In Sanctuaries For Our Food And Our Friends - Part One I took a look at new "reversed" systems that could provide food by growing it indoors and could give animals a real life, by letting them live outdoors. Kind of a revolutionary idea - isn't it? But then so is the idea of providing "food" animals with loving homes. And after a comment left by Bren McClain, I realized this tribute to sanctuaries for "farmed animals" was sadly lacking in my blog. So I'm dedicating this post to correcting that.
Mama Red
I have added some well known and not-so-famous sanctuaries on the side bar and will of course add more as they come my way. I'd also like to acknowledge Bren McClain's story in appreciation. I was deeply touched by her memories of a cow named Mama Red. And so happy that Bren is writing a novel that explores the whole 4H beef raising competition and sale, a rite of passage for many young people. Any personal experiences of readers who have ever participated in these "feeding out the steers for market shows," should get in touch with Bren at bren@brenmcclain.com.and share these stories with her. I'm sure they would be a great contribution to her very important work.
Frequently absurdities are most clearly seen when contradictions are set along side of each other. The juxtapose of profit-oriented "livestock" and havens of rescue such as Cow Sanctuary couldn't be more evident to that. One values flesh as a dead "product". The other cherishes animals alive, even if at "cost" to make and keep it so.
But the idea of rescuing "food animal" is frequently met with total, heartless ignorance. There are some that feel quite threatened at the idea that anyone could care for this type of species at all, aside from the significance they serve to be placed at the end of a fork.
Lisa
There's an article here about how Whatcom Humane Society is showing a documentary film called "Pigmalion", the story of an 800 pound Yorkshire pig named Lisa, that was sent to Sanctuary One rather then sent to slaughter.With so few comments, the ones left by Garnet appear all the more hurtful and crass. Her (?) comments: "I for one am tired of the "do-gooder" animal rescue stories of livestock food animals" and "They cannot be used for breeding, and they are not to be eaten. They are now a pet". She thinks that Lisa instead should have been butchered to feed the dogs... And that since Lisa is an omnivore, she could never be trusted not to harm someone. Well, I suppose Garnet has that right about not trusting omnivores. Certainly the human ones can sure snuff a lot of lives in the name of "food".
Anyway, one of the best things about sanctuaries is they have the opportunity to tell the stories of how the refugees one by one or sometimes by the hundreds made their way to safety. Where they could live out their lives in the way that all beings should be allowed to. I admire and respect all who have ever provided loving homes to the ones who would be "worthless" otherwise. A special appreciation too to Farm Sanctuary - Now celebrating 25 years of rescue and hope. ~Thank you~
This musical interlude comes from therockcookiebottom who has been writing a song a day for almost 3 years. That's incredible! The themes of these short songs are sometimes silly, sometimes serious but always clever. Here are some of my favorites - Enjoy!
I'm not superstitious at all - But here's some things I do know about "luck".
I share my home with "lucky" friends, who would otherwise have had dreaded misfortune. Being born without the advantages of thumbs and god-like ownership over their own lives - Their end probably would have already been done.
Most were useless in the scheme of human plan. One and all, they were considered burdens to feed or care for. Unplanned accidents... Waste from industries... Not worth the time or trouble to save... Unprofitable residue... Nuisances and pests. All born "unlucky" to be "purposeless" in a world where everything must have value to the insatiable... That would be "us" the "lucky" ones: Homo Sapiens; Literally to mean the animals born with "taste" and "wisdom".
And being born creatures with such "smart appetites", aren't we so lucky to have created systems and diversions that allow us to consume without guilt? The consequence to others escapes us in myths and lies that we author. This is especially true in our ravenous gluttony of the foods made of flesh. They are invisible, the blood, bone and bodies of the "unlucky" ones that lost their lives for the sake of indulging ours...
We wise ones, deities of our own making, can sell cellophane wrapped stories, fairy tales, legends and doctrines that excuse us from the most horrid of practices. These are some "lucky" lies that attempt to validate and reinforce our own species-granted privileges.
Now here's the hitch to being able to utilize those "lucky lies"... We must be "lucky" enough to make a habit of not investigating beyond our comfort zone. "Lucky" enough to preserve the disguises that allow cons and deceptions to exist. It's the simplest thing... All you have to do is not think or examine (meat or animals) too closely, and the grotesque realities never have to be acknowledged!
I once had that kind of "luck" when I saw a pig's head in a meat case at the Piggly Wiggly 30 years ago...
It infuriated and repulsed me so much that I complained to the manager! I told him the pig-head was vulgar and disgusting! And that it wasn't decent to put me, or his customers, through the ordeal of seeing such an ugly thing! I felt completely satisfied when he agreed to remove the apple-biting specimen from view. I felt content... Even as I wheeled my cart with ham, bacon and chops riding within. I was "lucky" that my awareness was left unshaken and protected. Blinded by conjecture and habit, I was "lucky" to stay "blessed" in the bliss of dissonance for many decades afterwards.
