Senator Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia has been named PETA’s “Person of the Year.” Byrd has been recognized with the award for his passionate defense of animals throughout six decades of public service.
The senior senator, who was a meat cutter in his youth, has evolved into a tireless advocate for improving legal protection for animals, including animals who are slaughtered for food. The following are a few of Byrd's many efforts in behalf of animals:
When the Michael Vick scandal broke, Byrd made a stirring 24-minute speech on the senate floor condemning dogfighting as "barbaric."
In a hearing to determine how to prevent a reoccurrence of 2007's massive pet food recall that may have killed hundreds of cats and dogs, Byrd said, "Our pets are our companions, our soul mates, and our hedge against emotional turmoil."
In 2005, Byrd coauthored the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act, which prohibits the transport, purchase, and sale of horses for human consumption. The bill was publicly supported by PETA ally and singer Willie Nelson. Byrd also introduced a bill that would prohibit the commercial sale and slaughter of wild horses and burros.
In 2002, Byrd led an effort to convince the Senate Appropriations Committee to provide $5 million—a record amount—for improving enforcement of the Humane Slaughter Act.
In 2001, Byrd gave a moving oration in defense of a bill addressing cruelty to farmed animals, saying, "Our inhumane treatment of livestock is becoming widespread and more and more barbaric. Six-hundred-pound hogs—they were pigs at one time—raised in 2-foot-wide metal cages called gestation crates, in which the poor beasts are unable to turn around or lie down in natural positions, and this way they live for months at a time. … These creatures feel; they know pain. They suffer pain just as we humans suffer pain."
"Sen. Byrd is never shy about making his strong belief in the importance of animal protection heard," says PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. "Much animal suffering has been alleviated thanks to Sen. Byrd, and this year we are proud to honor him for giving a voice to the voiceless."
Thank you for all of your hard work for animals, Senator!
And to be clear, PETA does not support or oppose any candidate for public office or any political party.
- Joel
Comments (66)
TAGGED:
Comments
bravo
(good thing you are not advocating for the banning of meats)
Posted by: Caboose | December 26, 2007 10:44 AM
I like this man, and I especially love the fact that he does not use the words "helpless" or "innocent" when describing animals. Instead he says "soulmate", "companions" and "beasts". (okay people may not like that last one, but I like the term).
He's a great orator; he does not describe animals as helpless, floppy cutesy stuffed toys but rather as real, thinking beings, good for him!!
Posted by: Maya, C.V.T. | December 26, 2007 10:55 AM
Senator Robert C. Byrd is an Angel on Earth. He's a model, and we need more leaders like him, without whom non-vocal people like me feel helpless. Thanks to him, people like me can have some hope. A big hug to Senator Byrd. Thank you to give me some hope.
Posted by: France | December 26, 2007 07:59 PM
Senator Byrd makes me proud to be from West Virginia. I may live in New York now, but I will always have Almost Heaven in my heart, along with its superb statesman, Robert C. Byrd. I have observed his career with great interest, and am never more proud of him than when he speaks up for farm animals.
Thanks, Senator Byrd, and thanks to PETA for recognizing this courageous statesman's many contributions to animals.
Posted by: Susannah S | December 26, 2007 08:34 PM
No critizism, but he sounds like Bush, but without the "-isms"
Posted by: Caboose | December 26, 2007 09:23 PM
Wow, that's amazing!
Thank you Senator Byrd
Posted by: K | December 27, 2007 01:18 AM
Senator Byrd is a wonderful & compassionate man. I'm from WV & we all love him for everything he's done for humans & animals alike.
Posted by: Mysty | December 27, 2007 02:26 AM
What a wonderful man. Makes me wish I lived in West Virginia!
Posted by: J | December 27, 2007 03:34 AM
The last three prove, while in office he has accomplished over and beyond just being a Senator for the people and in my option is just one of many heros!! Many Thanks!
Posted by: Carla | December 27, 2007 01:22 PM
Yes, but is he a vegetarian? If not then his words of compassion are pretty hollow if he condones the worst violence possible - the killing of a living being.
Posted by: Ruth Eisenbud | December 27, 2007 02:11 PM
And a special mention to Dennis Kucinich, deservedly so, for being brave enough to speak out against AETA and for being vegan.
