Guest guest Posted November 23, 2005 Report Share Posted November 23, 2005 The world can be a pretty screwed up place, but ignorance is never the better option. Staying active and hopeful for the future is. Animals die every day of the year, just the big end-of-year " feasts " might make it seem more terrible. We live in a meat-centered world right now. Billions of animals suffer in just the US. We are bombarded with hamburger advertisements everywhere we look every day of the year. (Fortunately, the Bay Area is much more veg-friendly than many/most in this country.) I just read that 6 million children worldwide die of malnutrition every year. Too many of our leaders are greedy and corrupt liars. This country is currently in an ugly and unnecessary war killing thousands. Global warming is not really being dealt with. The list goes on and on. There's lots of work to do and that is the best thing to focus on. To become incapacitated with angst does no one any good. Here's a link to a page with audio (a bit scratchy) from a recent Ingrid Newkirk speech in SF. If you have the 1/2 hour to listen to it, be sure to pay close attention to the question and answer period near the end when an audience member asks just about the same question you did here. http://indybay.org/news/2005/02/1722539.php peace, david On Behalf Of Ronald Landskroner Tuesday, November 22, 2005 3:20 PM sharing my melancholy I know that I am preaching to the converted here but just wanted to share my deep sadness and alienation during this time of year. In the past the holidays did often arrive with these feelings, due to loneliness, longing for family ties, the passing of time, or some combination of all three. And some of that persists. However, in recent years the knowledge of the savage and insensitive brutality perpetrated upon farm animals only serves to further fuel a profound disconnection from the mainstream of society. I almost cringe when people at work, with the best of intentions, now wish me a Happy Thanksgiving. How is that humanly (not to mention humanely) possible when tens of millions of poor, defenseless creatures are brought into this world merely as commodities, live out their brief lives in pain, discomfort, and frustration and then terrorized during their barbaric slaughter. How can there be any happiness surrounding such a holiday? But the majority of people around me either don't know or don't want to know. For knowing means they are part of this cruelty and therefore faced with making a difficult, conscious choice between what they know to be ethical and remaining safe and comfortable in their accustomed lifestyle habits and attitudes. Once the fall arrives I begin to think about the impending outrage compounded by almost inconceivable numbers, merely to satisfy humans' trained palates. As the days pass with Thanksgiving and then Christmas on the horizon thoughts of those unfortunate animals occupy my mind, heart and spirit with increasing rapidity accompanied by equivalent despondency. I would be interested to hear what do other aware, like-minded, caring and compassionate persons do to combat being overwhelmed and consumed by these feelings? Or am I in the minority, even among vegetarians, vegans and animal advocates? Am I being too sensitive or have I just not yet learned how to channel these thoughts and feelings. I did attend Farm Sanctuary's Celebration for the Turkeys this year (my second time) and it was a wonderful experience, as always. But what about the rest of the year, for it is not merely the holiday season but every day this mayhem continues unabated which haunt me. And it is not only knowing what I know but knowing what others don't know or worse yet don't care to know or do anything about to stop this needless, seemingly endless travesty. Ignorance in this case may not necessarily be bliss but it sure keeps one from feeling so much emotional pain. Ron Landskroner Oakland ____ BAY AREA VEGETARIANS (BAV) is a non-profit 501 ©(3) community organization for veggies to network, find support and promote veg*nism. Events Calendar - http://bayareaveg.org/events Newsletter - http://bayareaveg.org/news Veg Mentor Program - http://bayareaveg.org/mentor Ultimate Guide - http://bayareaveg.org/ug Veg Food Finder - http://www.bayareaveg.org/finder Charter & Post Guidelines - http://bayareaveg.org/charter Compassionate Living Program - http://www.bayareaveg.org/cl ____ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 23, 2005 Report Share Posted November 23, 2005 Well said Ron. Simply keep talking about it sharing, politely with your gluttonous carnivore friends and family, demonstrate, educate, carry literature with you everywhere you go. Put a magnetic sign on your car. Ask your local shopping mall if you can set up a table for free to leaflet there... I do here quarterly. Lastly...I do not believe it is "unabated" We are making huge strides in this movement...someone reached you...someone reached me...evetryday hearts are opened to this holocaust. Be brave and outspoken. Don't be miserable...that paints a negative picture to newbies...always smile and be lighthearted about it all...pretend, if you have to. If you think you are down...imagine how the animals feel, ( I know you do), they need you to be light for them...or you will turn others off...show the newbies...your life has improved! Blessings in this joyous Holiday season...the season of hope. ParisRonald Landskroner <npauthor wrote: I know that I am preaching to the converted here but just wanted to sharemy deep sadness and alienation during this time of year. In the past theholidays did often arrive with these feelings, due to loneliness, longingfor family ties, the passing of time, or some combination of all three. Andsome of that persists. However, in recent years the knowledge of the savageand insensitive brutality perpetrated upon farm animals only serves tofurther fuel a profound disconnection from the mainstream of society. Ialmost cringe when people at work, with the best of intentions, now wish mea Happy Thanksgiving. How is that humanly (not to mention humanely)possible when tens of millions of poor, defenseless creatures are broughtinto this world merely as commodities, live out their brief lives in pain,discomfort, and frustration and then terrorized during their barbaricslaughter. How can there be any happiness surrounding such a holiday? Butthe majority of people around me either don't know or don't want to know.For knowing means they are part of this cruelty and therefore faced withmaking a difficult, conscious choice between what they know to be ethicaland remaining safe and comfortable in their accustomed lifestyle habits andattitudes. Once the fall arrives I begin to think about the impending outragecompounded by almost inconceivable numbers, merely to satisfy humans'trained palates. As the days pass with Thanksgiving and then Christmas onthe horizon thoughts of those unfortunate animals occupy my mind, heart andspirit with increasing rapidity accompanied by equivalent despondency. I would be interested to hear what do other aware, like-minded, caring andcompassionate persons do to combat being overwhelmed and consumed by thesefeelings? Or am I in the minority, even among vegetarians, vegans andanimal advocates? Am I being too sensitive or have I just not yet learnedhow to channel these thoughts and feelings. I did attend Farm Sanctuary'sCelebration for the Turkeys this year (my second time) and it was awonderful experience, as always. But what about the rest of the year, forit is not merely the holiday season but every day this mayhem continuesunabated which haunt me. And it is not only knowing what I know but knowingwhat others don't know or worse yet don't care to know or do anything aboutto stop this needless, seemingly endless travesty. Ignorance in this casemay not necessarily be bliss but it sure keeps one from feeling so muchemotional pain. Ron LandskronerOakland____BAY AREA VEGETARIANS (BAV) is a non-profit 501 ©(3) community organization for veggies to network, find support and promote veg*nism.Events Calendar - http://bayareaveg.org/eventsNewsletter - http://bayareaveg.org/newsVeg Mentor Program - http://bayareaveg.org/mentorUltimate Guide - http://bayareaveg.org/ug Veg Food Finder - http://www.bayareaveg.org/finderCharter & Post Guidelines - http://bayareaveg.org/charterCompassionate Living Program - http://www.bayareaveg.org/cl____ Ms. Paris Harvey bitebackvegan 925 788 8296 (PST) http://www.peta.org/AnimalLiberation/display.asp ...Spend a few minutes here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 23, 2005 Report Share Posted November 23, 2005 " I would be interested to hear what do other aware, like-minded, caring and compassionate persons do to combat being overwhelmed and consumed by these feelings? Or am I in the minority, even among vegetarians, vegans andanimal advocates? Am I being too sensitive or have I just not yet learned how to channel these thoughts and feelings. " While I can only speak for myself, Ron, I don't think you are alone. As part of the Compassionate Living Program earlier this month, Carl Miller led the group in a discussion about sharing (surviving) the holidays as veg*ns. Most of it centered around how we dealt with being around people who are eating dead animals, and the feelings that evoked because these are people we care about, yet we feel horrified/dismayed/unhappy by their actions. (This is a general paraphrasing) When Nora spoke in August for the CL program, about Effective Communication, angst over communicating with non-veg*ns was also discussed. Everyone has different ways of coping. For myself, personally, wanting to reduce animal suffering by promoting vegetarianism and wanting to connect with others who feel-think-act the same way was the catalyst that led to what is today Bay Area Vegetarians and our model of "CARE": Community, Advocacy, Resources, and Education. I like to think Margaret Mead is right: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -Margaret MeadUS anthropologist & popularizer of anthropology (1901 - 1978) So, the short answer: I cope by trying to make a difference. I would highly recommend that people channel their empathy for animals into involvement with a local group like Bay Area Vegetarians, EBAA, etc.