But, like most of us here, that kind of "charm" eventually ran out. For whatever reason, that fragile veil of secret "rites" was revealed for the trick that it was. Gifted instead to see that behind the eyes of every creature, there is a somebody. A kin of mine, a kin of ours, that had been born without human "luck". These are fellow earthlings that only lack our cheat of might and favored lust. And it's only our unquestioned indoctrinations of the crafty sham, that perpetuates their brutal curse.
And thus, we make the "luck" of others better through our own actions. We make decisions that alter their fate for the good. We choose not to harm lesser ones. Innocent ones. Helpless ones. We choose not to create victims. We choose not to prey on the weak. We choose to challenge the false premises of traditions, "exceptionalism" and domination. We rejected the status quo and live in ways that make things more fair. More equal. More thoughtful and kind. At the heart of the matter, we choose not to eat these beings who are so "unlucky" not to be us.
What about you... Are you a "lucky" omnivore? Or a just vegan?
I thought my last post about the AFF here in Florida would be my last story on this "disordered" organization... But finding this short Hoosier Ag Today podcast, interviewing a AFF teen changed that. Note that the first few sentences indicate that it is "consumers" and economics that are of the most interest to agriculture. No surprise there... The clip also says that vegan and animal rights advocates are "aniti-agriculture", as if we didn't consume food too. But surely they've got that all wrong!
Young Morgan Dawson states that the population will nearly double in the next 40 years and that agriculture has to devise "new ways" to meet food demands. With this I couldn't agree more!
My thought however is to do things in complete reverse of what's being done now. Currently, we have billions of animals crammed inside warehouses... And countless thousands of acres of crops grown outdoors.
Now, indoor animals must be regulated with electronic "climate controlled" facilities and many drugs.
Indoors their waste accumulates to a point where air quality around factory farms is inferior to major cities. Raising animals indoors is wasteful in water and energy use. And of course it's downright torture for these beings! Talk about "intensive confinement":
On the other hand, plants that are raised outdoors take up vast swaths of land. These are vulnerable to weather conditions. Crops must be sprayed to guard against instects and "pests". And there is also collateral damage done to wildlife that find these foods suitable for their meals too.
Now --- What if we revolutionized the system, removing animals from their indoor prisons and put plants there instead? What if all the grants, fundings, "pork" and favors that go to producing "livestock" were to go to inovative new forms of high-tech food production instead?
Many such systems are on the drafting boards and blueprint stages but of course without sufficient economic backing they're having a challenge in being realized. But here's a few that are built and already producing food with closed loop energy systems:
The Science Barge in New York uses state of the art computer technology and an agricultural technique called hydroponics to grow fruits and veggies using much less water and space than field farming.
The Eden Project that is what it's name implies.
The Sahara Forest Project, that is also a restorative technology.
And look what a green marvel is being built in Newark, New Jersey:
Imagine what kind of future we could have if we planned communities that were sustainable within their own environment and location. Housing units where people could literally obtain their food in the same building that they lived in. No trucking food for hundreds/thousands of miles... Food that also supplied energy to your building would only be steps away. Now that is projecting into the future!
There are a lot of ways that we can make the next decades be bountiful, clean, safe and wholesome environments for both humans and animals... One of my favorites is the brainchild of these young group of "future farmers of America" who created a hydroponic plant by converting (of all things!) an old meat packing plant. Indeed this concept Conscious Vertical Farming 312 AQUAPONICS is Phoenix rising from the ashes:
Granted... I know some of these systems still depend on sea creatures to produce fertilizer. But we humans also generate an abundant amount of waste too, that could be used instead, as the technology advances... Thus eliminating our need for "water treatment" plants... Or nearly so. Genius - Isn't it?
So, you live in a rural area... In a home not a high rise --- Nourishing food could be grown in these systems by building them on top of grocery stores! What a site to see our foods living on the roofs of the supermarkets we shop in! The possibilities with this future are endless, sustainable, and most of all allow all living beings their unharmed and *unviolated* place on this earth!
If there was ever a way to provide a secure, peaceful co-existence with the planet and each other surely this is it! We don't need "glass walls" in slaughterhouses! We don't "need" slaughterhouses at all! Glass walls that could protect our real food and our survival is the way to go for "future farming" in the world.
Gosh, Florida just can't stay out of the news (or my blog) this month!
Back in 2009 two Alachua County students were arrested on felony animal cruelty charges.
As the small minded, boastful (and stupid) jerks that they were, they posted a "brag video" on youtube. But when the animal services investigator went to the school principle he didn't even know that there was an ag-chick-raising-bird-killing program going on! Imagine that? 40 students involved in this FFA (Future Farmers Association) project and the only one "in charge" was teacher Allen Shaw who "On the day the video was shot, Shaw was helping students "kill and properly package their chickens."
Now I don't know... Any one ever see a "dead chicken" flap her wings as the video shows? How lazy and cowardly the "justice system" is huh? :(
The FFA organization is much like 4H - Yeah they have a "blah, blah" creed too. And a yearly "Beast Feast" where they can win prizes like hunting and fishing trips and killing equipment to add to the pleasure and fun. And they also can gorge on dead deer, pig, fish, and alligator bodies... Oh yes, and tortured chickens too.