Maya, the pigs are definitely helpless in the factory farms and I could say the same about those animals having their skins torn off while still alive. I don't like the word beast because it does have negative connotations. Semantics is very powerful and when I wrote long research papers on animals and animal rights the word beast was never a word that would best serve the animals. (Even using the word beast to describe a human can also be construed as being negative depending on the usage).
Posted by: Ana | December 27, 2007 03:07 PM
If only we had some compassionate politicians in Canada...
Posted by: Marcy | December 27, 2007 04:02 PM
Marcy, I hear you. It will soon be time for the horrible seal hunt, which is subsidized by the government! It's disgusting - so far no politicians here will even dare speak out against it.
Posted by: Michele | December 27, 2007 05:21 PM
Ruth
Does he have to?
Marcy
You could do that.
Posted by: Caboose | December 27, 2007 06:29 PM
Hi Ana!!
I totally agree with you, what are the poor factory farm animals supposed to do, escape like Houdini? They are definetly helpless in that situation.
However, many people use the term "helpless" when describing all animals in general. As in, "All animals need us to protect them, they are all so helpless and innocent".
Doesn't this make you cringe just a bit? Animals are highly intelligent, adaptable, much better at surviving in many ways than we are! If people think of them as helpless, the respect goes right out the window.
One of my favorite feminist slogans is, "Love me less, respect me more".
People who abuse animals don't care if they are helpless, indeed the abusers often say they love animals. The reason for the abuse is a lack of respect for their intrinsic life value.
I don't have to go any further, because I'm sure you get the gist of my comment. Animals are helpless in certain situations, but they are not inherently helpless.
I also back you up two thousand percent on Kuchinich, here's to protest votes!!!
Have a great holiday, hope you get invited to many fabulous parties!! ;)
Posted by: Maya, Master's candidate, wildlife biology | December 27, 2007 06:54 PM
His speech against dogfighting was galvanizing! Sen. Byrd is not perfect but we are very proud of him here in WV. Thank you, PETA, for honoring Sen. Byrd.
Posted by: Emily | December 28, 2007 08:30 AM
"Semantics is very powerful..."
Yes, I agree. That is why I cringe every time I read or hear someone making the distinction between humans and animals. WE ARE ANIMALS!!! The sooner we come down from our high perches and join the crowd, the easier it will be to empathize with our furry cousins (a more apt term to "animals"). How can we condone the holocaust of our fellows? BTW, I am deeply ashamed to be Canadian.
Posted by: Thumper | December 28, 2007 01:54 PM
Hello Maya!!
The animals do deserve our respect, I very much agree. If that true respect existed we would leave them alone in their natural surroundings and hunting would be allocated to history books described as a cruel endeavor conducted by unenlightened humans. Cats and dogs are also helpless because not everyone both respects and loves them as we do. You and I know both know firsthand the cruelties inflicted upon them both in homes and on the streets!!!
Happy New Year to you, Maya, and yours!!!
Happy New Year to all vegan animal advocates!!!
A Happy New Year filled with many victories for the wonderful other animals that inhabit this earth!!
Thumper, I appreciate your comments. Well said!
Kucinich for President!
Posted by: Ana | December 28, 2007 04:03 PM
NO NO NO. You can't give this award to Byrd. In West Virginia, he adamently supports mountain top removal mining. This type of mining has permanently destroyed 500,000 acres of wilderness and has burried over 1000 miles of fresh streams. The impact of this mining on wildlife is terrible! For just ONE example, bears that have nowhere to hibernate in the winter are wrecking havoc on small communities.
When people fighting mtr heard about Byrd's haranguing of Vick they automatically pointed out the hypocricy!
Posted by: Brad | December 28, 2007 11:02 PM
Brad
Oh yeah, the I Love Mountains campaign.
The world should practice best management practice, and research Nuclear Fusion, and everyone will be happy.
Posted by: Caboose | December 29, 2007 04:36 AM
I think he owns hunting dogs and hunts. He is most certianly not a vegetarian. I guess we will take what we can get. Getting anyone in politics to speak up for animals is amazing--when they are from WV it is even more amazing. That is one hunting and meat eating state! Thanks to anyone who speaks out for animals but Person of the Year for PETA? I'm not too sure about that one.
