One of my least favorite things about presidential elections - aside from the bitter partisanship, the misogyny and racism, the fear of additional conservative Supreme Court Justices, and the loss of my very personhood, of course - is all the dogdamn pandering to the redneck hunting lobby. (C’mon, like anyone took this seriously. Pffft!)

This cycle, it’s Hillary who’s selling out her humanity for the “sportsmen’s” murderer’s vote. Clinton’s comments of this morning, made in response to Obama’s comments of April 6, are what set me off, but in searching for the exact quote on teh internets, I found quite a few references to her Duck Hunter days. (See, I can condemn the misogyny directed at Hillary without blindly throwing her my vagina vote. Nay, nay, nay boiz!)

Here’s Clinton on February 18:

“I’ve hunted. My father taught me how to shoot,” she told a crowd at the Labor Temple in rural northern Wisconsin. “I remember standing in the cold water. It was so cold, you know, at first light. I was with a bunch of my friends, all men.

“And they all were playing a trick on me, and said, ‘We’re not going to shoot, you shoot,’ ’cause you know what they wanted to do. They wanted to embarrass me.

“So the pressure was on. So I shot, and I shot a banded duck.”

Awww! Isn’t that special. I think I’ll vote for her, because she’s snuffed out at least one life in the name of sport. She’ll be perfect to take over the war in Iraq!

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Born Free USA Newsletters - donotreply [at] apiforanimals.org
Date: Fri, Apr 4, 2008 at 4:37 PM
Subject: Victory for Lynx / Our New Blog

Alerts at a Glance:

* Court Rules in Favor of Threatened Lynx — Judge says MN Trapping Program Violates ESA
- Fantastic News! This week’s ruling by a federal judge orders MN to ensure that no further lynx are captured by trapping activities within core lynx habitat.

* We’ve Launched a New Blog!
- Be sure to check out our blog for regular, incisive, up-to-the-minute commentary on issues affecting wild animals in need, both in the USA and around the world.

* Help Us Help Animals
** Make a Donation: Please consider a contribution in support of our 2008 campaigns and programs. Your gift will help us make a difference for countless animals this year.

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Photo via yeimaya

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Heather Sullivan - hsullivan [at] hsus.org
Date: Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Subject: Canadian Cruelty Cover-Up ?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Canadian Cruelty Cover-Up?

As Canadian lobbyists attempt to sway European Commission not to ban seal product trade, Canadian government denies journalists and animal welfare groups permits to document slaughter

(March 27, 2008) — Canada’s commercial seal slaughter will begin half an hour before dawn on Friday, March 28. However, at this time, Department of Fisheries and Oceans officials have refused to confirm they will issue permits to observers to document the killing for the opening day of the hunt. The Canadian government has authorized a slaughter of 275,000 seals in 2008.

Observation of the seal hunt is a right guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The commercial seal hunt occurs in public space, and journalists and citizens have the right to bear witness to it and document what happens.

“This is another attempt by the DFO to cover up the cruelty of the commercial seal hunt on the eve of the European Union deciding if it will ban seal products,” said Rebecca Aldworth, director of Animal Programs for Humane Society International/Canada. “Notably, observers from the European Commission were prevented from properly observing the commercial seal hunt in 2007 when they attended it with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.”

As officials deny journalists full access to the seal hunt, media accounts report a delegation of sealing industry lobbyists funded by the Canadian government is in Brussels to convince the EU not to ban the import of seal products. In 2006, the European Parliament passed a historic resolution calling on the European Commission to immediately draft legislation banning the trade in seal products, regardless of the age of the seal.

“Just two days ago we stood on the ice with baby seals almost entirely covered in white fur—tomorrow those pups will be brutally clubbed, shot and skinned. Those are the images the DFO is desperately trying to conceal from the public,” said Mark Glover, Director of Humane Society International/UK.

The European Commission initiated a study on the animal welfare aspects of commercial seal hunting, the results of which should provide the foundation for a ban. That study found evidence that seals may be “skinned whilst conscious, resulting in avoidable pain, distress, fear and . . . suffering.”