I have nothing against teaching kids self sufficiency and how to grow healthy, wholesome foods with projects like the Edible Schoolyard. And I'd love to see the fruits of their labor in neighboring Plant City, that holds it's yearly Strawberry Festival this month... But I'll pass for all the "livestock" shows and the pig races. Pity such a beautiful celebration of nourishing and lovely fruits, marred by the inclusion of animal-slave exhibits.
Given the video above, and the blatant disregard that public institutions have for following law, I have good reason to be mistrusting of systems that indoctrinate kids into thinking that living beings are to be used and disposed of. This does not teach them respect or compassion. Clearly 4H, FFA and other organizations that teach kids it's okay to take innocent life, should be dismantled, spurned and rejected for the sinister propaganda that they spew. It fosters violence and "othering".
There's nothing wholesome, healthy, normal or kind in slaughtering victims. We need to stop condoning butchery - Not hold classes with hands on methods of doing such!
So - In lieu of all the above, Karen Davis founder of United Poultry Concerns, along with HERO Humane Educators Reaching Out, is organizing an effort to get Florida Schools to enforce statutory mandates of humane treatment toward all beings and to end the slaughter of animals in schools. Having spoken to dozens of education officials here in Florida - I can confirm that most haven't even ever heard of the statute: Title XXVII, Part IV, Chapter 1003.42 let alone follow it's rule.
You know... I can't do very much about the institutional slaughter of 57 billion land animals a year in the world... But I sure can do something about the brutalization in my own back yard!
Join us on March 31 from Noon to 1PM outside the Orange County Courthouse . Be there- if not in body, but in mind, spirit and intent! Oh... And you'll know who we are - We're the ones not wearing uniforms or badges... And not killing.
Thanks.
Recently I wrote about a proposed law that may be implemented here in Florida, prohibiting the filming of certain subject matter... And that would be sad and wrong to restrict freedom of speech and personal liberties of private citizens.
Buthere's a short video Will and Madeleine Tuttle also took here in Florida last February. Apparently this was taken just days before Will's presentation that I was fortunate enough to attend. The theme of his talk, and his lovely piano compositions, leave no doubt that he is guided by a loving and compassionate light.
Celebration by Madeleine Tuttle
I was also very happy to have spoken to Madeleine again... As an artist in transition, I admire her ability to capture images of our fellow creatures in such a tender way.
Finding the video posted below I also learned she is an accomplished flutist as well. The talents of both Will and Madeleine certainly reflect the abundance that they know the world offers. Our movement and the message of extending respect to the animals is blessed to have such voices of enriching reason on our side...
I'm so glad they came to Florida and also happy they filmed Madeleine's preparation of her awesome raw nut milk... Enjoy!
Have you heard the pigs-as-food-people are changing their pitch to get consumers to eat more "pork" by changing their "white meat" slogan to "Pork - Be Inspired!" ?
As great a new ad as they think they may have... They're still open for suggestions either at the site above. Or you can submit directly as I did.
I'm certain my entry will provoke and inspire!
If you're motivated towards compassionate and healthy food choices - please know you're doing the right thing!
Writing on this blog I normally stay away from personal issues... That's why I created Once Upon a Vegan --- For less generically political, more intimate "me" subject matter. But this proposed bill initiated by Florida state senator
Jim Norman strikes close to home on not only a personal level but a political one as well.
This bill states that:
(1)A person who enters onto a farm or other property where legitimate agriculture operations are being conducted without the written consent of the owner, or an authorized representative of the owner, commits a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in sections: (blah, blah) Florida Statutes.
(2)A person who photographs, video records, or otherwise produces images or pictorial records,digital or otherwise, at or of a farm or other property where legitimate agriculture operations are being conducted without the written consent of the owner, or an authorized representative of the owner, commits a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in (blah, blah) Florida Statutes.
(3)As used in this section, the term “farm” includes any tract of land cultivated for the purpose of agricultural production, the raising and breeding of domestic animals, or the storage of a commodity.
Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2011
Of course this bill is absurd... But as Erik Marcus at Vegan.Com points out, there are other states that may follow in proposing this kind of ridiculous legislation.
So... Not wanting to be a refugee of the law here in Florida... Where the sun always shines and the chads are always hanging - I thought I'd save the (drained and unrepresented) tax payers a little dough and turn myself in by confessing to my criminal mis-deeds:
First is my guilt of compassion... You see, I really care that sentient beings are being used as things! I care that they are needlessly killed! I care... Well, because that's what I was taught some 50+ years ago... Who knew I was being instructed to be such a devious transgressor?
And the second violation that I wish to turn myself in for is for breaking some kind of future "rule" that says neither tourist or Florida home-owning resident, can stop by a roadside to take images of "production" animals.
There ya go! Guess I've throw myself at the mercy of the corrupt just legal system, to take whatever lashings are due...
30 years behind bars... Will fellow advocates please sneak in a vegan cupcake to me once and a while? Mea culpa...
