THOSE HUNTERS WHO DIED DURING THERE EVIL HUNTING TRIP WELL... THAT WAS THERE CHOICE TO GO OUT AND KILL. THOSE POOR LITTLE SEALS DON'T HAVE A CHOICE AND WERE MURDER AND SKINNED ALIVE BY THOSE EVIL HUNTERS. SO I SAY "WHO CARES" ABOUT THOSE EVIL HUNTERS WHO DIED. I CAN'T BELEIVE THAT SOMEONE THOUGHT THAT A MEMORIAL FOR THOSE HUNTER WAS IMPORTANT. MAY GOD HELP THOSE SEALS AND STOP THE TORTURE FROM HAPPENING AGAIN NEXT SEASON. PLEASE PETA...LETS US KNOW WHAT ELSE WE CAN DO TO HELP SAVE THE SEALS !!!

Posted by: SASHA | September 16, 2008 06:09 PM

Why don't we all get together and put an end to this annual seal hunt once and for all? It's obvious to me that writing letters and requesting compassion is not working. How long can we let this go on?

Posted by: Michael Essi | September 16, 2008 06:30 PM

I think having a memorial for the seals is wonderful. Hopefully, this annual killing will stop soon.

Posted by: Kathleen W. | September 16, 2008 08:13 PM

I am hoenslty discusted to be a canadian citizen becuase of the seal hunt.
it disucsts me in ways i cannot even discribe.

im glad that peta actualy wrote a letter to her stating that this is wwrong becuase it hoenstly is.

not gonna lie, they shouldnt even have a memorial for those who died, they should have it for the seals. im glad people died because of that because its as if its pay back from the seals. what goes around comes around, right ?

Posted by: sarah | September 16, 2008 08:22 PM

Save the seals, club Nancy Pelosi, or any liberal. On a serious note, a monument for the seals would be a better ideal, they are the one who really suffer.

Posted by: Brian | September 16, 2008 08:49 PM

What brainiac thought this up? I'm all for memorializing those who lost their lives too early, but come on--this is ridiculous. Let's memorialize the real victims of this event--the seals!

Posted by: Michelle Martin | September 16, 2008 08:52 PM

Personally I could not care less about the hunters who have died as they murdered the seals. I have much more compassion for the helpless seals and the cruel way they are killed. If the hunters died, so be it. An eye for an eye.

Posted by: H Harris | September 16, 2008 10:14 PM

That's wrong on so many levels. Those idiots don't need a memorial, they need a real job. Those innocent seals don't deserve to be murdered like that.

Posted by: Brianna | September 16, 2008 10:29 PM

You should put up a link for the rest of us to write to them and let them know what we think!

Here, everyone: http://www.ellistonheritagefoundation.com/

Let them know that caring about what the seals feel as they are brutally attacked is not politics! Morality and caring for others is not the definition of politics.

Imagine an organization that was set up to commemorate Nazis who lost their lives in concentration camp accidents in WW2 but said it did not get involved in the politics and thus would say nothing about the actual victims, the Jews and all.

Fine, don't get involved in politics, but how about simple golden rule morality? Is morality and caring for those that are attacked and tortured politics? No.

Posted by: drew | September 16, 2008 11:29 PM

What memorial do those bastards deserve?

Posted by: SavetheanimalsBitch❤ | September 17, 2008 01:56 AM

Astounding! Myrtle needs to imagine and empathize with the the horror, fear and pain of being clubbed and skinned alive so she might get a clue that the hunters were not the defenseless, innocent, and mercilessly tortured and slaughtered victims. The dead hunters are a disgrace to humanity and have no place being memorialized for their greedy, evil and dispicable acts of supreme and savage cruelty. Royal bullshit that the foundation shies away from politics, because memorializing savage torturers and killers is conspicuously political and supportive of evil.

Posted by: Lisa Kwietniak | September 17, 2008 03:21 AM

STOP MURDERING THESE WONDERFUL SEALS! I MAKE A MONUMENT FOR THEM IN MY HEART FOR ETERNITY - THESE INNOCENT MARTYRS DESERVE MY WARMEST TEARS - AND NOBODY ELSE!

