Guest guest Posted May 8, 2008 Report Share Posted May 8, 2008 I got to make a few remarks and ask Adianna Huffington a question at an open microphone on Wednesday night at the Plano Civic Center. Of course, I availed myself of this opportunity to speak for animals. What better way to get a couple of hundred educated, politically active people to consider animal rights with an open mind (maybe for the first time), even if it was only for a couple of minutes? So, I took my shot and it worked out pretty well using the time-honored technique of mixing social criticism with humor. In essence, I asked her for her opinion as to how our social justice movement could wrest back the bully pulpit from well-heeled, Machiavellian business interests, who in an attempt to invalidate and marginalize animal rights, have assigned us the labels of extremists and eco-terrorists. I believe her answer was spot on: We fight in the court of public opinion. We win by consistently presenting our case with absolute truth and cool and steadfast reason. We expose these enemies of liberty for what they are by keeping our heads and employing our wits and all tools at our disposal, among which is well-placed humor. We must be vigilant regarding the media and other public forums and counter lie and misstatement with persuasion and fact. Of course, this is not to negate the value of successful court cases, effective business boycotts, and as many letters as each of us is able to write to the media and our elected representatives. We have numerous weapons in our arsenal to bring justice to animals, and we should use them all wisely and frequently. Please keep this in mind the next time you are asked to write a LTE, call an elected representative, or show up to leaflet at an educational demonstration. Animals will suffer and die every day, until we find a way to stop this from happening. Each of us who cares must never surrender or stop short of our goal, for the animals have no one to help them but us. Just sharing a few thoughts among friends. Thanks very much for reading. Margaret Vegetarian Network of Dallas Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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