statement on animal rights written by Dennis Kucinich

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Dear Friends and Colleagues: Attached is a statement on animal rights written by Dennis Kucinich. Please read it closely. I find Mr. Kucinich's statement to be a powerful and insightful contribution to the national debate about animals. I have chosen to share it with as many friends and colleagues as possible, and urge you to do the same. For the animals, Chris DeRose Animal Rights As a necessary component of the living world, we must extend compassion to one another and to every living thing. Our mission as human beings can truly be to elevate this world from a condition of suffering and cruelty to the planet's creatures, and towards a condition of compassion and inherent respect. Through elevating the cause of every creature, we elevate our own humanity. We lift up the cause of

humanity by reaching out and connecting with all things living. It is our sense of interconnection with all living things that brings us to respect the rights of animals; to understand that animals are not to be "lower than"; that animals should not have less of a claim to existence, less of a claim to the possibility of survival, less of a claim to dignity. Every one of us knows a story of animal cruelty; every one of us knows how in one way or another official policies have sanctioned cruelty to animals. I am working to put compassion into action in our policies with respect to animals in this country and to have America set a higher standard, not only for this country, but for the world; to make sure that all of God's creatures, that all animals are given a chance to have dignity in our society and are given a chance to

experience the appreciation they should have as living beings. I would include advocacy of animal rights in the Department of Peace, which I have already proposed to Congress. This cabinet-level department would work with, and offer an alternative to, the Defense Department. There have been numerous studies that have suggested a link between animal cruelty and domestic violence. The Department of Peace would not only seek to resolve international conflicts with nonviolent means, but also seek to instill a peaceful paradigm into the hearts of all the people of the world, so that one day war will be an archaic relic of a time that has passed. My farm policy favors independent and family-owned

farms. I support a national ban on packer ownership of livestock, and numerous new incentives for farmers to convert to sustainable and organic farming and ranching techniques. The vision of the meat that we consume coming from happy and healthy free-range animals can become more of a reality, as opposed to the inhumane conditions that the often mutated chickens and cows and pigs are forced to sustain in our current system. As a member of Congress, I have cosponsored every piece of major animal protection legislation. In addition, I hold the distinction of being the only vegan in Congress. I made this lifestyle change many years ago, because I consider all life on our Earth to be sacred. As a vegan, I choose not to eat any animals or animal products. I strive to live my life in accordance with my convictions, and any other choice

of diet would defy my ideals and, in my judgment, be hypocritical. - Dennis Kucinich 11/16/2006 Forward email This email was sent to kerrimilam, by campaigns Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUn™ | Privacy Policy. Last Chance for Animals | 8033 Sunset Blvd. #835 | Los Angeles | CA | 90046 Great site - www.cok.net"A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe. Our task must be to widen our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty." Albert Einstein

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[Guest guest]

Dennis Kucinich’s statement is extraordinary from a member of

congress, and it’s both amazing and encouraging that he continues to be

re-elected despite being principled and straightforward. Kucinich is a political

marvel and quite rightly an icon for people who care about animals, veganism,

and human decency. He often stands alone in congress by taking the high moral

and ethical road, as when he was the only person who spoke or voted against the

Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act.

 

However, in my opinion (and that’s all it is) he falls into the

same trap that snares animal welfarists in general – settling for better

ways of killing animals for food. While some call this being “realistic,”

others including me view it as capitulation on the fundamental principle of

animal rights: animals are not property. I suggest that these two comments from

his statement are incompatible:

 

 

 

“As a vegan, I choose not to eat any animals or animal products.

I strive to live my life in accordance with my convictions, and any other

choice of diet would defy my ideals and, in my judgment, be hypocritical.”

 

“My farm policy favors independent and family-owned farms. I

support a national ban on packer ownership of livestock, and numerous new

incentives for farmers to convert to sustainable and organic farming and

ranching techniques. The vision of the meat that we consume coming from happy

and healthy free-range animals can become more of a reality, as opposed to the

inhumane conditions that the often mutated chickens and cows and pigs are

forced to sustain in our current system.”

 

Kucinich does too many good things for me to consider him a hypocrite. But

he set the bar high, then missed it.

 

John Pippin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Guest guest]

Though I agree that his political proposals fall short of the goal that even he desires, Kucinich is also intelligent enough to understand that incremental steps are necessary to reach that goal. You don't convert a country to vegetarianism overnight, but nudging them toward that goal over time is a worth and realistic endeavor. Those that think banning all animal farming and the sale of meat can be legislated in one fell swoop are delusional and do more harm to the cause than good.