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Sat, Mar 15, 2008 at 8:01 PM
Subject: Part 1/ UPDATES: JAN-MAR 2008

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY - PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST

PART 1: KC UPDATES / JANUARY - MARCH 2008
Victories * Setbacks * Progress For Animals: ONLY PUBLISHED TRI-MONTHLY
www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/

PART 1: KC UPDATES / JAN - MARCH 2008
1. Hallmark Meat Exec Admits Downed Cows Enter Food Supply
2. Juvenile Arrested In Edna’s Disappearance Found Guilty
3. Dog Attacked With Drill Gun - Updated
4. Canada’s New Rules For “Humane Seal Hunt” (oxymoron of the year?)
5. Mississippi Legislators Snub Buddy’s Law
6. Puerto Rico Faces Suit Over Roundup/Kill of Animals
7. Official Investigation Of Puppy Killer Is Underway, Marines Say
8. In Shadow Of Vick Case, Virginia Toughens Dogfighting Laws
9. Landmark Crate Ban On Way To Nov. 2008 Calif. Ballot
10. Los Angeles: Spay-Neuter Proposal Becomes Law
11. South Africa To Resume Elephant Culling After 13 Years
12. Three U.S. Agencies Aim To End Animal Testing
13. Animals Lose A True Friend With Congressman Lantos’ Death

PART 2: KC UPDATES / JAN - MARCH 2008
PLEASE RESEND ME PART #2: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
14. Tammy Grimes To Appeal Unjust Sentence In Doogie Case
15. Companies Prosecuted In Poisoned Pet Food Recall
16. Report Calls For Prosecution Of Pet-Killing Dogcatcher
17. Judge To Bush Admin: You Can’t Exempt Navy In Sonar!
18. FDA OKs Food Sales From Animal Clones
19. NIH Tells UCONN Primate Experimenter To Return $65K
20. Dr. Anteneh Roba Earns Circle Of Compassion Award
21. USA: Killing Dogs In Training Of Doctors To End
22. SF Zoo Attack Victim Admits Taunting Tiger
23. Premarin Maker Wyeth Faces Over 5,300 Lawsuits
24. Denny’s Stop Sponsorship Of Ringling Bros. Circus
25. Boys Sentenced In Toby’s Brutal Death
26. The Dogs That Vick Hurt

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 6:46 PM
Subject: #1/ KC DIGEST: China Cat Cull, Chico Is Gone, Kid Slays Animals

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY - PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST

KC Digest is brought to you ONCE a month, courtesy of Kinship Circle.
Please DO NOT hit reply. Respond directly to the author of each alert.

3/11/08
PART 1: MARCH KC DIGEST - Alerts From Kinship Circle Supporters
www.kinshipcircle.org/digest/

PART 1: MARCH KC Digest
1. Beijing Kills Cats As Clean-Up For Olympics
2. Chico Is Dead - A Victim Of Bureaucratic Ignorance
3. Stop Spanish Animal Serial Killer, Age 16
4. Ask For Full Ban On Hunting Hares With Dog Packs
5. Pennsylvania Pigeon Shoot Legislation

PART 2: MARCH KC Digest
PLEASE RESEND ME PART #2: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
6. WAR March Madness: Focus On HLS
7. UPDATES: India Cancels Dog Cull / Cats Of Cape May Spared
8. Paul Watson Shot By Japanese Whalers. Vest Saves Him.
9. Politician In Spain Outs Himself As Animal Abuser
10. Support Animal Welfare Reforms In Portugal

(more…)

———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Jan 26, 2008 4:34 PM
Subject: Part 1: KC DIGEST - Dogfighter LA, Sled Dogs, Rabbit Fur…

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY - PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST

1/26/08
PART 1: JANUARY KC DIGEST - Alerts From Members + Action Links
www.kinshipcircle.org/digest/

PART 1: January KC Digest
1. PETITIONS, WEB LETTERS, VIDEOS
2. Carriage Horse Action Needed
3. Day In Court For Dogfighter In Shreveport, Louisiana
4. Help Save Iditarod Dogs From Brutality
5. Take Action Against Rabbit Fur
6. Burning Live Dogs In Stove Furnaces In Serbia

PART 2: January KC Digest
I DID NOT GET PART 2, Please send it to me: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
7. MORE PETITIONS, WEB LETTERS, VIDEOS
8. Protect Companion Animals In Final Farm Bill
9. Sea Shepherd Hostages Freed, Action Still Needed
10. Miami-Dade Commission Picks Cruelty Over Tethering Ban
11. Halt Animal Torture In Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: API Newsletters - donotreply [at] apiforanimals.org
Date: Jan 17, 2008 3:28 AM
Subject: Help Protect Animals from Cruel Traps

Alerts at a Glance:

* Help Protect Animals from Cruel Traps — We Need Your Help Gathering Information
- The use of body-gripping traps has many tragic consequences, including injury to unintended victims. You can help us change that.

* Born Free USA Is Now on Facebook!
- If you’re on Facebook, please add us! If you’re not, here’s your excuse to get online and find out what it’s all about.

** Other Ways to Help
* Make a Donation: Please consider a contribution in support of our 2008 campaigns and programs. Your gift will help us make a difference for countless animals this year.

