An exerpt from Speciesism by Joan Dunayer:,

"Many people have reported seeing ants construct a bridge over water or some other barrier - for example, by taking shreds of grass and, using their saliva, gluing them together. Ants of various species use bits of leaf, wood, dirt, or sand as food-collecting tools. Holding such material in their jaws, they dip it into food (e.g., honey, fruit pulp, or the body fluids of prey) until the food sticks or is absorbed. Then they carry the soaked material back to their colony. This strategy substantially increases the amount of food that they can carry. Why do humans consider it intelligence when chimpanzees use leaves as sponges to absorb water, or woodpeckers soak bark in honey that they then feed their young, but mere instinct when ants perform equally complex actions? Speciesism."

This quote was inspired by all the interesting insect programs recently at the Olympia Public Library. And, here is an article that illustrates the complexity of insect interactions.

A fascinating read. I highly recommend the book.

Excerpt from Animal Equality: Language and Liberation:

"As reported by zoologist Maurice Burton, two hens of different breeds walked, ate, dustbathed, sunbathed, and slept together. One, Aggie, was elderly and nearly blind. The other (unnamed) was younger and could fend for two. During the day the younger hen would guide Aggie around the garden and place food before her, clucking an invitation to eat. At night she would lead Aggie back to their roost. When Aggie died, the younger hen stopped eating, "was dejected," and rapidly deteriorated. Within a week she, too, died.

Humans caricature chickens' interactions as negative and rigid "pecking orders." Our species' massive, needless violence toward chickens requires seeing them as unfeeling things, not individuals who can love and grieve. Whether or not she died from grief, the younger hen was Aggie's friend.

Affiliative behavior and other pseudoscientific terms that substituted for nonhuman friendship falsify. With such jargon, skeptics remain safely at the surface of nonhuman lives, whose depths they deny."

Style Guidelines for Countering Speciesism with Language Choices

Information:

"The aim of this conference is to provide an opportunity for activists to network, build alliances, and discuss how to further the goals of the movement. This conference is designed for people who have already accepted the premise of animal rights and are ready to take the next step. Although we don't presume to know what this next step should be, we hope that this conference will produce constructive results.

The format of this conference will include:

* round-table discussion
* hands-on
* workshops
* lectures
* film screenings
* musical performances

Tickets will be $5-20, sliding scale."

If you want to understand the passion for compassion in the movement for animal justice, the depth of the effect of speciesism in our culture, and the connection between speciesism, sexism, and racism, see Earthlings which will be showing tonight at Capitol Theater.

Don't miss it!

From the Northwest Animal Rights (NARN) newsletter:

SNBL USA is one of the largest a contract testing organizations in the country. They are in the business of animal cruelty - conducting animal experiments for businesses such as Pfizer, Inc and Eli Lilly. On January 31, 2008 KIRO 7 broke an investigation that revealed horrible animal suffering at the Everett facility (They also have a facility in Alice TX). In one case, a female monkey was scalded to death during a 20 minute wash cycle inside of a searing hot 180 degree cage washer. Whistle blowers have also alleged that monkeys are sprayed with acid, dropped on their heads and that when monkeys are not fed or cared for as required by law, employees are required to fake entries in official records.

To read these stories see:
KIRO TV
KIRO TV
Seattle Times

Henry: One Man's Way will be returned to the library tomorrow. It is a quick dose of inspiration and encouragement for any progressive activist and I highly recommend the video.

"The problem always is, how can you, as an individual activist, really make a difference? The world is so vast, so complex, sometimes you despair of making any kind of difference. I think the real lesson to be learnt from what Henry has done is that you can make a difference." ~Peter Singer

Olympia Animal Rights is seeking signatures for a petition to screen the award winning documentary, Earthlings, at the Olympia Film Society.

If you would like to support bringing this informational documentary about Speciesism to the OFS by signing the petition, please contact olympiaar@gmail.com.

UPDATE: The OFS will be screening Earthlings on Monday, March 24th, at 6:30pm so that the petition is no longer circulating. Thank you!

From the Action For Animals newsletter:

Vegans take personal responsibility for making the world a better place by giving up meat, dairy products, eggs, and other animal-derived items. By doing so they don't contribute to the needless suffering of animals.

Living a vegan lifestyle is one of the best things you can do to help animals. On average a person switching from the standard American diet to a vegan diet will prevent the abuse and killing of over 100 animals per year.

If you are not already vegan please resolve to cut all meat, egg and dairy products out of your diet. If you don’t feel you can go vegan “cold turkey,” resolve to reduce your animal product consumption by a set amount every week, until you are completely vegan. Please also resolve to stop buying all leather, wool, and down and any household and personal care products that have been tested on animals. Products and clothing you already own could be used up or worn out, no need to toss out these items. Remember as far as the animals are concerned – future choices are what matter.

If you would like more information on why and how to become vegan please request a free vegan starter pack from AFA at
Action For Animals Vegan Starter Kit

Please also listen to the Veganism in a Nutshell audio for great information and motivation:
Mercy For Animals Kit

PETA:
Veg Kit from PeTA

Compassion Over Killing: