3. This is an interview article written in a Q&A style. I think activists can utilize these opportunities to introduce their movement to the public and also persuade people to join them. Interviews are win-win game for both the media and the movement since reporters always have a thirst for new items to write and activists search for effective ways to get attention from the general public and to grow the number of participants.
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Bullfighting: Culture or Cruelty? Interview with Alyx Dow, World Society for the Protection of Animals
In Latin America and Europe combined, approximately 250,000 bulls die each year. Do these bulls fall prey to a deadly virus, perhaps? Far from it. The bulls are tortured and killed for the sake of entertainment. Have we evolved at all since the Roman times?
Latest polls show that over 72 percent of Spanish citizens have no interest in bullfighting, yet, because of a small group of influential people in Spain, this inhumane tradition is being kept alive. Fortunately, in Europe and Latin America a growing segment of the population is standing up against bullfighting and calling for an end to this cruel spectacle.
Here to talk about bullfighting and what we can do to help is Alyx Dow, Programmes Officer (Anti-Bullfighting) for the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).
Thank you for this e-mail interview, Alyx. Could you start by giving us some historical information on how bullfighting began? What is its origin?
There is not much specific information on how or where bullfighting began, but it is thought to date back to Roman times when many different species of animal were killed for the sake of entertainment in public arenas.
Bulls were also sacrificed for religious purposes and more recently, bullfights were (and often still are) held on Sundays, as part of Christian Saints festivals.
Most people associate bullfighting with Spain. Besides Spain, which other countries practice bullfighting?
Within Europe, bullfighting can be found in Spain, France and Portugal. Approximately 40,000 bulls die in bullfights every year in Europe.
In Latin America, bullfighting can be found in Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. 'Bloodless' bullfights can also be found in the USA. Approximately 210,000 bulls in bullfights die every year in Latin America.
Does bullfighting differ according to the country? If so, in what way?
There are 3 types of bullfighting 'styles' -- Spanish, French and Portuguese. The Spanish version is the most common across both Europe and Latin America. Bulls die in both the Spanish and Portuguese versions, although in the Portuguese style it happens behind the scenes, after the bullfight has finished. The French style does not lead to the death of the bull but is also very stressful for the animals involved.
A lot of people ignore what really happens during a bullfight. They have a simple, even romantic image of a torero taunting a bull and of one final thrust of the sword bringing death to the animal. What exactly takes place during a bullfight?
In the Spanish style, which is the most common, there are 3 stages:
1. After the bull enters the ring, toreros wave capes so that the bull charges several times. This is followed by the entrance of the picadors on horseback, who drive a long spear into the bulls back. Both of these short stages are designed to tire the bull and weaken its neck and shoulder muscles, causing it to drop its head. There is also a significant risk to the horses involved -- although they wear padding, the experience is very stressful for them and can cause serious or fatal injury.
2. Men called banderilleros enter the ring and use weapons called banderillas (colourful short spears with harpoon ends) which further weaken the bull when they are stabbed into the top of the bulls back. By this point the bull has lost a significant amount of blood and is exhausted.
The whole process takes approximately 20 minutes -- and the bull suffers an agonizing and torturous death.
In spite of bullfighting being a cruel and inhumane tradition, many people -- not only Spaniards -- watch this spectacle. Why do you think this is and what does this say about human nature?
Within bullfighting countries there is a small but strong following that keeps bullfighting alive, largely based on the claim that it is part of the country's culture. All bullfighting countries have a fascinating history, with a rich culture that they should be proud of. However, evidence is showing us that most citizens of these countries do not want animal cruelty to be part of their heritage. Just as with the ban on foxhunting in the UK, citizens are speaking out about the importance of animal welfare over an archaic 'tradition' that is neither necessary nor humane.
The latest polls in Spain show us that over 72% of Spanish people have no interest in bullfighting. This climbs to over 80% in the autonomous region of Catalonia. Anti-bullfighting sentiment is growing across Europe and Latin America -- people are standing up against the protection of bullfighting as part of national heritage and calling for an end to this cruel spectacle.
Furthermore, the WSPA believes that culture is no excuse for cruelty, no matter where in the world it happens or the rationale behind it.
Unfortunately a huge amount of support also comes from tourism; again because tourists are led to believe that bullfighting is part of a particular country. They are unwittingly supporting a dying industry that thrives on the torture of an animal: many leave the fights shaken and disturbed by what they have witnessed, which is, simply, animal cruelty for the sake of entertainment.
What arguments do supporters of bullfighting use to defend their tradition?
They use many arguments to defend the spectacle, mostly in reference to culture and the economy. You can read more on these ongoing debates at www.bullfightingfreeeurope.org, a website sponsored by WSPA and ten other animal protection groups across Europe.
What is the WSPA doing to end bullfighting? Have there been any significant developments in the last few years?