Posted by: Maggy | December 29, 2007 10:00 AM
Brad: I have heard many mixed reports about Senator Byrd over the years when it comes to mountain top mining, a heinous environmental disaster in West Virginia. I could never really find out just what Byrd DOES support and doesn't support in terms of mining practices but I know that mountain top mining couldn't keep proliferating without the cooperation, either active or passive, of W.Va.'s political structure. Senator Byrd has done many great things in Congress, though, including speaking out against the war in Iraq when almost nobody else would. He has often been the "conscience" of the Senate,a statesman and a brilliant self-educated orator who takes on unpopular causes and tends to win them. He's a complex man with a long, multi-dimensional career, most of it good, some of it not-so-good, some of it downright great, and some of it questionable, at best. If he's contributed to the wreckage of W.Va. mountain-tops, even by looking the other way, then that's terrible. However, he has passionately defended animals over the years, and has consistently advocated for humane treatment of farm animals. He has been the voice in the wilderness, many times, when it comes to raising awareness of the plight of animals and so his recognition by PETA is justly earned.
Posted by: Susannah S | December 29, 2007 12:14 PM
PETA should know that Senator Byrd's speech might be passionate and I applaud protection for all animals--- but here in West Virginia Senator Byrd is aiding, advocating for Mountaintop Removal ...an insane form of mining that destroys animal's homes forever and has indeed killed baby black bears as they are sleeping. One local person here had to listen to a momma bear scream as men in bulldozers working on a strip mine site covered up her babies as they slept in the dens. Mountaintop removal has also put wild boar here on the threatened list. They kill animals as they clear cut in preparation for the strip mining.After Byrd's speech on dog fighting I called his office in DC and asked Byrd to change his mind and protect the wild animals here in Appalachia as well. We humans are also getting our water poisoned and Byrd is allowing the coal industry to use 3 1/2 million pounds of explosives a day to bomb our mountains, our homes and the animals. SO now you know...what are you going to do about it? PETA should confront Senator Byrd about this.
Posted by: hollergirl | December 29, 2007 01:06 PM
Thanks for the Solidarity:
Has PETA done an anaylisis of the effects of Mountain Top Removal Mining on animals. They might want to consider it before giving their man of the year award to someone who supports this destructive practice so effectivly. While so many this year and last have been sentenced to jail for defending animals and their habitat to give this award to someone who stood up against an extreme case of abuse while condoning and facilitating the daily murder of animals and their homes is sheer cowardice.
Posted by: Joe | December 29, 2007 02:38 PM
Cool. I was kind of expecting Dennis Kucinich, though!
Posted by: Charlotte Duncan | December 29, 2007 03:34 PM
Brad is right, data from the USGS indicates surface mining has been the largest source of habitat destruction in central Appalachia. Doubtless Byrd's support of this process harms far more animals than he as helped through his actions toward particular domesticated populations.
Posted by: Ryan | December 29, 2007 03:38 PM
It's true Michelle, the seal hunt is disgusting. At least I got my MP to oppose it (the Hon. Susan Kadis). She wrote a letter to Hearn and was shut down. No one dares speak against it because it means losing votes in Atlantic Canada since they are so proud of their "tradition" (mind you, I have some very good friends in Atlantic Canada who oppose it. Visit www.antisealingcoalition.ca). However, we have to show these ignorant, cold-hearted politicians that they will lose votes everywhere else if they don't stop it! I wrote to all the Leaders' constituency offices and let them know.
Posted by: Marcy | December 29, 2007 04:33 PM
I am extremely grateful for Senator Byrd's support of animals, and generally agree with and am proud of him on most issues. But it is really too bad he doesn't support the people in his home state who are fighting for their lives and homes against coal mining practices that destroy entire mountains, bury people's water supplies, and uproot family burial grounds. We could really use his backing on that!
