Mitt Romney's family trip, where he
famously strapped the family dog to the roof of the car, has
resurfaced as an issue as his campaign has progressed. As animal
activists, this is an opportunity that we can not allow to pass us
by. The way a candidate treats animals is a character issue. While
the correlation may not be one-hundred percent, I think there is
little doubt that when we look at those politicians who have the most
callous views towards animals, they also tend to have the most
callous views towards human rights, and the least tolerance and
acceptance for those people who may be different from them.
We also need to begin to think about
this as claiming the political power that is rightfully ours.
Over the last decade the animal movement has grown by leaps and
bounds. The number of vegans, vegetarians, and animal advocates
continues to grow at a phenomenal pace. Meanwhile, hunting has
become a dying “sport” whose adherents are desperately
attempting, and failing, to attract new converts. Unfortunately, the
pro-animal side has not been adept at working in the political
system. Part of this is historical in nature – we are simply used
to the idea that we operate through organizational structures, such
as the 501(c)3, that limit our ability to function in the political
arena. On the other hand, hunters and others are used to working the
political system; they know that being loud and persistent is far
more important than being right.
Our votes matter, and there are now
more pro-animal advocates than there are anti-animal advocates, as
has been shown by successful ballot measures in the past few years.
But the truth is, we should not have to resort to ballot measures;
politicians should be actively courting our votes. In order to bring
this about, we need to make it absolutely clear to politicians; if
they take actions in direct opposition to the humane treatment
animals are entitled to, it will become a highly visible campaign
issue, and it will cost them votes.
If we do not view the treatment of
animals important enough to influence our votes, we can not expect
politicians to view it as important either. Please click here and join the Super Pack fighting Mitt.
