Sea Shepherd and Whale Wars - Fighting Apathy and Lies

[Annces]

Blog by Anthony Damiano, Sea Shepherd Advocate

(printed in full with permission of author)

Regarding Sea Shepherd and Paul Watson's vigilant fight against the inhuman brutality of the Japanese whalers. I wish to give a very straightforward explanation, especially now since "Whale Wars" came to television.

Since the ban on whaling has been in place, the Japanese have used human apathy to continue the slaughter. They claim to kill whales in the name of scientific research, often holding up signs written in English saying so when being "harassed" by conservation vessels. Since we all know that over 1000 endangered whales per season do not have to die in the name of scientific research and that all whales killed end up in Japanese cuisine, it is safe to say that this is absolutely ridiculous. If you watched video showing the way that these intelligent and beautiful creatures are harpooned and hacked to pieces while still alive, you would know that not even a scientist could be so cruel. These men are butchers, criminals...murderers. There is no doubt that what is transpiring is not only a criminal act, it is swift kick to the ribs of a world that is already on its hands and knees, reeling from the beating it has already taken from humanity. Their actions ARE illegal...plain and simple.





However, even in the designated whale sanctuaries, there is no one aside from Sea Shepherd to protect the whales. Three governing bodies which I hold most accountable for allowing this, as well as seal slaughter to continue is the American, the Canadian and the Australian. In keeping good face and relations with the Japanese, the United States and the Australian government has sat idly by giving no aid to groups protecting the whales, acknowledging the fact that the Japanese are in violation of the ban, nor diverting any funds to policing the waters that cradle these magnificent creatures. The Canadian government SHELTERS seal bashers and condemns anyone who opposes them! They have turned a blind eye, sewn their lips shut(which we have seen is a good idea for them since when they do speak...DEAR GOD!) and placed their blood stained hands behind their backs like the cowards that they are. Yes, they are just as responsible for the slaughter as the men harpooning whales and clubbing baby seals.

Every year Sea Shepherd does all it can to be a thorn in the sides of these murderers. From political positioning to literally being SHOT by whalers, Sea Shepherd places itself between the hunters and the hunted. Sadly, the funds that keep the vessels on the seas dry up quickly and while Sea Shepherd patrolled last season, whales did NOT die! It was only until there was no more fuel, and the brave crew had to return to port that the slaughter continued. Paul cost the Japanese millions of dollars with nothing to show for their efforts and saved the lives of hundreds of endangered whales. That is conservation in action! Imagine what Sea Shepherd could do with the funding that Greenpeace collects. I doubt one whale would die.

These are not the only issues at hand. I am calling most especially on my friends in Canada and Australia as well as my fellow American citizens who care to listen. Obviously, many of these "world leaders" would like you to think of Sea Shepherd as somewhat of a terror group so that you also turn a blind eye and the gears can keep moving. The Canadian government SUPPORTS THE BASHING of seals! It condemns Paul for trying to interfere! The Japanese government calls Sea Shepherd criminals as their people hack the tails off of live whales and dolphins on their vessels! The Australian government turns its head as the Japanese hunt endangered species in its own backyard! My own government would also like you to overlook the fact that we can spend billions of American citizens' tax dollars bailing out huge corporations from bankruptcy but we can't save 1000 endangered whales per year. Nor can we come up with a plan to stop our oceans from turning into sludge, but we can spend even more money sending young Americans my nephew's age to their deaths in a desert on the other side of the world so that we can burn more oil...and add to the sludge, pollution and global warming.
So, as I have begged so many of you before, please open your eyes to the truth and your hearts to compassion...please help Sea Shepherd continue its mission. I don't care if all you can spare to donate is ten dollars per year, that donation will help save whales. Visit www.seashepherd.org today and stand behind the true shepherds of the sea. Tell our mutual governments that we believe in what Paul is fighting for and let your voices be heard loud and strong.

Anthony Damiano


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Whale Wars short clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqpXYOGZ9tQ