I'm sorry that your offended by the truth that vegetarians kill just as many if not more organisms in order to live.
It's also interesting that you're not against diffusion of responsibility when it comes to the treatment of your pets. I didn't kill, directly purchase or bring home the meat that I eat, so by that logic, not eating it would just be wasting food.
Anonymous - The nonhuman members of my family are my responsibility. I am their guardian and as such have a duty to protect their wellbeing. Their wellbeing does NOT include keeping them healthy enough to slaughter or healthy enough to "breed" more of their own kind --- for cash in my wallet. But - If it pleases you - they do have the opportunity to run around on fenced acreage pretty much whenever they choose.
Aaron - You're still fixated on plants aren't you? Tell you what - I'll say my penance and try real hard to do without killing "organisms" if you try real hard not to kill sentient beings. Fair enough?
All I am saying is that we all must consume organisms to live, so you are no better than I. You are the one fixated on eating only plants.
Aaron... I am "fixated" on fairness and justice. I do not wish to cause unnecessary harm to innocent, sentient beings. Yes I think this choice is more consistent with man as an "evolved" and "civilized" species.
Justice would dictate that you allow people to live according to their own feelings, and not force your opinion on them. I would not be free unless I was allowed to eat meat. What you want would not make man more "civilized" it is simply oppression.
Aaron I'm not surpressing anyone's "feelings"... Or even their actions.
I knew that eventually you would view "dialogue" as "force". Are you saying that you're a "victim" of my words and ideology? Hold on while I get out my teeny-tiny violin...
I suppose in your mind people who spoke against the enslavement of humans, the "ownership" of women, the "use" of children were all "dictating" what people should be "allowed" to do...
BUT if I could and did use "force" it would be to prevent "force" - It would be for the defense of innocent victims. You desire protection and sanction to USE force... Any system that permits and encourages the stronger to "use" the weaker is "injustice". Hope you never have to learn that rule on your own hide...
And let me get this right: your "freedom" is defined by your "right" to kill - And being able to consume the dead? It stands to reason now, why you never claimed to be enlightened! Good move. ;)
I'm just curious though... If you ARE so CERTAIN of your beliefs why have you invested SO MUCH time trying to convince me that you are right? Don't you have a blog of your own? (hint)
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