Guest guest Posted May 14, 2001 Report Share Posted May 14, 2001 The Malta Times 09.05.2001 Author: A. Couto, Paris, France. A sad story It was 6.20 a.m. on April 4. I was sipping my coffee watching a magnificent scene from the terrace. Not more than 100 metres towards the valley from Melliha Road in Malta I could count 20 night herons alighting among a cluster of carob trees. Before I had time to fetch my binoculars the morning stillness was shattered with a barrage of gunfire. Most of the 20 were killed without moving in the tree. The night heron is exceptional from other birds in that when there is a flock the survivors keep circling round their fallen comrades. So the killing went on for the next two or three minutes with only one remaining, and it flew away to tell the sad tale. Two young men, probably from the village, picked up the 19 shattered bodies and made a hasty retreat from an area where shooting is not allowed. They will be hailed as heroes. Some do not know any better. Something needs to be done by the ones who know: the politicians. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Thanks for all the continuing support and the continuous stream of new members for 'PROACT MALTA' (now over 140 signatures) and the 'PROACT TEAM' (78 permanent members). The proact protest campaign against the biannual bird slaughter in Malta. Please now go to < http://proaction.tripod.com/malta/ > Malta is a country composed of three small islands in the middle of the Mediterranean, 100 kilometers south of Sicily. Malta has one of the world's highest number of hunters per capita, who shoot and kill any bird that flies. These hunters have eradicated local bird populations and are significantly depleting regional bird populations. Therefore we are asking you to support the safeguard of the millions of migratory birds of Europe and Africa, by e-mailing this message to as many people as you can, environmental associations and mailing-lists. Let's make ourselves heard, so as to counter the blatant arrogance of the minority party of hunters, who seem to be holding our politicians in their power. Let's support the cause of nature conservation and sustainable development! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The message (to be completed with your name and hometown) is to be e-mailed to: cimu The Prime Minister of Malta Dr. Eddie Fenech Adami Office of the Prime Minister Auberge de Castille Valetta CMR 02 Malta Dear Prime Minister Adami, Your New Year's speech to the Diplomatic Corps in Malta this year contained little substantial in the context of the natural environment on your islands. You were however critical of international failings in this field, one cause of disappointment being the failure of the November Climate Conference in the Hague to reach a successful conclusion. In your address you did however state that " ..with increasing globalisation it becomes less possible to opt out of critical areas of collective responsibility " and " the safeguarding of the global environment for present and future generations is certainly one such area. " Whilst your concern for global environmental issues is praiseworthy, Malta's record on its own islands is very below par. The year 2000 annual report by the EU Delegation on progress to membership states: " Since the last regular report, Malta has made very little progress in the area of environment. No legislative progress can be reported concerning nature protection. Malta is .. a party to the Bern Convention .. but has a reservation and exception under the convention in relation to the hunting season. With regard to nature protection, most of the Community legislation has to be transposed, in particular the wild birds and the habitat directives. " Thanks to better and swifter means of communication, particularly the internet, the biannual slaughter of migratory birds, as well as the trapping and caging of naturally free species, reaches a wide audience. To most of us this is an affront and a depletion of our joint European natural resources; and not just an internal matter for Malta alone. The ideals of " collective responsibility " and " safeguarding of our environment for future generations " rings rather hollow in this context. Apart from the obvious long-term environmental consequences and losses for Malta and the rest of Europe, the Government and people of Malta should seriously consider the effect of the negative image projected by the barbaric behaviour of a minority and the economic and representation penalties that will inevitably follow. In the increasingly popular - and lucrative - field of Ecotourism Malta has acquired a bad name; and the inevitable sanctions will be self-imposed. Until a responsible environmental policy is implemented we will also discourage anyone in our domestic or business circle from planning a holiday in Malta. On the other hand we hope that active birdwatchers and environmentalists will travel to Malta during the migration season. Perhaps the presence of foreign environmentalists will have a salutary effect on the illegal hunters; provided the authorities ensure that no danger to life or limb ensues. Dear Mr. Adami, we appeal to you to use the authority of your office to influence those in executive positions to stamp out practices which have no place in a modern, environmentally aware, society. We will monitor the situation closely and will hope for great and swift improvements in this important 'benchmark' aspect of your government policy. I remain, Yours sincerely, please sign here (to be completed with your name and hometown) Email: cimu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 My son's school serves the chicken patty on a bun and he thought they were disgusting He loves the " Chix " patties. Nicole , Steph <mrswalp29 wrote: > > My five year old came home from school and told me that the school makes better fake chicken nuggets then I do. I have to admit I was sick to my stomach to have to tell him that it was real chicken and that when the menus say ckicken they mean chicken. He weeped for a long time. I told him this morning he is to sign up for bagel with PB & J but he loves the fake ckn so he wanted that. Poor thing. It was a hard lesson to learn and understand when so many fake meats look so close. If anyone has any stories I would love to hear them. > Steph > > > > Get your own web address. > Have a HUGE year through Small Business. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 10, 2007 Report Share Posted February 10, 2007 i loved reading everyones stories. even though vegetarianism has come a long way I find people are still so uneducated about it. I asked at a mexican resturant if they had any veggie choices the woman said " sure we have chicken enchiladas " I was shocked. It is even harder on my kids. Thankfully my 10 year old has two vegan classmates so he is encouraged by them. I have talked to my kids that this is a choice if they chose to eat meat that is acceptable but it won't be served in my house or in front of me. Steph Need Mail bonding? Go to the Mail Q & A for great tips from Answers users. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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