Posted by: Carol Warren | December 29, 2007 07:05 PM
What are we thinking? Senator Byrd is being recognized for his "passionate defense of animals throughout six decades of public service." In this same six decade he has facilitated the destruction of Southern West Virginia's Mountains and people. Our water has been poisoned and land destroyed along with all the innocent creature that inhabit it. I don't hear anyone speaking for us. There have been 1.5 million acres of the Appalachian Mountain Range annihilated for so called cheap coal” Senator Byrd has a HUGE part in this! Now think about the people who inhabit these mountains… now think about the animals that live in the second most bio-diverse region in the world…. Now Think about THREE MILLIONS POUND OF EXPLOSIVES A DAY BEING USED AGAINST US ALL!! Now who’s getting the red paint???????
Posted by: Maria Gunnoe | December 29, 2007 09:50 PM
whoa!! If PETA would have checked Byrd out there is no way they would have given him this award. Robert Byrd supports mountain top removal. This is a form of coal mining that uses nearly 4 million pounds of explosives per day in West Virginia to decapitate as much as 1000 feet off the tops of Appalachian Mountains to fatten Byrd's coal buddies wallets. Black bear dens are often destroyed with bears inside. Mountain streams are buried and poisoned with toxins and chemicals killing aquatic and bird life. Human water wells are poisoned. People are sick. Animals are being obliterated with every blast,.. and PETA gives this evil old man an award?? Pretty damned hypocritical if it was done knowing this guy supports an industry that has absolutely no respect for animal rights.
Posted by: bo webb | December 29, 2007 10:12 PM
Senator Byrd is a slick old time politician and he has really pulled a con job on PETA. PETA! Please do your homework and expose this animal killer. Michael Vick is a boy scout compared to Robert Byrd who supports mountain top removal coal mining which kills bears as they sleep in their dens and many other animals as well.
Posted by: bo webb | December 29, 2007 10:17 PM
Senator Byrd's speech was outstanding. I think he is a great choice for the honor.
Posted by: DKL | December 29, 2007 10:40 PM
Thank you very much, Senator Byrd, for your demonstrated compassion for animals; and standing up for them...while being their voice.
Your voice for the animals came through LOUD & CLEAR during your stirring 24-minute speech on the senate floor condemning dogfighting as "BARBARIC!" Watching and listening to that speech (on TV) brought me jumping off of my couch and onto my feet in tearful cheering applause to you!!! I was/am so very grateful to you for speaking out about the depth of sin of such evil-doers, as dogfighters; and that the hottest places in Hell are reserved for them. Bravo, Senator Byrd!!! Bless your heart for standing up for the animals...and against all of the evil-doers who in any way, either directly or indirectly, cause them harm.
I would like to know which presidental candidate, if any, has compassion for animals and will stand up for animal rights and protection. What is your opinion of this, Senator Byrd?
For the animals in the love of Christ,
Cee
Posted by: Cee | December 30, 2007 02:53 PM
God Bless him for his courage! If only more leaders were like him...
Posted by: G | December 30, 2007 06:52 PM
Ive been a PETA member for over 10 years and I have to strongly disagree with naming Sen. Byrd a friend of animals. Byrd is a strong supporter os mountaintop removal mining in West Va. All animals on the mountain are blown up by the practice, every single living thing is destroyed. Over 500,000 acres of mountains have been destroyed, these are mountains filled with happy animals blown to bits by the likes of Sen. Byrd and the coal industry.
Also, bears are being buried by huge bulldozers on the mountains. We have witnesses who have seen coal companies wait until bears are near the explosives before setting off the blasts, and other witnesses know of mother bears and their cubs being buried alive in the dens by coal companies with the support of Sen. Byrd. If you want to know Sen. Byrds position on mountaintop removal, just call his office 202 224 3954. PETA you have really blown it by supporting Sen. Byrd, he is a terrible abuser of animals living in the mountains of his own state.
Posted by: Dave Cooper | December 31, 2007 10:56 AM
Perhaps next year PETA can have a Voting Contest for Person of the Year (i.e. like Sexiest Vegetarian, etc.). That way, any controversial issues can have a public forum and be taken into consideration BEFORE announcing the winner.
As far as Byrd is concerned, I'll take what I can get. It was beyond refreshing to hear a senator speak out against dog fighting.
Of course, we want everybody to be vegan, pro-animal, pro-environment on everything, anti-hunt ... but that's not going to happen, is it?
Byrd's speech was remarkable - he no doubt opened the hearts and minds of many uninformed people w/regard to the crime of dog fighting.