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UPDATE, 1/19/08:

Just read on Green Is The New Red that the two captured Sea Shepherd crew members have been released, relatively unharmed.

Here’s Will with the details:

Two anti-whaling activists that have been held hostage by Japanese whalers were released today, after the Australian government intervened. […]

Benjamin Potts, 28, and Giles Lane, 35, were transferred to an Australian vessel, the Oceanic Viking. According to a statement (and the video above), they were roughed up a bit when they boarded but otherwise weren’t harmed.

Gabriel Gonzalez, a spokesman for The Institute of Cetacean Research in Tokyo (the whalers, gotta love the misleading name) told The Telegraph that the two were initially tied up because they might have been carrying bombs or weapons.

“This is a terrorist organisation, let us be clear of that, and if they respond with aggressive tactics, who knows what might happen,” he said.

So let’s get this all straight. Two activists board a ship, with a letter of intent, because the whalers refused to respond to radio communications. Whalers rough them up, tie them up, and then Yasuaki Sasaki, the captain, makes a series of demands, including activists must stop filming the whalers’ activities and not come within 10 nautical miles of the whaling ship.

But the anti-whaling advocates are the terrorists?

Indeed.

——————————————

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Jan 15, 2008 12:06 PM
Subject: ACT/ Canada’s Disgrace - Stop Seal Slaughter

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY - PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST AS WRITTEN

1/15/08: Canada’s Disgrace - Stop The Seal Slaughter
www.KinshipCircle.org

PHOTO CREDIT: Reio Hara, baby harp seal.
www.harpseals.org/toolbox/xtoolbox1.html#cute

EMAIL kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net FOR WORD DOC OF A FORMATTED LETTER.
Easily modify letter and copy/paste it into an email or print out to fax or mail.

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: API Newsletters - donotreply [at] apiforanimals.org
Date: Dec 27, 2007 9:40 AM
Subject: A Year’s-End Edition of Bulletin

A Dynamic Force for Animals

On December 12, 2007, API announced a historic merger. In a move that redefines the animal protection movement, API joined forces with Born Free USA to become Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute.

By uniting our two organizations we stand ready to become a dynamic force for animals in need in the United States and around the world. Our unique combination of vision, commitment, and experience means Born Free USA united with Animal Protection Institute will be a leader that the animals can trust — and so can you.

The end of the year is the traditional time to pause and reflect over the past twelve months. So this final Bulletin takes an overview of our 2007 accomplishments as API, and what, with your help, we’ve achieved for the animals. We face 2008 with expanded resources, expanded staff, and an enthusiastic commitment to protecting animals. As Born Free USA united with API, we look forward to exciting changes in the months ahead. We hope you’ll welcome this opportunity to continue to make a difference with us on behalf of animals, and that you’ll continue to support us with a generous year-end donation.

IN THIS ISSUE

* Putting an end to “a lifetime of misery”
* Going up against the big guys
* Coyotes in our midst
* Fur kills
* No more cruel traps!
* Victory in Washington state
* Farm transport
* A more natural life
* Acting locally
* National Bird Day: January 5, 2008

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Dec 25, 2007 12:31 AM
Subject: Part 1/ UPDATES: Year-End Victories & Setbacks, SEPT - DEC 2007

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY - PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST AS WRITTEN

PART 1: UPDATES / SEPT - DEC 2007
Victories * Setbacks * Progress For Animals
www.kinshipcircle.org/updates/

PART 1: KC UPDATES / SEPT - DEC 2007
1. Japan Scraps Plan To Hunt Humpback Whales
2. Lawsuit Against Los Angeles County Animal Control Dept.
3. “Chimp Haven Is Home Act” Passes Congress
4. Pet Safety & Protection Act Passes As Part Of Farm Bill
5. Shark Busts Superbowl Of Rodeo, The National Finals
6. You Got The Pet-Killing Dogcatcher Canned
7. New Laws And Hope After Puerto Rico “Pet Massacre”
8. Vick Sentenced To 23 Months For Dogfighting
9. Vick’s Dogs…You Helped Save Their Lives

PART 2: KC UPDATES / SEPT - DEC 2007
I DID NOT GET PART 2, Please send it to me: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
10. New York Medical College Drops Live Dog Lab!
11. Washington University Medical School Ends Pig Lab
12. Nine New Medical Schools To Teach Without Animals
13. Victory For Wildlife Caught In Bush-Style Politics
14. Who Dumped Huntingdon Life Sciences Lately?
15. Bebe Bans Fur? Not For Awhile…
16. 1/10/08 Trial For Sergeant Who Let Dog Die In Patrol Car
17. Stu Is Spared, But NOT Free Or Exonerated
18. Spain: Bird Hunts With Glue Ruled Illegal
19. Mercy’s Killer Behind Bars For Four Years

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: API Newsletters - donotreply [at] apiforanimals.org
Date: Dec 20, 2007 4:58 AM
Subject: Contact Crossroads about its Fur Sales Policy / Take Action for Coyotes

Alerts at a Glance:

* Crossroads Trading Company Withdraws from Consumers for a Fur Free Society
- Urge Crossroads Trading Company to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the program, and to allow fur to be sold in its stores.