In Catalonia, WSPA is running its Culture Without Cruelty campaign with member society ADDA, and there have been a series of successes in the region in recent years. 47 towns, including Barcelona, have declared themselves anti-bullfighting. You can sign our petition, calling for a ban on bullfighting in Catalonia, here.
In Spain, WSPA is supporting work done by member society Stop Our Shame who are working to end the national subsidies (funded by Spanish taxpayers) given to the bullfighting industry, which total a staggering 530 million Euros a year.
In France, 3 towns have recently declared their anti-bullfighting status. You can find out more at Anticorrida.com.
WSPA is also working closely with an alliance of ten other animal protection organizations from across Europe to tackle the issue at European level. The EU currently gives subsidies (funded by EU taxpayers) to breeders of fighting bulls, as part of its annual agricultural subsidy system. We recently held a series of events in Brussels at the European Parliament to highlight this issue and call on Parliamentarians and the Commission to end these subsidies. You can find out more at www.bullfightingfreeeurope.org.
In Latin America many of WSPA's member societies are working towards bans of bullfighting across the region. The first two anti-bullfighting towns in the region have recently been declared: Banos de Agua Santa in Ecuador and Zapatoca in Colombia. In Medellin, Colombia, the first ever group of anti-bullfighting city councilors has been established. You can keep up to date with the latest developments on the WSPA International website.
What is Spain's position?
In Spain, there is a small group of powerful and influential people behind the bullfighting industry that are keeping it alive. Bullrings are suffering from declining attendance and a lack of patience from the public in terms of its increasing awareness of animal welfare. Unfortunately, government officials often hesitate to speak out against the spectacle; as was the case a few years ago with foxhunting in the UK. However, the Spanish people are telling us they have had enough, as shown in Catalonia and the Canary Islands (who have also banned bullfighting), and by the recent banning of the broadcast of bullfights on state TV, following the assertion that it is too violent for children. We think it is about time that the government listens to its citizens and ends bullfighting for good in Spain.
Do you see Spain making bullfighting illegal any time soon?
Based on public opinion polls that have been done, dwindling attendance at bullfights as well as the achievements in recent years in getting anti-bullfighting declarations, we are confident that bullfighting is a dying industry that is destined to be banned in the near future.
Is there a way bullfighting could be modified to become a humane practice?
No -- the practice would still involve placing an animal into an unnatural situation that causes the animal stress and anxiety, for the sake of entertainment. WSPA wants to see an end to bullfighting worldwide, in all its forms.
What can Spaniards do to help stop bullfighting in Spain?
Spanish people can help to end bullfighting in their country by writing to their local politicians and high level officials within the government, expressing their wish for national subsidies to the bullfighting industry to end, and for there to be a national legislative ban on bullfighting in Spain. They can also avoid attending bullfights and spreading the word to their friends and family.
They can also sign our petition to achieve a ban in Catalonia which can be found here.
Another way to help is to support their local animal welfare organizations, either through donations or by attending peaceful events that call on the government to end bullfighting.
What can the rest of the world do to help?
The number one thing that people can do to help end bullfighting is not to visit bullfights when they go abroad. Tourist money is a huge factor in keeping the industry alive. Whilst curiosity can often lead people to 'just go once', this is enough to sustain the industry and the animal cruelty that it promotes.
You can pledge not to visit a bullfight at WSPA member society The League Against Cruel Sports.
Sign the WSPA/ADDA petition to end bullfighting in Catalonia.
Spread the word to any friends, family and colleagues, especially if you know they are visiting Europe anytime soon.
Write to politicians in your own country, asking them to call on bullfighting countries to improve standards of animal welfare and not to promote cruelty for entertainment's sake. Is there anything else you'd like to say to our readers?
The WSPA is also campaigning for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) at the United Nations -- international recognition that animals matter and governments should be doing more to protect them. Such an agreement would help us talk to governments about issues like bullfighting. You can sign the petition in support at www.animalsmatter.org.
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions on this important subject.
I would like to end this interview by quoting some wise words from Mahatma Gandhi: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
1. Kyung-Hee, Kang 2. "Protesters want an end to security checkpoints"
3. The Stop the Checkpoints Committee, a grassroots committee formed from the protest against random and excessive security checkpoints, according to them, threatening and criminalizing immigrants, after Edgar Ayala(18, latino immigrant) got detention about a month ago, in Port Angeles, Washington. He has been lived in the place where is a mile away from the spot he was arrested. Migration is one of the most urgent and critical issues about which opinions are devided. Here are only immigrants and supporters as protagonists, and the repressing state authority, however, much more severe contentions are underlied in the society since it is directly related to livelihood.
For more information, see below. http://radicalwomen.org/Port_Angeles_protest.pdf http://seattle.indymedia.org/en/2008/09/268899.shtml ------------------- 06:50 PM PDT on Saturday, September 20, 2008 By CHRIS DANIELS / KING 5 News
PORT ANGELES, Wash. - Dozens of protesters lined the streets of downtown Port Angeles this afternoon, urging the federal government to stop security checkpoints on Olympic Peninsula roads.