I applaud him for that much.
Posted by: Barbara | December 31, 2007 12:44 PM
Of coarse endorsing rampant habitat destruction (mountaintop removal) kinda defeats any support of animals this guy could do. I think it is disgracefull to honor a man that advocates blowing up the appalachian mountains. Where will the animals go when the mountains are gone???
Posted by: Kristopher Dingfield | December 31, 2007 12:57 PM
This guy supports strip mining mountains, turning them into toxic wastelands, and the animals that live in the mountains don’t matter? For years I’ve looked up to and supported PeTA & I’m a vegan on the PeTA2 street team, but I’m very disappointed at this obvious mistake.
Posted by: Scott Ellis | December 31, 2007 01:35 PM
Thank you Brad and others for pointing out Byrd's terrible record of permanently destroying mountaintops, wildlife habitat and allowing bears to be killed. I had no idea.
I am in graduate school for conservation biology and now that I know this I promise to pass the word along. We have a very very strong advocacy program in our school as well, they will want to hear about this!!
Political pressure may stop this practice, and Byrd may want to keep his pristine reputation as an animal lover.
Keep the pressure going, and WRITE LETTERS!! Good work, guys!!
Posted by: Maya, C.V.T. | December 31, 2007 01:59 PM
I will repeat my choice again: Dennis Kucinich, an ardent advocate for animals, a vegan, and his strong lone voice speaking against AETA gets my vote. Byrd speaking out against dog fighting alone does not merit any type of award from PETA. PETA awards hunters and destroyers of the environment??? Sad.
Posted by: Ana | December 31, 2007 04:25 PM
I could only wish our Honorable Senator Byrd could of spent 2 minutes on the Senate floor defending the children of Marsh Fork Elementary, perhaps they would have a safe and healthy school to attend by now if he had. They currently attend a school which sits underneath an earthen dam which holds back 2.8 billion gallons of sludge (the leftovers of cleaning coal) which is a liquid witches brew of coal dust and chemicals. He doesn't seem to have a problem with stating that there is nothing he can do to help get a safe learning environment for our children . but he can publicly defend a dog? I can only say I used to respect him.
Posted by: debbie | December 31, 2007 05:23 PM
Wow, its amazing to me that even after folks posted comments about what Mountaintop Removal is, and the VERY real, vast and sweeping impacts it has on all mountain dwelling life forms that there are still folks leaving comments of support for Senator Byrd.
Mountaintop Removal mining (MTR) is devastating for the habitat of countless animals, bears, bob cats, deer and coyotes among them. Because we are loosing so much habitat to MTR our hunting seasons are getting longer and longer (so we can better "manage" the wildlife) they say that the deer and bear are "over populated" because we are blowing up their wilderness habitat by several thousand acres at a time. They have less habitat and it seems like they are "over populated" so the powers that be here in WV say "hunt more!".
Mountaintop Removal is also a very real threat to human lives, entire mountain communities and Appalachian Mountain culture. If MTR is allowed to continue there is only one possibility - animals (human included) will be destroyed and this entire culture will be left to live on only in books and museums. Make no mistake - Senator Byrd supports mountaintop removal. Obviously PETA made a mistake, and its ok, we all make mistakes, we just do what we can to make it better and be grateful for the opportunity to learn.
Posted by: Hillary Anne | December 31, 2007 05:56 PM
I have only been a PETA member for 2 years, but I have come to passionately support everything they do, until now. I hope that I am part of an organization that can admit its mistakes and do what is right. I have personally seen animals suffer from strip-mining. By rescinding Senator Byrd's award PETA will make a very strong statement in support of central appalachia's wildlife.
Posted by: Brad | December 31, 2007 06:27 PM
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO TO HELP ANIMALS,AND THANK YOU WHO ARE DEDICATED TO THIS CAUSE. i WAS WONDERING IF YOU HEARD ABOUT THE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS WHO BEAT THE DEER TO DEATH IN A BASEBALL BATTERS CAGE. IF YOU HAVEN'T, YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK INTO IT. THANKS AGAIN.JERIBARRINGTON
Posted by: JERI BARRINGTON | December 31, 2007 06:46 PM
Ana
See, PETA is kinda screwed up.