Posted by: Mister Jingles | September 17, 2008 07:38 AM

Brian, I agree!

Posted by: Ana | September 17, 2008 08:40 AM

Myself and a large group of family and friends have been against the Canadian seal hunt for years. We have supported PETA in many ways, be it donations, petitions, writing letters, and etc. But after seeing some of the comments above, we cannot, in good conscience, continue to support PETA. After all, these sealers were people to, and to wish harm or death upon them is just wrong. The Elliston Heritage Foundation is just trying to memorialize the lost of friends and loved ones. I cannot believe that people who are so passionate towards animals can be so heartless to their fellow man. Please PETA, ask your supporters to stop talking like this. It is people like some of the above who will undo all the good that as been done and will be done in the future.

Posted by: Leona | September 17, 2008 09:11 AM

They seem to forget that a life is a life.
So a couple of people died thats sad but it was in the pursuit of killing another animal really its justice! as cruel as it sounds.
While a few Hunters died millions of seals dided.
And i know which one I m most sadened by
.
.
.
.
And its the seals

Posted by: Aine D | September 17, 2008 10:31 AM

I too am sickened at the comments of some of our members here! Take a moment and read through the Elliston Heritage Foundation’s website. This is a small community organization planning to erect a memorial to their citizens who died almost a century ago. No where on the website do they say they support the seal hunt. If anyone has studied history they would realize it was a different world in 1914 when people went hunting to survive (ie. for food or to make some money to get them through the winter).

Comparing this proposed monument to a monument for Nazi concentration camp guards is absurd! PETA needs to focus its effort on matters that do some good and not try to pick a fight with a group like this. Some people here really need to think before they type.

Posted by: Keith | September 17, 2008 10:41 AM

i understand that comparing the proposed monument to a monument for Nazi concentration camp guards is a little extreme but the fact of the matter is that they kill these animals year after year. We are no longer in 1914 and I am sure there must be another form of survival that does not include hunting these precious beings. If they are going to set up a monument for their loves ones i believe we have the right to have one for the animals we hold dear as well. Regardless, the annual hunting of seals is inhumane and must come to an end. unfortunately i don't think our little monument idea will truly open their eyes.

Posted by: Kira | September 17, 2008 11:17 AM

i love Peta and everything it does for the animals so everyone that says any different is just stupid. and way dumb. wake up people peta stand up for animals when people hurt them. the members are only trying to stop what humans do to them everyday. go peta and their members. the world needs more of us everywhere. and the seal hunters and the memorial day all need to go to h%&&

Posted by: amy | September 17, 2008 11:30 AM

To The Hunters And Their Families:

ITS CALLED KARMA BABY!!!!!!!

PS: Who Can We Write To About Supporting This SEAL Monument?

GO TEAM PETA!

Posted by: Amanda | September 17, 2008 11:42 AM

Eye For An Eye.

Posted by: Delliana of the Sea | September 17, 2008 11:44 AM

Although the sight of blood on the surface of white ice floes can be disturbing sometimes other things have to be taken into account before we judge. Firstly although the picture of a white seal pup on the ice does help to turn attitudes against the seal hunt the truth is seal pups cannot be culled. Since the early seventies it has been illegal to kill a "Whitecoat". This is a fact. Secondly the general public does not understand what effects an unchecked seal population has on fish stocks. The seals do not have a natural predator in the wild to keep their numbers under control. Without the hunt seal numbers would increase and continue to impact fish stocks. Yes in earlier days of the seal hunt it was not regulated and pups were taken. Those days are now gone. The truth is that the seal hunt is needed not only for commercial purposes but also for conservation purposes. It is not hard to find the facts on the seal hunt. Although it is much easier to watch sensationalized videos by PETA and to listen to ill-informed celebrities.

Posted by: G Solingren | September 17, 2008 11:49 AM

I'm Canadian too, and I think that the seals (especially) and the hunters deserve a memorial. Of course I'm disgusted about what they do to seals, but these hunters had families too. I feel sorry for the families loss, but its a dangerous and cruel, inhumane job. And, when I heard about the seal hunters who died, I wasn't even close to feeling sorry for them.

Posted by: Aneliese | September 17, 2008 12:22 PM

Nobody forced these people to risk their lives in terrible sea conditions. Seals are never given this choice they are murdered in their nursing grounds!