This was the latest protest which has concerned the border patrol's increased presence at place like ferry terminals and rural roadways far from the border.
The feds say they are just doing their job of securing the country's gateways, but the protestors say agents have gone too far.
Layla Iranshad is one of several people who claim they were illegally stopped at a border patrol checkpoint on Highway 101 near Forks.
"They're looking for illegal immigrants and that's exactly what they're taking," Iranshad said.
Protesters calls themselves the Stop the Checkpoints Committee. They say the random spot stops by border agents at three different peninsula checkpoints are wrong.
The program is an extension of border checks at ferry terminals, which also drew the ire of locals.
But border agents, who have jurisdiction about 100 miles from the border, say the enforcement has worked.
KING
Protesters gather in Port Angeles.
They say the reason for the checkpoints is to root out terrorist activity, drug runners and other illegal activity. So far there have been 16 arrests due to the roadblocks, and 14 have been immigration related.
"We are seeing some bad guys who are altering their methodologies to avoid showing up at the checkpoint locations," said Deputy Joe Guilano. "When we start seeing that happening, then we know we've sent the message and they have heard it loud and clear."
But the protestors say agents are setting a bad precedent and they'll continue to fight them as long as the checks continue.
1. Martine Ibsen 2. Rescuers comb Pakistan bomb hotel
3. I think it is striking that when ever you read the news, you can be sure to find something about a terror. When I looked at the BBC news this evening, here it was on the front page, terror terror terror! I then asked my self some questions: “How is it possible for these kinds of movements to go on and on and on? What drives them? What makes people blow them selves up and ruin so many other lives? Is the media indirectly supporting these terror groups by writing about their actions, and thereby contribute to terrifying actions as the on that took place in the Marriott hotel in Pakistan? Could it be that all social movements is a kind of social brainwash, and terror groups is one of the most extreme and horrifying ones?
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Rescuers comb Pakistan bomb hotel
Rescuers in the Pakistani capital are continuing to search for bodies and survivors of a suicide bombing at a hotel, which killed at least 53 people. Some 266 others were hurt in the blast, which devastated the Marriott Hotel. CCTV footage shows a lorry catching fire at the hotel security barrier - reporters were told the driver blew himself up - before the lorry exploded. Most of the dead were Pakistani. The Czech ambassador was among at least four foreigners killed. US and Vietnamese citizens were also killed in the blast, which injured at least a dozen foreign nationals.
In pictures: Islamabad blast Islamabad's 'message from Hell' Analysis: Pakistanis bear the brunt
Six Britons and an unknown number of Saudi, German, Moroccan, Afghan and US citizens, were among those hurt. Funerals of those killed have begun to be held in Islamabad. However, there are fears that more bodies will be found as rescue teams move deeper into the hotel. There has been no claim of responsibility so far, but the interior ministry said the attackers were linked to Islamist militants in the north-west border region near Afghanistan. Collapse fears The heavily-guarded hotel was attacked at about 2000 (1500 GMT) on Saturday, when a lorry blew up at the hotel entrance after it was stopped for a security check.
President Asif Ali Zardari vows to rid Pakistan of Islamic militants The interior ministry has shown a security video of the moments before the blast. It shows a lorry ram the security barrier at the hotel gate, the vehicle starts to burn. In shock the guards flee then return to try to douse the flames. There is no footage of the main blast because it destroyed the camera, but officials said the vehicle was packed with 600kg of high quality explosives. The force of the explosion created a crater about 6m (20ft) deep, and triggered a fire which engulfed the 290-room, five-storey building for hours. Witnesses described a scene of horror as blood-covered victims were pulled from the wreckage and guests and staff ran for cover from shattered glass and flames. The fire has now burned out and rescue workers have been searching the building room-by-room, pulling bodies out of the blackened debris.
Officials have warned that the building could collapse. Some 300 people - many breaking their daytime Ramadan fast - were reported to be in the hotel's restaurants when the explosion hit. Many were saved as the rooms were towards the back of the building, sheltered from the brunt of the blast, says the BBC's Barbara Plett, who is at the scene. The attack came just hours after President Asif Ali Zardari vowed to fight terrorism, in his first speech to parliament since his election earlier this month. After the bombing, he addressed the nation on television. "This is an epidemic, a cancer in Pakistan which we will root out," he said. "We will not be afraid of these cowards." US pledge Mr Zardari stopped in London on his way to New York to attend the UN General Assembly session, where he will meet President George W Bush on the sidelines of the conference. The meeting comes amid tension between the two countries over US cross-border military attacks on militants in tribal areas of Pakistan, close to the Afghan border. In the wake of the attack, President Bush pledged assistance to Pakistan in "confronting this threat and bringing the perpetrators to justice". He said it was "a reminder of the ongoing threat faced by Pakistan, the United States, and all those who stand against violent extremism". The Marriott is the most prestigious hotel in the capital, and is located near government buildings and diplomatic missions. It is popular with foreigners and the Pakistani elite. As a precaution, British Airways has suspended flights to Pakistan until further notice, a BA spokesman told the BBC. The Marriott has previously been the target of militants. Last year a suicide bomber killed himself and one other in an attack at the hotel.