Posted by: Caboose | December 31, 2007 06:53 PM
Hey, what about the PEOPLE living on the mountains?
Posted by: Caboose | January 1, 2008 01:14 AM
To Brad, Hollergirl, et al:
Now I have mixed feelings, at best, about this award. I looked up and read all the things I could find about Senator Byrd and mountain-top removal mining. I was appalled. Being a native West Virginian who lives elsewhere now, I haven't kept in touch as closely as I could have when it comes to the horrible practice of mountain-top removal. I didn't realize how hand-in-glove Byrd has been with the coal industry, although I knew that he adamantly defended "King Coal" as the "lifeblood" of West Virgnia's economy. Now, I have to admit that he is,clearly, instrumental in keeping this disastrous industry going. I still applaud his commitment to seeing animals treated more humanely, but I am deeply saddened to learn how entrenched he is with the coal barons. Mountain-top removal, strip mining, and the horrific coal impoundments which cause floods and pollute the streams and air all over the state have been a concern and a cause for me for many years. I am stunned at how little I really know about it, but I intend to learn a hell of a lot more. My opinion of Senator Byrd has been radically changed by this information, but I still thank him for defending the animals he has defended. Now, if only he'd protect the ones in his native state, along with the fine people he supposedly represents!
Posted by: Susannah S | January 1, 2008 10:02 AM
I am from Pennsylvania and having heard of Senator Byrd's advocacy for animals, I was originally very pleased to see him named as PETA's Person of the Year. However, reading the comments here and learning of his support of Mountaintop Removal Mining in West Virginia disturbs me greatly. I hope PETA can work with the Senator to halt this practice which is so barbaric to animals and dangerous to citizens of his State.
Posted by: Gail | January 1, 2008 09:22 PM
Great. PETA's awarding Byrd for his advocacy for animals. Has PETA become sluggish and has not bothered to check into his other political atrocities like the fact that he's in bed with King Coal? His support of Mountain Top Removal coal mining not only affects people, plants, trees, and ANIMALS, blasting their habitat into smithereens and polluting their surroundings.
Do we care about how he treats domesticated animals only, or should we care about all animals and the impact of the actions of this tyrant?
www.mountainjusticesummer.org
Posted by: roan | January 2, 2008 09:46 AM
I wish Senator Byrd did want to end Mountaintop Removal mining (MTR). Sadly thats the point, he supports MTR. Its great that he has a heart for livestock and supports humane treatment of farm animals but shouldn't wild animals have the same rights? I can't think of anything more barbaric than o bury a mother bear and her cubs alive - and thats really the least of it. Thank you all for being open to this information about Senator Byrd.
Posted by: Hillary Anne | January 2, 2008 10:03 AM
My thanks to Hillary Ann, Brad, Hollergirl, and the others who have pointed out the disaster that is mountaintop mining and Senator Byrd's part in that. You've opened my eyes to a painful realization that a man I've admired and respected for years has played a major part in the destruction of the Appalachians that I love. This doesn't diminish his very real good and honorable works, but it does point out that he has feet of clay. Unfortunately, his are made of the red clay of West Virginia, a beautiful, proud state that is falling apart, largely because of the short-sightedness of the coal industry and its political buddies. I am very sad to learn of this, but I'm also grateful to this blog for teaching me something new. I will write to Senator Byrd, and to my congresspeople, and I vow to do everything that I can to see that mountain top removal and the destruction of West Virginia's wild animals doesn't continue. PETA has meant many things to me since I joined this past Spring, but its educational aspects, as demonstrated in this blog, are one of the most valuable things of all.
Posted by: Susannah S | January 2, 2008 10:30 AM
There have been a few comments questioning the selection of Senator Byrd because of his position on mountaintop removal mining, so I figured I should jump in with some thoughts on that: First, we are aware of this, and we’re appealing to Senator Byrd to reconsider this important issue.
But we stand by our decision to commend him for his work to help animals. Senator Byrd has taken a strong stand against different kinds of animal abuse throughout his career, and it’s important to acknowledge the impact his efforts have had on educating the public about animal issues. While many elected officials turn a blind eye to animal suffering, Senator Byrd has courageously stood up to very powerful agricultural industries responsible for killing billions of animals every year.