Posted by: Maureen | September 17, 2008 12:39 PM

To the person who condones seal hunting to "control" fish populations,ect."

Have you forgotten that people (not all, we don't need to) hunt everything we can get. this includes sea and lake populations. To the point of extinction sometimes. this planet was doing fine before human beings came along. What makes you think we need to be in charge and decide what animal should live or die. Could you imagine if that baby seal were your dog or your child?

Posted by: raine fieberg | September 17, 2008 01:39 PM

THANKS PETA FOR ALL YOU DO.
GO PETA, GO PETA, GO.
WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND!!! There are better ways to earn a living than kill defenseless babies.
WE HAVE TO BE THEIR VOICES AND WE WILL KEEP ON FIGHTING UNTIL THE END!!!

Posted by: Dalia E. Hettfield | September 17, 2008 03:16 PM

How could anyone wanna hurt such a cute faced animal?

Some of these hunters may not know the difference in what they are doing. They may have been raised in such an enviornment where it is ok to kill whatever they wish (aside from people). They are raised to have no emotions for animals at all. We don't know. It should be PETA's job to educate and make them aware. Then it is their choice to either continue or find another line of work. Either way, I feel that their families have a right to a memorial for their lost loved one BUT why should these people be honored? That part I disagree with.

True these people are old enough to learn the difference between humane ways of killing something and inhumane ways. Are these animals becoming extinct? Not that it makes a difference- I am just wondering.

It is strange to me how people will pay tons of money to wear a baby seal but they are so blind to how that fur became their jacket in the first place.

Posted by: BBR | September 17, 2008 03:17 PM

I agree, it is karma. These people want to slaughter other living beings - well sorry to all you murderer huggers, but we will not condone a monument for murderers. Those crying that peta is wrong on this, need to look at the true victims - the seals. These people that died were out seeking death, these seals only wanted life. Maybe you all need to realize that!

Posted by: alicia pharo | September 17, 2008 03:35 PM

Yes.

Lets honor the people who died skinning baby animals alive.

Why not?

Next we can throw a big party for all of those animal abusers out there.

For the love of God, people, get off your high mechanical horse for a minute and REALIZE that these people KNEW exactly what they were doing. They knew the risk, and maybe they underestimated them, overestimated themselves, but for Christs sake, don't build a stupid statue in honor for their blood-shedding deeds.

And for what? Sport? Thrill of the hunt?

They have video games for that.

Posted by: Kat | September 17, 2008 04:13 PM

S. Solingren-

According the Paul Watson's book "Seal Wars" yours are empty arguments.

I remember reading clearly these false arguments. Fish stocks actually INCREASE when the seals can LIVE. Also, the so called "ban" on "whitecoats" is a farce, too. They get around it all the time. A little change in coat color and they are dead.

Lies lies lies.

Everyone, for an amazing read, read "Seal Wars" by Paul Watson. It's not only an excellent read but he will give you the in depth story behind the story.

Posted by: Kristina C | September 17, 2008 04:45 PM

Raine

You are right on.

Of course, it is completely selfish and cruel to kill an animal just so we can eat more of another animals flesh!

Sickening and immoral.

But not only that..that argument is not true. Read Paul Watson's "Seal Wars". Amazing read...cuts thru the BS of Canadian officials and hunters on the truth of this.

The truth is...way back when there were thousands more seals there were thousands more fish, too! I forget the exact ecological reasons but they are there.

But even if this was not true...we do not need fish. I don't eat fish..I am happy and healthy. We do not need to kill another species so we can INDULGE and KILL to satisfy our PALATE. Totally immoral.

Posted by: Soliel | September 17, 2008 04:49 PM

Thank you PETA for shedding light on this story!

Posted by: Halle | September 17, 2008 05:08 PM

WAY TO GO PETA! those people are gross who seal hunt. OR hunt anything for that matter. BRING DOWN THOSE LOSERS!

Posted by: Robert | September 17, 2008 06:12 PM

So let me get this straight...the seals have to be killed because they overpopulate and threaten fish stocks that the already overpopulated human race will eventually deplete anyways?
Seems to me that the seals are little in the way of a threat. Maybe we should smarten up instead!