3. comment : recently china's tained milk has been a big problem and people have started a boycott of china's food product. in my poinion this is interesting issue to pay attention because it shows how people get angry, gather the group and make some movement or campaign against something.
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As China's latest food-safety scandal continued to widen Sep. 18, hundreds of anxious parents lined up at Beijing's Children's Hospital to have their babies examined for possible kidney stones caused by toxic milk powder. It was the second day since the government ordered free checkups and treatments for sick babies, and over 500 parents had rushed to the hospital by 11 a.m. Thursday morning — so many that those who arrived at noon had no choice but to go home.
Related Stories Tainted-Baby-Milk Scandal in China More Related Tainted-Baby-Milk Scandal in China Got Raw Milk? Be Very Quiet The Mountain is High, and Beijing is Far Away One worried mother, Mo Jingfang, said that her 14-month-old daughter had been drinking Yashili milk powder for most of her life. Yashili is one of 22 brands that have been found contaminated with melamine, a compound commonly used in plastics. Mo said her daughter had not yet shown any symptoms of illness. But other parents in line at the hospital complained that their children had discolored urine and were sweating excessively — possible symptoms of kidney dysfunction. Zhu Yongguo, who waited in line before being sent home because the hospital was overwhelmed, said his 12-month-old daughter has been sweating constantly. "Her head feels abnormally hot when she sweats, as if she was having a fever," he said.
The toxic milk scandal, which state-run news agency Xinhua said has already been linked to the death of four babies and the illness of 6,200 others, has aroused anger and despair in Chinese cyberspace. And that anger has been directed not just at the producers accused of adulterating their milk to increase profits, but also at government regulators. "Xinhua was quick to blame the dairy industry for their skewed rules, but what it didn't say was that the government also played a part in that ugly game," wrote a blogger identified as sadmoon109. Outraged citizens have noted that, in May, China's food-safety administration issued a report saying that 99.1% of baby milk powders on the market had passed safety tests. The report reaffirmed the quality of 16 dairy products previously exempted from further quality inspections — including some of those now on the blacklist.
The scandal has also spread beyond the mainland. On Sep. 18, Hong Kong's government ordered a recall of all products made by Yili, one of China's largest dairy producers, after melamine was found in nine of the company's products. There have been no reports of any sickness among Hong Kong babies caused by those products. But the local Center for Food Safety said only two glasses of the tainted Yili milk per day could be enough to cause health problems in young children.
This is not the first safety scandal related to Chinese milk. In 2004, at least 13 babies died of malnutrition in Anhui province after unscrupulous producers sold milk with no nutritional value. Melamine, a nitrogen-rich compound used in plastics and fertilizers, has been used to make milk that has been watered down appear to have more protein than it actually does. The chemical was also found in Chinese pet food exported to the U.S. that was blamed for the deaths from kidney failure of thousands of cats and dogs last year. In July 2007, China executed the former head of its food and drug administration for taking bribes in exchange for approving unsafe medicines.
China's central government has taken dramatic steps to mollify public anger in the latest tainted-food scandal. On Sep. 18, the government sacked the mayor of Shijiazhuang after allegations that the city government had covered up reports of the contamination. Shijiazhuang is the headquarters of Sanlu, a Chinese dairy giant partly owned by a New Zealand company. Sanlu, the first company to be found selling melamine-tainted milk, has been at the center of the current scandal. The government has also arrested dozens of producers for selling melamine-tainted milk to dairy companies.
But that may not be enough to restore Chinese consumers' shaken faith in either the safety of the country's food or the competence of its regulators. Luo Hexin, a migrant worker living in Beijing, said that his two-year-old son has been drinking Sanlu-brand powdered milk for a month, but said that he now worries that all affordable dairy products are unsafe. "Now we are switching to rice soups," Luo said.
A very down to earth* kind of guy. I'm an environmental sociologist interested in establishing material and organizational sustainability worldwide. I'm always looking for interesting materials/technologies, inspiring ideas, or institutional examples of sustainability to inspire others to recognize their choices now. To be fatalistic about an unsustainable world is a sign of a captive mind, given all our options.
*(If "earth" is defined in a planetary sense, concerning comparative historical knowledge and interest in the past 10,000 years or so anywhere...) See both blogs.
4 comments:
1. Hojin Yoo
2. interview with an activist
3. This is an interview article written in a Q&A style. I think activists can utilize these opportunities to introduce their movement to the public and also persuade people to join them. Interviews are win-win game for both the media and the movement since reporters always have a thirst for new items to write and activists search for effective ways to get attention from the general public and to grow the number of participants.
-----------------------------------
Bullfighting: Culture or Cruelty?
Interview with Alyx Dow, World Society for the Protection of Animals
Mayra Calvani (mcalvani) Email Article Print Article
Published 2008-09-04 03:36 (KST)
In Latin America and Europe combined, approximately 250,000 bulls die each year. Do these bulls fall prey to a deadly virus, perhaps? Far from it. The bulls are tortured and killed for the sake of entertainment. Have we evolved at all since the Roman times?
Latest polls show that over 72 percent of Spanish citizens have no interest in bullfighting, yet, because of a small group of influential people in Spain, this inhumane tradition is being kept alive. Fortunately, in Europe and Latin America a growing segment of the population is standing up against bullfighting and calling for an end to this cruel spectacle.
Here to talk about bullfighting and what we can do to help is Alyx Dow, Programmes Officer (Anti-Bullfighting) for the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).
Thank you for this e-mail interview, Alyx. Could you start by giving us some historical information on how bullfighting began? What is its origin?
There is not much specific information on how or where bullfighting began, but it is thought to date back to Roman times when many different species of animal were killed for the sake of entertainment in public arenas.
Bulls were also sacrificed for religious purposes and more recently, bullfights were (and often still are) held on Sundays, as part of Christian Saints festivals.
Bullfight in Spain.
©2008 WSPA
Most people associate bullfighting with Spain. Besides Spain, which other countries practice bullfighting?
Within Europe, bullfighting can be found in Spain, France and Portugal. Approximately 40,000 bulls die in bullfights every year in Europe.
In Latin America, bullfighting can be found in Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. 'Bloodless' bullfights can also be found in the USA. Approximately 210,000 bulls in bullfights die every year in Latin America.
Does bullfighting differ according to the country? If so, in what way?
There are 3 types of bullfighting 'styles' -- Spanish, French and Portuguese. The Spanish version is the most common across both Europe and Latin America. Bulls die in both the Spanish and Portuguese versions, although in the Portuguese style it happens behind the scenes, after the bullfight has finished. The French style does not lead to the death of the bull but is also very stressful for the animals involved.
A lot of people ignore what really happens during a bullfight. They have a simple, even romantic image of a torero taunting a bull and of one final thrust of the sword bringing death to the animal. What exactly takes place during a bullfight?
In the Spanish style, which is the most common, there are 3 stages:
1. After the bull enters the ring, toreros wave capes so that the bull charges several times. This is followed by the entrance of the picadors on horseback, who drive a long spear into the bulls back. Both of these short stages are designed to tire the bull and weaken its neck and shoulder muscles, causing it to drop its head. There is also a significant risk to the horses involved -- although they wear padding, the experience is very stressful for them and can cause serious or fatal injury.
2. Men called banderilleros enter the ring and use weapons called banderillas (colourful short spears with harpoon ends) which further weaken the bull when they are stabbed into the top of the bulls back. By this point the bull has lost a significant amount of blood and is exhausted.
Bullfight in Spain.
©2008 WSPA
3. The matador enters with a cape and sword. Tiring the bull further with several runs at the cape, the matador thrusts the sword through the bull's back, with the intention of severing the aorta. The sword often misses, piercing the lungs and the bull drowns in its own blood -- as can be witnessed when bulls are often be seen with blood pouring from their nose and mouth at the end. If the bull does not die quickly, a small knife is used to sever its spinal cord at the neck. If the crowd deems it a 'good' kill, the matador is 'awarded' the bull's ears and tail which he cuts off himself (the bull is often still alive during this).
The whole process takes approximately 20 minutes -- and the bull suffers an agonizing and torturous death.
In spite of bullfighting being a cruel and inhumane tradition, many people -- not only Spaniards -- watch this spectacle. Why do you think this is and what does this say about human nature?
Within bullfighting countries there is a small but strong following that keeps bullfighting alive, largely based on the claim that it is part of the country's culture. All bullfighting countries have a fascinating history, with a rich culture that they should be proud of. However, evidence is showing us that most citizens of these countries do not want animal cruelty to be part of their heritage. Just as with the ban on foxhunting in the UK, citizens are speaking out about the importance of animal welfare over an archaic 'tradition' that is neither necessary nor humane.
The latest polls in Spain show us that over 72% of Spanish people have no interest in bullfighting. This climbs to over 80% in the autonomous region of Catalonia. Anti-bullfighting sentiment is growing across Europe and Latin America -- people are standing up against the protection of bullfighting as part of national heritage and calling for an end to this cruel spectacle.
Furthermore, the WSPA believes that culture is no excuse for cruelty, no matter where in the world it happens or the rationale behind it.
Unfortunately a huge amount of support also comes from tourism; again because tourists are led to believe that bullfighting is part of a particular country. They are unwittingly supporting a dying industry that thrives on the torture of an animal: many leave the fights shaken and disturbed by what they have witnessed, which is, simply, animal cruelty for the sake of entertainment.
