Greenpeace USA: Obama supports overturning international ban on commercial whaling

[Karmadillo]

http://www.distantocean.com/2010/03/theres-an-ahab-in-the-white-house.html

Just got this email from Phil Radford, executive director of Greenpeace USA (my emphasis throughout):

I cannot believe that I am writing you this letter ...

The international ban on commercial whaling, which Greenpeace fought tirelessly to pass in the 1980’s, is now in critical danger of being overturned.

A proposal has been put forth at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) that would not only reinstate commercial whaling around the world, it would legitimize Japan's "scientific" slaughter in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. Nearly 25 years of protection for the whales could be tossed out the window if this proposal passes at the next IWC meeting in June 2010.

Shockingly, the Obama administration’s representatives at the IWC actually support the deal to reinstate commercial whaling and are urging other nations to do the same. The delegates say that their directive comes directly from President Obama himself.

Got that? The directive comes directly from President Obama himself. I say again, the directive comes directly from President Obama himself. Let me just repeat that the directive comes directly from President Obama himself. We're clear on that, right? Because it will be important later. Ok, onward:

more...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. What could possibly be Obama's rationale?

Commercial whaling is very destructive...

I want to hear him talk about this.

It's appalling.

[Razoor]

2. any other sources?

any other sources? doesnt seem like something he would do.

[FrenchieCat]

3. So where's the "directive" then?

:shrug:

[leftofcool]

4. I think I will wait for the directive

[depakid]

5. As I've said before- EVERY traditional Democrats constituency needs to watch their backs

Now apparently, if this report is true- that warning should extend to our closest allies like Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, whose government in an election year could surely have used the administration's help on the whaling issue- but now looks to be getting the back of its hand instead.

[Karmadillo]

6. Candidate Obama's position: "allowing Japan to continue commercial whaling is unacceptable."

Then again, maybe this was one of those "I'm saying I'm for single payer but I'm not really meaning it" moments.

http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/press-center/releases2/greenpeace-protests-potential

<edit>

As a candidate, President Obama said, “As president, I will ensure that the U.S. provides leadership in enforcing international wildlife protection agreements, including strengthening the international moratorium on commercial whaling. Allowing Japan to continue commercial whaling is unacceptable.” (March 16, 2008 - Greenpeace candidate questionnaire)

[Cetacea]

7. edit: see article on Kerry

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h44gOM0epf9x-O2arzN9mMMsE8fg

[ProSense]

8. Senator Kerry recently introduced a bill to protect whales.

Senator John Kerry Introduces Legislation to Protect Whales

[madrchsod]

9. after wading through several pages on google and....

this is what i found. there is a compromise is in the works.japan will stop hunting whales in the southern oceans BUT they will be allowed to hunt whales in their "coastal waters". what the limit of their coastal waters is, who knows, but i do think there is`t much anyone can do about it.

[Cetacea]

10. "would let Japan, Norway and Iceland hunt whales OPENLY'

Obama's position is that he needs to be convinced that less whales would be killed. I doubt Obama will support this in any way.

[Karmadillo]

11. Kick

nt

[Karmadillo]

12. One theory is that we need Japan to continue buying US treasuries.

There's more speculation, some not so polite, at the link.

http://www.distantocean.com/2010/03/theres-an-ahab-in-the-white-house.html?cid=6a00d834200af253ef0133ec3bafd2970b#comment-6a00d834200af253ef0133ec3bafd2970b

I presume Obama's hatred of whales comes from his love of Japan buying U.S. treasuries to permit us to continue to bailout out Wall Street and fund more war.