Posted by: G. Stewart | September 17, 2008 07:07 PM

well if they weren't on the ice floes in the first place carrying out their MURDEROUS BLOODY ACTS.. then maybe possibly MAYBE they would not have died! not sure how exaclty they came about their deaths.. but they should NOT have been there in the first place clubbing baby seals to their bloody and violent deaths!!!!!
I cannot muster up much sympathy nor sadness for these people who died.. in any case.. they have a lot of blood on their hands anyway.. and had to be comparatively heartless to feel 'nothign' and go around clubbing all these animals senseless and turning the white ice bloody red everywhere..

Posted by: beth | September 17, 2008 07:29 PM

Solingren, seals have been consuming the same amount of fish for thousands of years. Man and factory ships are over-fishing the oceans. Don't blame the seals for man'
s stupidity. According to your logic seals would have eaten themselves to extinction centuries ago. The "hunt" is brutal and barbaric and a disgrace to Canada. Btw I'm Canadian.

Posted by: Tom | September 17, 2008 08:18 PM

There are plenty of heroes in this world who absolutely deserve a memorial for risking their lives for others. I'm sorry but are these "men" heroes??? Maybe I'm naive but whose life did they save?? My heart goes out to the families of the deceased but a memorial sounds ridiculous?? How about a memorial for the seals?

Posted by: Kim | September 17, 2008 09:58 PM

Solingren- you say the seals do not have a natural predator in the wild. Am I missing something, or did whales and polar bears disappear overnight? And we attempt to keep dog and cat populations under control also- through neutering and spaying. Go back to science class. Murder is not the answer.

Posted by: Kaara A | September 17, 2008 10:53 PM

If you have seen this slaughter, you would not have sympathy for hunters. These animals are skinned alive while their mothers are there and driven off. These animals are not killed for food but for pelts and the meat left to rot. There has to be something wrong with you to hear the babies scream in pain as they are clubbed and skinned. Sane people do not skin a live animal or club them the way they do so as not to harm the pelt. These are adult men that make the decision to murder these babies for money...MONEY NOT FOOD. Sorry, they can live with the consequences of the decision to go out there for pelt. No tears for these men as they WANT to do it. Big difference between choice and no choice. You need to see how this is done and hear it. Savage, inhumane, sickening. A memorial for these babies won't make a difference to the men that do this but at least we will know how much we care. As far as no natural enemies in the sea, better go back and check cause you are wrong on that fact too

Posted by: sandy valencour | September 18, 2008 02:25 AM

To you who said seals have no natural enemies - WRONG ! Sharks , killer whales(orcas),Polar bears ~ NATURE keeps animal populations in check - humans do NOT have to.Get your facts straight . The INNOCENT , HELPLESS seals are the ones to mourn for - THEY did not have a choice - CRUEL ,HEARTLESS humans chose to TORTURE & MURDER them . Like all living beings they WANT TO LIVE ! I know those people had families and for the family I feel sorry for their loss but anyone EVIL enough to torture & kill an innnocent animal I say its an eye for an eye ~The seals have families too. The SEALS need to be memorialized by everyone and this hunt needs to STOP ! There is nothing wrong with the mens own families having a private memorial for them but most do NOT want HEARTLESS killers to be remembered !

Posted by: Nancy | September 18, 2008 02:38 AM

Seriously, why do human beings do this kind of stuff to animals?! I just don't get it....

Posted by: Steve | September 18, 2008 06:46 AM

Why would anyone want to hurt those sweet and innocent babies?Hasn't there been enough slaughter.LEAVE THEM @*&# ALONE

Posted by: Brenda Jean | September 18, 2008 10:58 AM

what happen to those seal hunters are a sign what goes around comes around its not good to wish bad on anyone but all those seal hunters deserve to sink in there boats and learn another trade if they could

Posted by: Tracy | September 18, 2008 11:10 AM

I dont understand the reasoning behind killing the seals and the baby ones also. and the men that did this and died because of it that is what they get. I am for a memorial for the seals, i will donate to that cause only.

Posted by: Theresa Huskey | September 18, 2008 01:37 PM

I think that there are extremists on each side of the arguement.