-- there are many out there, see the resources page on our website as a starting point. Getting involved locally is a positive way to help make a difference for the animals and raise awareness in our communities. Some of the Bay Area Veg advocacy events have such low turnout that the presence of one more person can make a huge difference. (For example, the Marin KFC protest has mostly been Hannah, who organizes it, and her son.) I would encourage you to try to attend events -- to make personal connections with folks who feel and think the same way that you do. Just being in the company of others who think and eat veg is sometimes a haven from the harsh reality that most people are non-veg and what that means for the animals. Check out the Bay Area Veg monthly event summary; we've got events throughout the Bay Area. http://www.bayareaveg.org/monthlyevents.htm?listbyarea=1 But, really, empower yourself to encourage the change in our community that you want to see happen. There are many ways to do advocacy right from home (such as writing letters, doing volunteer home-based work, etc) and many more ways to get involved outside the home. In our monthly newsletter, we have a "Community Profile" feature - check it out, learn what has worked for others and what suggestions they have http://www.bayareaveg.org/blog/index.php?blog=10 For folks interested in advocacy - if you are new, want a refresher, or have experience to share - the January Compassionate Living Program is Effective Advocacy for Animals http://www.bayareaveg.org/events.htm?EID=1081#1081 In February, we're having a discussion on the classic "Animal Liberation" by Peter Singer. If you don't live in the SF area, start planning now about organizing a carpool. Both of these events are wonderful opportunities to learn how to get involved and make a difference, and to connect with others. The full Compassionate Living Program schedule is: http://www.bayareaveg.org/cl AND - if you don't see an event in your community, or the type of veg/AR event you're interested in, think about organizing it. It takes more effort to organize an event, but its very rewarding. As a FYI, most of the events and activities with Bay Area Vegetarians are provided free to both members and non-members. Bay Area Veg relies entirely on the support of volunteers and donors. We are lucky to have so many veg and animal organizations in the Bay Area. Hopefully you will find one that is a good fit for you and what you are interested in doing. I would encourage anyone interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at Bay Area Vegetarians to visit our website at http://www.BayAreaVeg.org/volunteer.htm Cheers, Tammy Bay Area Vegetarianswww.BayAreaVeg.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 23, 2005 Report Share Posted November 23, 2005 Ron, thanks for your touching note. I will tell you what I do. I don't think I'm going to win any medals for this from this crowd. But, whatever gets you through the night . . .. I push it out of my mind. I could not have relationships with anyone in my life if I thought about the truth. I guess you could say that fortunately for me, this is only one of several issues that call on me to do that. So, I've gotten pretty good at it. In my daily life I support animals, and in conversation there are some strategically useful times in which a word from me can make a difference. Getting my national association to have vegetarian options regularly at the annual dinner was a big win, and got a lot of non-vegetarians to try something different. The good news is that putting the pain out of mind does allow me, at times, to calmly and effectively convey my views, at some strategic moments. Some are big, like the example above. Some are small; maybe a few people have gone out to eat with me, and decided to split a few vegetarian entres with me rather than get their own meat dish. Over time, maybe this may change things. Or, it may make no difference. But, I think, collectively, it can't *not* make a difference. Because it would be very painful, I don't let myself into the pain. And, this also makes it so I need not allow myself to turn Thanksgiving and other holidays into a proselytizing or self-flagellating moment. As I said, this is just one of several issues, including the commercialism of the season, the forcing of meaningless (to many participants) rituals (e.g., the Christmas Tree you *have* to put up even though no one wants to do it--and, yet another life lost for nothing (the tree)), the treatment of the poor by our society, the treatment of the Palestinians by the state of Israel, the treatment of Israelis by Palestinians, the senseless war in Iraq (okay, that's not so tough to interact around . . . now; it was tough a year ago). So, I feel your sensitivity and have a similar reaction, if I let myself. So, I don't let myself. And I enjoy every moment with every animal I can--including the spider I saw this morning in the shower. (Why do they put themselves in such danger? I took the spider out of the shower yesterday, and I did the same today. Is the spider trying to do something I am impeding? What's going on? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.) Anyway, I hope you have a nice weekend despite the atrocities amongst which we all live. And, rest assured, our actions are making a difference. It just may not be a big enough difference in our lifetimes. But, it has to start somewhere. Take care Sam On Wed, 23 Nov 2005, Paris Harvey wrote: > Well said Ron. > Simply keep talking about it sharing, politely with your gluttonous carnivore friends and family, demonstrate, educate, carry literature with you everywhere you go. Put a magnetic sign on your car. Ask your local shopping mall if you can set up a table for free to leaflet there... I do here quarterly. > Lastly...I do not believe it is " unabated " > We are making huge strides in this movement...someone reached you...someone reached me...evetryday hearts are opened to this holocaust. > Be brave and outspoken. > Don't be miserable...that paints a negative picture to newbies...always smile and be lighthearted about it all...pretend, if you have to. > If you think you are down...imagine how the animals feel, ( I know you do), they need you to be light for them...or you will turn others off...show the newbies...your life has improved! > Blessings in this joyous Holiday season...the season of hope. > Paris > > Ronald Landskroner <npauthor wrote: > I know that I am preaching to the converted here but just wanted to share > my deep sadness and alienation during this time of year. In the past the > holidays did often arrive with these feelings, due to loneliness, longing > for family ties, the passing of time, or some combination of all three. And > some of that persists. However, in recent years the knowledge of the savage > and insensitive brutality perpetrated upon farm animals only serves to > further fuel a profound disconnection from the mainstream of society. I > almost cringe when people at work, with the best of intentions, now wish me > a Happy Thanksgiving. How is that humanly (not to mention humanely) > possible when tens of millions of poor, defenseless creatures are brought > into this world merely as commodities, live out their brief lives in pain, > discomfort, and frustration and then terrorized during their barbaric > slaughter. How can there be any happiness surrounding such a holiday? But > the majority of people around me either don't know or don't want to know. > For knowing means they are part of this cruelty and therefore faced with > making a difficult, conscious choice between what they know to be ethical > and remaining safe and comfortable in their accustomed lifestyle habits and > attitudes. > > Once the fall arrives I begin to think about the impending outrage > compounded by almost inconceivable numbers, merely to satisfy humans' > trained palates. As the days pass with Thanksgiving and then Christmas on > the horizon thoughts of those unfortunate animals occupy my mind, heart and > spirit with increasing rapidity accompanied by equivalent despondency. > > I would be interested to hear what do other aware, like-minded, caring and > compassionate persons do to combat being overwhelmed and consumed by these > feelings? Or am I in the minority, even among vegetarians, vegans and > animal advocates? Am I being too sensitive or have I just not yet learned > how to channel these thoughts and feelings. I did attend Farm Sanctuary's > Celebration for the Turkeys this year (my second time) and it was a > wonderful experience, as always. But what about the rest of the year, for > it is not merely the holiday season but every day this mayhem continues > unabated which haunt me. And it is not only knowing what I know but knowing > what others don't know or worse yet don't care to know or do anything about > to stop this needless, seemingly endless travesty. Ignorance in this case > may not necessarily be bliss but it sure keeps one from feeling so much > emotional pain. > > Ron Landskroner > Oakland > ____ > BAY AREA VEGETARIANS (BAV) is a non-profit 501 ©(3) community organization for veggies to network, find support and promote veg*nism. > > Events Calendar - http://bayareaveg.org/events > Newsletter - http://bayareaveg.org/news > Veg Mentor Program - http://bayareaveg.org/mentor > Ultimate Guide - http://bayareaveg.org/ug > Veg Food Finder - http://www.bayareaveg.org/finder > Charter & Post Guidelines - http://bayareaveg.org/charter > Compassionate Living Program - http://www.bayareaveg.org/cl > ____ > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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