Check Out Michael Markarian’s Review of Presidential Candidates’ Records on Animal Protection
Whether you’re in Iowa or New Hampshire and getting ready for this week’s primary or with the rest of us in the other states, now’s the time to check out Humane Society Legislative Fund’s Michael Markarian’s review of the presidential candidates on his blog, Animals & Politics. So far, he’s covered John Edwards, Mike Huckabee, Barack Obama and Bill Richardson.
The candidates’ stands and records on animal protection are very important to everyone, not just those of us concerned with caring for and bettering the position of animals in American life. Why? Because how these men and one woman act towards the undefended and the powerless, animals, tells me a great deal about their character. If they care about those who can’t vote or give them them money, then it suggests to me that they are better people in general. When it comes to making decisions that affect us, don’t we want someone who thinks about others than just his donors and friends? Don’t we want someone in charge who considers everyone and the environment?
I’ll be watching for Michael’s take on the candidates. I want to know what he knows before I vote.
I would take everything the HSUS says with a fine grain of salt. Remember, it was a member (Pam Rogers) of the Humane Society of the United States legislative department that wrote a letter to Louisville Metro Council, in 2006, to get Breed Specific Legislation passed. They have also written letters to other areas proposing breed-specific mandatory desexing, stating “They [pit bulls] are also the dogs of choice for drug dealers, gang members, and anyone else who is looking for a dog to be a status symbol.” and “Requiring the sterilization of pit bulls does not have the same problems as traditional breed-specific legislation”.
Daddy’s Mom,
I can second your concern about some HSUS actions. WHile HSUS has done some excellent work, I too have had my disgreements with some of their stands and actions.
That said, it is often very hard for those of us in teh blogosphere to uncover information on political figures, mainly due to lack of time and money. The HSLF has the resources to uncover info we can’t. So as long as what we are looking at are facts (as in the Huckabee case or Senatorial voting records) the HSLF is a great source of raw information..
Thanks for barking in!
The HSUS opposes breed-specific bans, and more information is available here:
http://www.hsus.org/pets/issues_affecting_our_pets/dangerous_dogs.html
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/pooch_prejudice.html
We do believe that pit bulls need extra protections, and you can read more here:
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pets_related_news_and_events/pit_bulls_capture_hearts.html
Michael,
Thank you for barking in and sharing those links.
The more we can share information, the more we can dispell misunderstandings.