I feel sorry for the families who have lost a father,brother or son. Even though i STRONGLY disagree with the seal hunts, that does not take away my compassion for the families.

Simply because i am vegan and care for all animals does not diminish my caring for anyone in pain.

Thank you Peta for keeping things like this in the news and the forefront of people's mind.

Blessings,

Allie

Posted by: Allie | September 18, 2008 02:21 PM

I hope soon to see a memorial for all the seals died in this GENOCIDE,it will be a first step to recognize that we're not only killing each other,but we're since so many centuries exterminating a lot of animals species,centuries of centuries... where we can live easily without any products made with animals flesh,skin,fur....that's different for others ethnies living and depending of .We must end cruelty hunting,respect animals and recognize our mistakes and blindness

Posted by: Céline Bahlinger | September 18, 2008 02:33 PM

of course I feel sorry for the families of the hunters, it is compassion that led me to care2 in the first place, but my first concern and care is with the defenseless that are brutalized every day by unfeeling people, whether they be animal or human. the hunters chose their course, the Mama seals have no choice but to scream as their babies are murdered and skinned alive in front of them.

Posted by: sheila | September 18, 2008 02:35 PM

Should we honor Hitler too?

Posted by: Pete Conrads | September 18, 2008 03:21 PM

Leona - PETA isn't telling their supporters to make certain comments so leave them out of this. We all have our own minds and can think and feel the way we want. It's called freedom of speech to be able to say what you think and feel. You are a hippocrit for saying you supported PETA in the past but aren't going to now because of some comments on here. I don't wish for anyone to die, but people are not thrilled with the idea that there are hunters. See, humans make a CHOICE to do this. Animals don't choose to die. Keith - don't look at this site if you don't like people's comments!!!

Posted by: 4 the Animals | September 18, 2008 04:02 PM

I wonder if the memorial will show them killing the sweet baby seals? So every one can see how heartless this hunt is!

Posted by: Crystal | September 18, 2008 04:17 PM

You know it is really obvious this is a convoluted situation-that is people deliberately choose to kill baby seals, or fish, or whatever, do not want to hear the crap that they have to to make a living. Not true. I am on the side of letting the animals live and people make a living a different way, save your lives.

Posted by: Montana neighbor | September 18, 2008 06:09 PM

The baby seals were innocent creatures just trying to exist. The hunters were ruthless killers. I side with the poor baby seals.

Posted by: Richelle | September 18, 2008 06:59 PM

"I have no apologies for defending the seals from their killers. Bullies are notorious for whining like victims when the tables are turned." -- Paul Watson

These are the words of a human Sparticus fighting for animal comrades against an evil empire of twisted greed and self-interest.

A previous commentator stated that the letters and protests aren't working, and that's correct. I'm tired of waiting, I'm tired of people's self-interest and "preferences" and excuses and numerous other things put before the rights of other creatures to simply exist.

It's time to free the remaining slaves of the world - NOW!

Posted by: IE Ries | September 18, 2008 07:27 PM

I've often wondered if the animals were equally armed and skilled with their weapons, how many 'sportsmen' would still be out there hunting?

Posted by: Robert | September 19, 2008 12:15 AM

Kaara A there are no Polar Bears in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The Whales that are in that area also are not Whales that feed on seals and so as far as predators go again there are not any. Please check the areas and species you are commenting on before you post.

Kristina C how is it a lie that it is illegal to kill a whitecoat? The baby seals weigh approximately 15kgs at birth. They gain on average 2kgs of weight a day for the first 3 weeks of their lives. The baby seals don't lose their white fur until they are 2 months old. At that time they are on average a minimum of 53.5kgs. At this point their coats change to adult colours and at that weight are hardly pups anymore. So how is what I said a lie? You've read one book from one point of view. I've had the opportunity to grow up here and have a family member who worked for the DFO here on the ice monitoring the hunts. I think I might have a little bit more informed perspective on this. Just my opinion however.

Raine I have not argued at all that man is to blame for the current condition of the planets fish stocks. A predator with no predator of its own that can consume such huge amounts of fish does need to have its numbers controlled. Whether you agree or understand or not.