What arguments do supporters of bullfighting use to defend their tradition?
They use many arguments to defend the spectacle, mostly in reference to culture and the economy. You can read more on these ongoing debates at www.bullfightingfreeeurope.org, a website sponsored by WSPA and ten other animal protection groups across Europe.
What is the WSPA doing to end bullfighting? Have there been any significant developments in the last few years?
In Catalonia, WSPA is running its Culture Without Cruelty campaign with member society ADDA, and there have been a series of successes in the region in recent years. 47 towns, including Barcelona, have declared themselves anti-bullfighting. You can sign our petition, calling for a ban on bullfighting in Catalonia, here.
In Spain, WSPA is supporting work done by member society Stop Our Shame who are working to end the national subsidies (funded by Spanish taxpayers) given to the bullfighting industry, which total a staggering 530 million Euros a year.
In France, 3 towns have recently declared their anti-bullfighting status. You can find out more at Anticorrida.com.
WSPA is also working closely with an alliance of ten other animal protection organizations from across Europe to tackle the issue at European level. The EU currently gives subsidies (funded by EU taxpayers) to breeders of fighting bulls, as part of its annual agricultural subsidy system. We recently held a series of events in Brussels at the European Parliament to highlight this issue and call on Parliamentarians and the Commission to end these subsidies. You can find out more at www.bullfightingfreeeurope.org.
In Latin America many of WSPA's member societies are working towards bans of bullfighting across the region. The first two anti-bullfighting towns in the region have recently been declared: Banos de Agua Santa in Ecuador and Zapatoca in Colombia. In Medellin, Colombia, the first ever group of anti-bullfighting city councilors has been established. You can keep up to date with the latest developments on the WSPA International website.
What is Spain's position?
In Spain, there is a small group of powerful and influential people behind the bullfighting industry that are keeping it alive. Bullrings are suffering from declining attendance and a lack of patience from the public in terms of its increasing awareness of animal welfare. Unfortunately, government officials often hesitate to speak out against the spectacle; as was the case a few years ago with foxhunting in the UK. However, the Spanish people are telling us they have had enough, as shown in Catalonia and the Canary Islands (who have also banned bullfighting), and by the recent banning of the broadcast of bullfights on state TV, following the assertion that it is too violent for children. We think it is about time that the government listens to its citizens and ends bullfighting for good in Spain.
Do you see Spain making bullfighting illegal any time soon?
Based on public opinion polls that have been done, dwindling attendance at bullfights as well as the achievements in recent years in getting anti-bullfighting declarations, we are confident that bullfighting is a dying industry that is destined to be banned in the near future.
Is there a way bullfighting could be modified to become a humane practice?
No -- the practice would still involve placing an animal into an unnatural situation that causes the animal stress and anxiety, for the sake of entertainment. WSPA wants to see an end to bullfighting worldwide, in all its forms.
What can Spaniards do to help stop bullfighting in Spain?
Spanish people can help to end bullfighting in their country by writing to their local politicians and high level officials within the government, expressing their wish for national subsidies to the bullfighting industry to end, and for there to be a national legislative ban on bullfighting in Spain. They can also avoid attending bullfights and spreading the word to their friends and family.
They can also sign our petition to achieve a ban in Catalonia which can be found here.
Another way to help is to support their local animal welfare organizations, either through donations or by attending peaceful events that call on the government to end bullfighting.
What can the rest of the world do to help?
The number one thing that people can do to help end bullfighting is not to visit bullfights when they go abroad. Tourist money is a huge factor in keeping the industry alive. Whilst curiosity can often lead people to 'just go once', this is enough to sustain the industry and the animal cruelty that it promotes.
You can pledge not to visit a bullfight at WSPA member society The League Against Cruel Sports.
Sign the WSPA/ADDA petition to end bullfighting in Catalonia.
Spread the word to any friends, family and colleagues, especially if you know they are visiting Europe anytime soon.
Write to politicians in your own country, asking them to call on bullfighting countries to improve standards of animal welfare and not to promote cruelty for entertainment's sake.
Is there anything else you'd like to say to our readers?
The WSPA is also campaigning for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW) at the United Nations -- international recognition that animals matter and governments should be doing more to protect them. Such an agreement would help us talk to governments about issues like bullfighting. You can sign the petition in support at www.animalsmatter.org.
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions on this important subject.
I would like to end this interview by quoting some wise words from Mahatma Gandhi: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
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http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?menu=c10400&no=383574&rel_no=1
1. Kyung-Hee, Kang
2. "Protesters want an end to security checkpoints"
3. The Stop the Checkpoints Committee, a grassroots committee formed from the protest against random and excessive security checkpoints, according to them, threatening and criminalizing immigrants, after Edgar Ayala(18, latino immigrant) got detention about a month ago, in Port Angeles, Washington. He has been lived in the place where is a mile away from the spot he was arrested.