It would be marvelous if everybody in the world got it right 100 percent of the time with their stance on animal issues, but while we work to get there, we’re thankful for people like Senator Byrd who have done so much good for animals, even if they don’t see the whole picture yet. By acknowledging the good Senator Byrd has done, we hope that he'll be inspired, and more importantly, inspire others, to help animals more in the future.
-Jack
Posted by: Jack | January 2, 2008 04:51 PM
Thank you for clarifying, Jack. I think this must be an extremely difficult issue for PETA.
On the one hand, senators who fight for the rights of circus bears, cats and dogs, farm animals, zoo animals etc are in desperately short supply and every voice counts for a lot.
On the other hand, environmental destruction causes millions of wild animals to suffer and hurts not only endangered species but native peoples as well. Politicians who allow destruction of the Earth cause tremendous and callous suffering.
If PETA took on an environmental stance it would seriously complicate their mission. So I understand their stance on this.
On the other hand, seeing a circus bear or elephant chained up is a real no brainer for many people, while the thought of blast mining does not register as animal abuse for many people because it seems so vague and far away. This is a tragedy.
I thank Jack and PETA for speaking to the senator about the mountaintop removal issue, and in the meantime no one has to support or vote for him if they don't feel right about it.
Posted by: Maya, CVT | January 2, 2008 05:35 PM
Thank you, Jack, for what I believe to be a good solution here: commend the Senator for his courageous stand against the agribusiness lobbyists and for the well being of, particularly, farm animals, but also work to see what he might be willing to tackle regarding mountaintop removal. I have no problem whatsoever with the choice of Senator Byrd as it pertains to his stand for animals. That is commendable. But I was stunned when I realized how much he'd had to do with moutaintop removal mining. I do hope he will reconsider this vital issue. And, as you said, no one is 100%, and this Senator has stood alone, many times, for the well-being of animals. On that, I think most of us can agree.
Posted by: Susannah S | January 2, 2008 06:00 PM
Why does someone have to be a vegetarian to be honored and respected as an animal lover? I eat meat, yes, but only organic, and I do consider myself as being "animal rights" for other reasons! I for one love Senator Byrd for being a voice for animals who speak, but who aren't heard by those who refuse to listen. He may support MTR Mining, and he may eat meat, but he has still done so much for animals all over, and I admire him for that. Senator Byrd may not be perfect, but he sticks up for the animals that are stuck in small crates at factory farms, living like that for their entire lives, until death finally ends their suffering. Isn't that what matters most? Thanks to PETA for recognizing Senator Byrd, and congratulations to this political animal lover!
Posted by: Amal | January 2, 2008 06:37 PM
PETA, thank you for talking to Byrd about MTR, but the truth is, people have been reaching out to him for years without a lick of success. A grandpa even walked 200 miles to talk with him in DC. He has facilitated the expansion of strip-mining since the mid 50s and refuses to budge. I hope you will accept the invitation to come to West Virginia and see firsthand the destruction. Mountain top removal is not just an environmental issue. Tell that to the countless animals burried alive in valley fills. I will continue to be a member of PETA and support the good work you do, but I will remain very disappointed for a long time.
Posted by: brad | January 2, 2008 06:40 PM
If people would like to see aerial pictures of mountaintop removal mining (currently going on in West Va, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia) they can go to www.mountainjusticesummer.org or look at the photo galleries at www.ohvec.org
There are some great video clips on you tube as well, just search mountaintop removal
Posted by: Dave Cooper | January 2, 2008 07:08 PM
"...I cringe every time I read or hear someone making the distinction between humans and animals. WE ARE ANIMALS..." ~~Oh you bet WE are animals, although I dislike insulting all those species known by that title [animals]!!
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In our pitiful so-called superiority as humans, we think abusing, torturing, and ignoring what could be, and should be, a world-wide utilization of humane methods in the slaughtering of domestic animals is no big deal, "they're just dumb animals". Arrgghhh. (and will homo sapiens be able to save those magnificent wild species in danger of extinction? --e.g. Bengal tigers, polar bears, etc? Probably not, or not unless a new regime [Liberal] in Washington, D.C. this November will truly take global warming seriously!!!)