Also for everyone who believes that the seals skinned alive I'm sorry but that is also not true. If any of you would like to take the time to read anything current of the seal hunt please take the time to look on the Fisheries and Oceans website www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca to actually gain a truly informed opinion.

Lastly for everyone who takes any sort of enjoyment or comfort in the deaths of any of the sealers....well, again in my opinion, that is worse than the hunt itself.

Ignorance is bliss...education is golden.

Posted by: G Solingren | September 19, 2008 12:17 AM

So according to Solingren, since seals don't have a natural predator to keep the population under control and it's the seals that are "devastating" the fish population, it's up to humans to keep a check on seals. Hmmm, maybe humans over fishing the oceans has something to do with it? Unfortunately a lot of people are all about having more, be it money, material things etc. and if something dares to get in the way, it can be gotten rid of. Since we are the dominant species on the planet, it is easy to blame EVERYTHING on the supposedly lower species. After all, the animals are voiceless and can not defend themselves. It is up to us that care to speak for them. After the seal hunters take away costs such as gas for boats etc. apparently all the blood shed gets them an average of about $1000. Does that seem worth putting your life at risk for? The seal hunt is barbaric and WE WILL PUT A STOP TO IT! Do you hear me Denis Longuepee?!

Posted by: Veronique | September 19, 2008 04:22 AM

Good try Solingren! You have to understand that the people who are commenting against you will never change their minds or look at this situation through another perspective.
While they live in a relatively easy setting, they forget that in Canada they do not have the same luxeries as we do in the states. They forget that some people have to work and fend for themselves when there are no grocery stores available. Especially in the wilderness of Canada. Some people choose to live in these places and to make ends meet and to feed their families the work for the only industries available.
Though I am not for using seal pelts for clothing, I am for the memorial to the fallen men who gave their lives supporting a family.
Also, to those who feel no compasion for the families and men who lost their lives may God have mercy on you. You are heartless human beings that care more for animals than your fellow man. What a shame.

Posted by: Kurt K | September 19, 2008 12:07 PM

I don't feel sorry for the sealhunters that they died on the ice,i feel sorry for them because they decided to go out on the ice to kill.I Feel sorry for them,because they were disrespectfull for the life of other species.I feel sorry for the seals,because there are still people who are getting out there each year to kill them

Posted by: Claudia,For the Oceans | September 19, 2008 02:25 PM

Kurt, just who do you think Canadians are anyway? A bunch of woodsmen or fur traders? Yes, there are SOME people who do not have grocery stores nearby, but if you had ANY clue about us poor, poor Canadians, you would know that most of us live along the Canada/US border, and that only a fraction of the population is in the "wilderness" and actually engaged in killing these innocent seals. The sealers are in the fishing industry the rest of the season, and for the most part they live in towns/villages, and they get most of their income from fishing, NOT from sealing.

You might want to read some of our online newspapers, or check out the Canadian Yellow Pages, to see that we actually have stores that sell "luxeries" (gasp!). We have plenty of Hummers on the road (to the detriment of the environment of course) and many people here live in large houses too. We even own big-screen televisions, wireless laptops, laser printers, and air hockey tables. We have modern hospitals, schools and sports facilities. People work as lawyers, nurses, teachers, social workers, reporters, salespeople, plumbers, and computer technicians.

There is simply NO excuse for seal hunting. It is an embarrassment to most Canadians that this "tradition" continues.

Fortunately, most Americans are not as ignorant as you are Kurt.

And you have it wrong about animal lovers caring more about animals than humans. We care equally for ALL earthlings in general, we just don't care for the barbaric humans who are killing the seals.

Posted by: Michele | September 19, 2008 03:36 PM

G Solingren,

"The baby seals don't lose their white fur until they are 2 months old."

Harp seals can lose their white coats as early as 12 days after they are born, and at that point can be legally killed. They are unable to swim until they are about 25 days old, and lying defenseless on an ice pan they make a pretty easy target. This is an animal that can live 25-30 years, so even if they were killed at 4 months, in human terms they would still qualify for infant status.

"A predator with no predator of its own that can consume such huge amounts of fish does need to have its numbers controlled."