Migration is one of the most urgent and critical issues about which opinions are devided. Here are only immigrants and supporters as protagonists, and the repressing state authority, however, much more severe contentions are underlied in the society since it is directly related to livelihood.
For more information, see below.
http://radicalwomen.org/Port_Angeles_protest.pdf
http://seattle.indymedia.org/en/2008/09/268899.shtml
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06:50 PM PDT on Saturday, September 20, 2008
By CHRIS DANIELS / KING 5 News
PORT ANGELES, Wash. - Dozens of protesters lined the streets of downtown Port Angeles this afternoon, urging the federal government to stop security checkpoints on Olympic Peninsula roads.
This was the latest protest which has concerned the border patrol's increased presence at place like ferry terminals and rural roadways far from the border.
The feds say they are just doing their job of securing the country's gateways, but the protestors say agents have gone too far.
Layla Iranshad is one of several people who claim they were illegally stopped at a border patrol checkpoint on Highway 101 near Forks.
"They're looking for illegal immigrants and that's exactly what they're taking," Iranshad said.
Protesters calls themselves the Stop the Checkpoints Committee. They say the random spot stops by border agents at three different peninsula checkpoints are wrong.
The program is an extension of border checks at ferry terminals, which also drew the ire of locals.
But border agents, who have jurisdiction about 100 miles from the border, say the enforcement has worked.
KING
Protesters gather in Port Angeles.
They say the reason for the checkpoints is to root out terrorist activity, drug runners and other illegal activity. So far there have been 16 arrests due to the roadblocks, and 14 have been immigration related.
"We are seeing some bad guys who are altering their methodologies to avoid showing up at the checkpoint locations," said Deputy Joe Guilano. "When we start seeing that happening, then we know we've sent the message and they have heard it loud and clear."
But the protestors say agents are setting a bad precedent and they'll continue to fight them as long as the checks continue.
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http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_092008WAB_port_angeles_KS.973114c1.html
1. Martine Ibsen
2. Rescuers comb Pakistan bomb hotel
3. I think it is striking that when ever you read the news, you can be sure to find something about a terror. When I looked at the BBC news this evening, here it was on the front page, terror terror terror! I then asked my self some questions: “How is it possible for these kinds of movements to go on and on and on? What drives them? What makes people blow them selves up and ruin so many other lives? Is the media indirectly supporting these terror groups by writing about their actions, and thereby contribute to terrifying actions as the on that took place in the Marriott hotel in Pakistan? Could it be that all social movements is a kind of social brainwash, and terror groups is one of the most extreme and horrifying ones?
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Rescuers comb Pakistan bomb hotel
Rescuers in the Pakistani capital are continuing to search for bodies and survivors of a suicide bombing at a hotel, which killed at least 53 people.
Some 266 others were hurt in the blast, which devastated the Marriott Hotel.
CCTV footage shows a lorry catching fire at the hotel security barrier - reporters were told the driver blew himself up - before the lorry exploded.
Most of the dead were Pakistani. The Czech ambassador was among at least four foreigners killed.
US and Vietnamese citizens were also killed in the blast, which injured at least a dozen foreign nationals.
In pictures: Islamabad blast
Islamabad's 'message from Hell'
Analysis: Pakistanis bear the brunt
Six Britons and an unknown number of Saudi, German, Moroccan, Afghan and US citizens, were among those hurt.
Funerals of those killed have begun to be held in Islamabad. However, there are fears that more bodies will be found as rescue teams move deeper into the hotel.
There has been no claim of responsibility so far, but the interior ministry said the attackers were linked to Islamist militants in the north-west border region near Afghanistan.
Collapse fears
The heavily-guarded hotel was attacked at about 2000 (1500 GMT) on Saturday, when a lorry blew up at the hotel entrance after it was stopped for a security check.
President Asif Ali Zardari vows to rid Pakistan of Islamic militants
The interior ministry has shown a security video of the moments before the blast.
It shows a lorry ram the security barrier at the hotel gate, the vehicle starts to burn. In shock the guards flee then return to try to douse the flames.
There is no footage of the main blast because it destroyed the camera, but officials said the vehicle was packed with 600kg of high quality explosives.
The force of the explosion created a crater about 6m (20ft) deep, and triggered a fire which engulfed the 290-room, five-storey building for hours.
Witnesses described a scene of horror as blood-covered victims were pulled from the wreckage and guests and staff ran for cover from shattered glass and flames.
The fire has now burned out and rescue workers have been searching the building room-by-room, pulling bodies out of the blackened debris.
Officials have warned that the building could collapse.
Some 300 people - many breaking their daytime Ramadan fast - were reported to be in the hotel's restaurants when the explosion hit.
Many were saved as the rooms were towards the back of the building, sheltered from the brunt of the blast, says the BBC's Barbara Plett, who is at the scene.