* Indiana Residents: Your Voice Needed on Behalf of Coyotes
- Help spare coyotes from the terrible fate of being used in the cruel practice of “live bait training.”

* Other Ways to Help Animals
** Year-End Gifts: Make a year-end, tax-deductible donation in support of our 2008 campaigns and programs.
** CaféPress: Looking for a last minute holiday gift for a special someone on your list? Shop our CaféPress store for fur-free fashions, or choose one of our other stylish designs.

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Dec 17, 2007 1:00 PM
Subject: Part 1: KC DIGEST - Horse Carriage Ban, Europe Animal Tests, AVMA Approved Killing…

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY - PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST

12/17/07
PART 1: December KC DIGEST - Alerts From Members + Links To Action
View past KC Digest Newsletters: www.kinshipcircle.org/digest/

PART 1: December KC Digest
1. Send Holiday Cheer To SHAC 7 Prisoners
2. Outnumber Hunters With Your Feedback On Live-Bait Dog Training
3. PETITIONS, WEB CAMPAIGNS, VIDEOS
4. Help Medical Progress In Europe With More Alternative Testing
5. Bill to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages [Finally] Introduced!
6. Protest AVMA’s “Acceptable” Forms Of Euthanasia
7. Crisis For Animals In Neosho, Missouri Shelter
8. Where Are The Pigs? Hold Wild Animal Orphanage Accountable

PART 2: December KC Digest
I DID NOT GET PART 2, Please send it to me: kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
9. MORE PETITIONS, WEB CAMPAIGNS, VIDEOS
10. Man Dumps Emaciated Greyhounds To Die, Justice For Talca and Sari
11. San Antonio, TX: AWFUL LAW Proposed - May Affect Us All
12. Genuine Dog Skin Sold On eBay?
13. Veganism Is For The Birds: Workshop - Friday, January 11
14. Sierra Trading Post Sells Fur From China
15. 2007 State Animal Protection Laws Rankings

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Dec 14, 2007 5:43 PM
Subject: ACT/ Ban Live-Bait Dog Training

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY - PERMISSION TO CROSS-POST AS WRITTEN

12/14/07: Ban Live-Bait Dog Training
www.KinshipCircle.org

SOURCE OF INFORMATION / BACKGROUND:

Indiana Coyote Rescue Center
www.coyoterescue.org/

Ban Live Bait Dog Training
BanLiveBaitDogTraining [at] yahoo.com

COYOTE-RELATED RULE CHANGE PROPOSALS
www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/about/rules.html

Stopping Cruel Dog Training with Live Coyotes
www.coyoterescue.org/

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———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Kinship Circle - kinshipcircle [at] accessus.net
Date: Dec 3, 2007 8:02 PM
Subject: ACT/ Stop Whale Killers: Japan, Norway, Iceland

KINSHIP CIRCLE PRIMARY – PLEASE DO CROSS-POST, AS WRITTEN

12/3/07: Stop The Whale Killers: Japan, Norway, Iceland
KINSHIP CIRCLE ACTION CAMPAIGN
www.KinshipCircle.org

4 SAMPLE LETTERS IN THIS ALERT:
1. To JAPANESE Whale Killers
2. To NORWEGIAN Whale Killers
3. To ICELANDIC Whale Killers
4. To U.S. CONGRESS: Protect Whales

SOURCE OF INFORMATION:

Ask the New Japanese Prime Minister to Stop the Whale Hunt
community.hsus.org/campaign/hsi_whaling_JapanesePM?rk=K1SS0YsqI7ujE

Endangered humpback whales - new target for whalers
www.ifaw.org/ifaw/general/default.aspx?oid=186261&aid=9539&tr=y&auid=3174948

Japanese whalers hunt humpbacks
news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7099720.stm

International Whaling Commission
www.iwcoffice.org/commission/iwcmain.htm#conservation

PETITION: Whales Revenge / Target: International Whaling Commission
www.whalesrevenge.com

PETITION: HELP REVOKE MAKAH WHALING RIGHTS!
www.thepetitionsite.com/2/help-revoke-makah-whaling-rights

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