It all depends on what kind of fish stock you are trying to preserve. While approximately 3 percent of a harp seal's diet may be cod, harp seals also eat many significant predators of cod, such as squid.

"For everyone who believes that the seals are skinned alive I'm sorry but that is also not true."

In 2001 an independent team of five veterinarians found that in 42 percent of the cases they studied, the seals had likely been skinned alive while conscious. Of course, for damage control, the Feds had to come up with their own study a year later.

"Look on the Fisheries and Oceans website www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca to actually gain a truly informed opinion."

No thanks, the DFO is an obviously biased organization, and has been for a long time. As a Canadian, I resent my tax money being used to junket a bunch of seal hunt apologists over to Europe to try and prop up the Canadian government's losing argument that the hunt is not barbaric. (The United States, to their credit, have banned Canadian seal products since 1972.)

The rescue last spring by the Canadian Coast Guard of the ice-bound sealers in their non-ice class wooden-hull longliners set back the Canadian taxpayers at least $3.4 million. A lot of Canadians are miffed at that one too.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | September 19, 2008 05:46 PM

Lets gather our energy and do all that we can to stop the seal hunt. Lets not use our energy to fight one another but to help wake up this world about what is really happening to those seals. By informing the people, we can make much more a difference than if we are insulting the hunters. Yes, their act is awful, but if we all stick together, and work hard at stopping this horrible act, we can make this world a much better place. Information is the key and one person can make a difference.

Posted by: Sandra Hould | September 19, 2008 07:05 PM

Ah yes, we should be commerating evil murderers who CHOSE to hunt and lost their lives in the process, instead of the innocent baby seals who have intention of being brutally killed.
Seriously. What. The. Heck.

Posted by: Freedomwinds | September 20, 2008 06:38 AM

G. Solingren,

Hi ;) I completely agree that the deceased seal hunters do not deserve to be badmouthed. They have paid the ultimate price for their risky endeavor, and it's not up to us to say wheter or not they "deserved" it.

I also agree that education is important. Walruses and sharks do sometimes still occur in the Gulf, and are seal predators.

Much more importantly, though, when those predators are killed off, hunters will say that the seals have become overpopulated and "need" to be managed. The problem is, nature has given prey animals such as seals ways to adapt to threats, especially unnatural ones.

So when people hunt seals, they cannot replicate the way a natural predator hunts. The seals' population will actually explode, going up really high in response to humans hunting them. The same thing happens with deer and beavers when humans hunt them.

Don't take my word for it, ask any biologist who you respect. The solution is to speak out against predators such as walruses and sharks from being killed. That way nature will be balanced.

Peace. ;)

Posted by: Maya, C.V.T. | September 20, 2008 03:11 PM

SAVE THE SEALS!!!! FOR THOSE KILLERS WHO DIED, WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND BITCHES!!!!

Posted by: Kelsey | September 25, 2008 06:09 PM

human beings do not have the right to kill.nobody,nothing,point.who dies during a killing,only gets what he deserves.Marion

Posted by: marion scherner | September 29, 2008 08:18 AM

Because It's the Hunters We Should Feel Sorry For? In a word YES.

To believe in animal rights does not mean you have to be cruel to other human beings, their families. This memorial is for men who, almost 100 years ago, went to to feed their families. This has nothing to do with the modern seal hunt.

Don't pass judgment with a 21st century viewpoint when reviewing an early 20th event.

As to Kelsey's "Bitches" comment = grow up. I bet you would club a seal pretty fast if you were freezing to death on an ice pan and need warmth/food.

Posted by: Keith | October 1, 2008 01:32 PM

I understand if a monument is a part of history, when food was scarce in the North and seals may have been the only thing to eat, that these people may want to honour it. On the other hand correct me if I am wrong, the seal hunt of today has nothing to do with needing food? So if the old way was to bring home food and the new way is just acknowledging a past tradition can we not look at the past as an example of how far we have come as a species and leave these creatures alone. After all I thought due to mother nature polar bears are the ones who need the seals more than we do. We have the means to move to areas where food is available and killing isn't necessary, especially out of tradition.

Posted by: Lianne | October 15, 2008 10:20 PM

Excellent post, Lianne!

Posted by: lynda downie | October 16, 2008 08:03 PM