OBE's MBE's and all other awards.

[Guest guest]

As one who is more likely to be struck dead by an asteroid than

receive a royal honor, I am glad that at least I will not have to

endure the disapprobation of my colleagues on AAPN. But seriously,

guys, the honor is a recognition that helping animals is somewhat

appreciated by society. The honorific award will continue as a mark

of respect for animal welfare long after the dastardly Prince Philip

has gone to his " reward. "

Kim

 

At 11:50 AM +0530 6/18/08, wrote:

>I am equally dismayed to find out someone trying to deny the reality of the

>British Royal family's brutal hunting record. In my message, I have clearly

>stated my admiration for Dr McGreal's work but expressed reservations about

>her association with Prince Philip, a point that I reiterate. I mentioned

>nothing about Jill's work and in fact I have personally discussed the MBE

>recognition with her and am satisfied with her explanation as to why she

>accepted the honour. Ms Lynette Shanley, in her anger, drags Jill's name, I

>did not and consciously so.

>Whereas some people laud royal honours and crave for them, there are others

>who question its origin and have been bold enough to reject it for its

>imperial undertones. One of the most notable animal rights activists who has

>rejected royal honours is the British poet Benjamin Zephaniah whom I have

>met and interviewed. When I asked him about his rejection of the royal

>award, he told me that he wrote to give pleasure to people and not to win

>awards. I hereby append for your perusal, Benjamin Zephaniah's article in

>the Guardian where he explains why he rejected the honour. Carla Lane has

>also returned her OBE to protest the British government's treatment of

>animals.

>In England, there is an ongoing discussion to change the name of the royal

>award since it mentions the British Empire that is synonymous with

>exploitation and human rights abuse. The British MP George Galloway has

>eloquently mentioned that it is a shame that today an award is being given

>to commemorate the Empire that signified so much that is considered

>antiquated in this enlightened age.

>N number of accolades for an individual winning a royal award cannot

>change the fact that Prince Philip is a monster and I have said so and I say

>it again. Any kind of association with him is open to question and scrutiny.

>And the attached article by Benjamin Zephaniah proves that I am not alone

>in questioning the nature of royalty and the dubious nature of the awards

>granted by them.

>I think it is extremely sad that Ms Lynette Shanley has construed a

>portrayal of reality, ie., calling a spade a spade, as rudeness. Thankfully,

>there are people like Benjamin Zephaniah who do not consider hobnobbing with

>royalty as a special privilege and recognition.

><http://www.benjaminzephaniah.com/content/174.php>http://www.benjaminzephaniah.\

com/content/174.php

>ARTICLE:

 

--

Kim Bartlett, President of Animal People, Inc.

Postal mailing address: P.O. Box 960, Clinton WA 98236 U.S.A.

email <ANPEOPLE web-site: http://www.animalpeoplenews.org/