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No-one has ever answered this simple question for me. Since humans will never give up their juicy, bloody, artery-clogging beefsteak (retch--gag) or pork chop, why, WHY do slaughterhouses continue to be places of unspeakable torture to the steers & pigs/hogs being killed in such horrific ways??
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I like telling people I am a member of PETA, and yes, I have been on the receiving end of what some ditzy dimbulb thinks is *his* original thought--PETA: "People Eating Tasty Animals" but I've learned to hide my revulsion for that person because I know all they want from me is an unladylike reaction ...and I refuse to blow my top (as I used to...lol).
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Will humans ever evolve to a more compassionate species? Probably not. And isn't that pathetic?
Posted by: Lorraine O'Connor | January 3, 2008 01:36 PM
I have supported PETA now for a long time --- but the award going to senator Byrd makes me ill and the thought of withdrawing my monthly support has entered my mind. If I do I will notify PETA of my reasons. And then to think that I have been thinking of putting PETA in my will. There are other animal organizations that stick to their principles who now may benefit from my $$$. The reasons for my feeling nauseated have been amply noted in comments so far: His support for mountaintop removal mining, his hunting, and his not being a vegetarian --- how, possibly, can PETA be so superficial in their choice? So narrow, and so mistaken? Perhaps even, so political for the sake of being political? It has ruined my day, and my trust in PETA's knowledge base. It now makes me hesitant to completely believe anything PETA says or does.
Posted by: Lous Heshusius | January 3, 2008 02:37 PM
This message is from Tasmania, Australia and I wish there were politicians here who fought for animal rights like Senator Byrd. Send him over here!!
Posted by: Geraldine Robertson | January 3, 2008 06:36 PM
Geraldine,
I live in West Virginia and would be glad for you to have him. Don't be surprised if Australia begins running out of valleys though. We have the most biodiverse temperate ecosystem in the world (mixed mesophysic forest), but that didn't stop Byrd from destroying the habitats here. For FIFTY years he has aided and abetted and profited from the almost complete destruction of our wildlife and ecosystems!!!!!
Take him please! You and PETA can fight for him.
Posted by: Brad Wood | January 4, 2008 10:09 PM
you've gotta be kidding me! senator byrd? this man refused to join the military because there were black people serving. he was a member of the KKK into his early thirties, and certainly for a part of that 'six decades of public service.' i cannot believe you, peta. a racist is your person of the year. thanks, guys.
Posted by: baatin | January 7, 2008 09:09 PM
I cannot believe Senator Byrd is being praised for caring for animals. He supports and funds coal companies in West Virginia that employ mountaintop removal, a method of strip-mining that decimates the entire mountain, leaving the mountainous landscape of West Virginia no more than a moonscape. And obviously, when you blow up a mountain, the trees, soil, and ALL forms of wildlife there are destroyed, the ecosystem ruined. Coal-miners have reported watching bears, deer, and other animals buried by the dirt being excavated by bulldozers.
Millions of animals have lost their habitats and their lives because of mountaintop removal, which our saint Mr. Byrd has openly supported. I just don't understand how PETA can take his news conference-comments and kissing-babies routines seriously, while ignoring where his money goes and who his real friends are - the coal companies.
Posted by: Barbie | January 8, 2008 06:37 PM
I am a 11 years old vegetarian since birth girl. I couldn't decide between Obama and Clinton. Both of them seem to be good but anyways, I want PETA's view of them and which democratic president they like the best. Thanks! =)
Posted by: 11 Year Old Vegetarian Animal Lover Political Girl | January 11, 2008 09:33 PM
sen byrd may have his faults and shortcomings but dont almost all polititans if we wait only to receive help for the animals especially on factory farms animals used for comsumtion of food who suffering is great unfornatly most polititians are for busines which is at the animals expense because of money we need all the help we can get for these animals puting aside some things we diagree with what if you were one of the animals suffering in factory farm a fur farm adog fighting ring would you want to wait around to get help from a perfect person no i think you would welcome ahand exteted to you even if the person is not perfect
Posted by: carol | January 23, 2008 06:59 PM
so carol
Youd support animal lib if it meant total economic collapse?
Posted by: Caboose | January 25, 2008 12:02 AM