Tuesday, November 25, 2008

The Humane Society Flexes Its Muscle

Ed Duvin writes at Cyrano’s Journal Online:

Given HSUS’ (the Humane Society of the United States) vast resources and media savvy, they are increasingly perceived by the public as the movement’s voice. There is immense danger in one organization unduly influencing the agenda, as diversity in thought and tactics is the sine non qua of a vibrant movement. Grassroots activists, intellectuals, artists, radicals, students, and all who strive for justice offer a unique language, placing weight on the multifarious pressure points of an apathetic culture. It is difficult to hear other voices when one organization owns the preponderance of microphones.

In pursuit of ever-increasing stature and access, HSUS unapologetically ingratiates itself to the powerful—seemingly without discernment or regard to principle. Their effusive embrace of Matthew Scully serves to illustrate, a man who not only wrote speeches for Bush and Cheney, but made Sarah Palin appear semi-literate at the convention. Yes, Scully supports our cause and is well-connected, but his ideology is an affront to egalitarian ideals. We need to reach all demographic segments, but not in an indiscriminate fashion that eviscerates our moral foundation. Does HSUS suggest that we supplant our values for those of corporate America? I raise this issue not self-righteously, but with the conviction that compassion is not divisible. Injustice is one monster with many heads.

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