The attack came just hours after President Asif Ali Zardari vowed to fight terrorism, in his first speech to parliament since his election earlier this month.
After the bombing, he addressed the nation on television.
"This is an epidemic, a cancer in Pakistan which we will root out," he said. "We will not be afraid of these cowards."
US pledge
Mr Zardari stopped in London on his way to New York to attend the UN General Assembly session, where he will meet President George W Bush on the sidelines of the conference.
The meeting comes amid tension between the two countries over US cross-border military attacks on militants in tribal areas of Pakistan, close to the Afghan border.
In the wake of the attack, President Bush pledged assistance to Pakistan in "confronting this threat and bringing the perpetrators to justice".
He said it was "a reminder of the ongoing threat faced by Pakistan, the United States, and all those who stand against violent extremism".
The Marriott is the most prestigious hotel in the capital, and is located near government buildings and diplomatic missions. It is popular with foreigners and the Pakistani elite.
As a precaution, British Airways has suspended flights to Pakistan until further notice, a BA spokesman told the BBC.
The Marriott has previously been the target of militants. Last year a suicide bomber killed himself and one other in an attack at the hotel.
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7627791.stm
1. So youn Kim
2. china's rage over toxic baby milk
3. comment : recently china's tained milk has been a big problem and people have started a boycott of china's food product. in my poinion this is interesting issue to pay attention because it shows how people get angry, gather the group and make some movement or campaign against something.
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As China's latest food-safety scandal continued to widen Sep. 18, hundreds of anxious parents lined up at Beijing's Children's Hospital to have their babies examined for possible kidney stones caused by toxic milk powder. It was the second day since the government ordered free checkups and treatments for sick babies, and over 500 parents had rushed to the hospital by 11 a.m. Thursday morning — so many that those who arrived at noon had no choice but to go home.
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One worried mother, Mo Jingfang, said that her 14-month-old daughter had been drinking Yashili milk powder for most of her life. Yashili is one of 22 brands that have been found contaminated with melamine, a compound commonly used in plastics. Mo said her daughter had not yet shown any symptoms of illness. But other parents in line at the hospital complained that their children had discolored urine and were sweating excessively — possible symptoms of kidney dysfunction. Zhu Yongguo, who waited in line before being sent home because the hospital was overwhelmed, said his 12-month-old daughter has been sweating constantly. "Her head feels abnormally hot when she sweats, as if she was having a fever," he said.
The toxic milk scandal, which state-run news agency Xinhua said has already been linked to the death of four babies and the illness of 6,200 others, has aroused anger and despair in Chinese cyberspace. And that anger has been directed not just at the producers accused of adulterating their milk to increase profits, but also at government regulators. "Xinhua was quick to blame the dairy industry for their skewed rules, but what it didn't say was that the government also played a part in that ugly game," wrote a blogger identified as sadmoon109. Outraged citizens have noted that, in May, China's food-safety administration issued a report saying that 99.1% of baby milk powders on the market had passed safety tests. The report reaffirmed the quality of 16 dairy products previously exempted from further quality inspections — including some of those now on the blacklist.
The scandal has also spread beyond the mainland. On Sep. 18, Hong Kong's government ordered a recall of all products made by Yili, one of China's largest dairy producers, after melamine was found in nine of the company's products. There have been no reports of any sickness among Hong Kong babies caused by those products. But the local Center for Food Safety said only two glasses of the tainted Yili milk per day could be enough to cause health problems in young children.
This is not the first safety scandal related to Chinese milk. In 2004, at least 13 babies died of malnutrition in Anhui province after unscrupulous producers sold milk with no nutritional value. Melamine, a nitrogen-rich compound used in plastics and fertilizers, has been used to make milk that has been watered down appear to have more protein than it actually does. The chemical was also found in Chinese pet food exported to the U.S. that was blamed for the deaths from kidney failure of thousands of cats and dogs last year. In July 2007, China executed the former head of its food and drug administration for taking bribes in exchange for approving unsafe medicines.
China's central government has taken dramatic steps to mollify public anger in the latest tainted-food scandal. On Sep. 18, the government sacked the mayor of Shijiazhuang after allegations that the city government had covered up reports of the contamination. Shijiazhuang is the headquarters of Sanlu, a Chinese dairy giant partly owned by a New Zealand company. Sanlu, the first company to be found selling melamine-tainted milk, has been at the center of the current scandal. The government has also arrested dozens of producers for selling melamine-tainted milk to dairy companies.
But that may not be enough to restore Chinese consumers' shaken faith in either the safety of the country's food or the competence of its regulators. Luo Hexin, a migrant worker living in Beijing, said that his two-year-old son has been drinking Sanlu-brand powdered milk for a month, but said that he now worries that all affordable dairy products are unsafe. "Now we are switching to rice soups," Luo said.
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http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1842727,00.html?xid=feed-cnn-topics
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