Obama, A Fly, And Compassionate Living June 18, 2009

Posted by Pulin Modi at June 18, 2009 5:15 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 14 ) | TrackBack

One of the hottest news stories today has been about PETA's statement on President Obama killing a fly during a recent interview.

There's a bit of a misunderstanding on what's been going on with this (we don't have a campaign against him for swatting a fly or anything like that), so here's what we have to say ...

Certainly, President Obama has been helpful in his opposition to factory farming, which involves the mutilation and slaughter while fully conscious of 10 billion chickens and other farmed animals every year and is something America can be ashamed of. He condemned the Canadian seal slaughter, which is the largest massacre of marine mammals in the world. His wife won't wear fur, which means she doesn't support having animals die slowly in traps and an abysmal life and death on fur factory farms just for a coat. His administration is supporting openness regarding how government money is spent, so that's going to save millions of animals from painful experiments every year. And he had a perfect voting record on behalf of animals while he was in the Senate and spoke out publically in support of animal protection on multiple occasions during his campaign for President. Swatting a fly on TV indicates that he's not the Buddha, that's all.

As an organization, we support compassion even for the most curious, smallest, and least sympathetic animals, much as Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Albert Schweitzer, who included insects in his realm of compassion, but human beings often don't think before they act and so people swat flies and far worse.

PETA's mission statement is that other animals are not ours to eat, to wear, to experiment on, or to use for human amusement. Basically, do the least harmful, hurtful thing you can, be aware.

We hope that anyone reading this will take steps to reduce suffering through simple, kind choices in our daily lives such as choosing vegetarian meals, cruelty-free cosmetics, and clothing made without animals. Visit peta2.com/TakeCharge if you need some motivation and tips on making it happen.

Obama 'Outraged' Over Seal Slaughter? April 9, 2009

Posted by Rachel-O at April 9, 2009 5:08 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 23 ) | TrackBack

We love it when we hear from anyone who stands up for animals. Whether it's a Street Teamer, a celebrity, or someone learning the facts for the first time.

So you can't imagine how ecstatic we were when we heard that in 2006, when Barack Obama was an Illinois Senator, he wrote a letter to a group of constituents to thank them for their support of a resolution against the Canadian seal slaughter. He assured them that he would use his seat in the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to support the resolution.

In his letter, then-Senator Obama wrote that "the United States should not condone" the slaughter, and vowed, "As a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I will work with my colleagues to ensure that we take the necessary steps to express our outrage with this inhumane measure".

We applaud Obama for taking such a strong stand—and now, PETA Senior Vice President Dan Mathews has written a letter to President Obama asking him to express that same passion now, as president, in an appeal to the Canadian government to stop the seal slaughter.

You should be outraged too. Make sure you sign the petition to save the seals if you haven't already!


P.S. Yeah, we know this was one of the cheesiest jokes ever. This is for real—we promise!

UPDATE: Obama Naked in a peta2 Ad? April 1, 2009

Posted by Lara Sanders at April 1, 2009 9:58 AM | Permalink | Comments ( 82 ) | TrackBack

UPDATE: April Fools!

You heard me right! President Obama stars in our new "Rather Govern Naked than Wear Fur" ad. Damn! He must work out.

Obama: Ban The Torture Of Animals! January 30, 2009

Posted by Rachel-O at January 30, 2009 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 10 ) | TrackBack

If you've been living under a rock for the past couple of weeks, you might not know that President Obama has been taking some pretty big steps to push a ban on the torture of human beings.

Every year, animals including cats, dogs, monkeys, pigs, goats, and even dolphins are used in military training experiments that can only be described as torture. From starving, shooting, burning, stabbing, dismembering or electrocuting—animals used in military testing suffer in the name of science and war in some of the most senseless "tests" I've ever heard of. Seriously—shooting pigs and burning monkeys with chemicals, is this really the most humane thing we can do in 2009? All of that only to be killed in the cold hands of an experimenter. These animals need your help!

One of the most disturbing things about military tests is that there are humane and more effective alternatives to abusing animals available. In fact, some of the largest medical and trauma training centers don't use animals at all—proving that these cruel and unusual torture techniques are completely unnecessary.

We're asking President Obama to extend the ban to animals as well. Click here to send a letter to your Congressperson and your Senator in favor of ending shocking military tests on animals.

Does President-Elect Obama Bring Hope for Animals? November 5, 2008

Posted by Ryan at November 5, 2008 2:19 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 9 ) | TrackBack

As anybody who lives on Earth knows by now, Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois was chosen as the next President of the United States last night. Many of you have been asking us at peta2 what our thoughts are on the election, so here's your answer!

President-Elect Barack Obama has said "I think how we treat our animals reflects how we treat each other. And it's very important that we have a president who is mindful of the cruelty that is perpetrated on animals." Because PETA is devoted to fighting animal abuse and recognizes the link between cruelty to animals and violence directed against human beings, the organization is very encouraged by this statement.

PETA is also pleased that Obama and his wife Michelle have announced that they will adopt a rescued dog for their daughters instead of patronizing a pet store or breeder. PETA opposes large-scale breeding facilities, known as "puppy mills," as well as private breeders who bring puppies and kittens into the world while nearly 4 millions cats and dogs must be euthanized at the nation's overcrowded animal shelters every year. PETA supports animal shelters and encourages all prospective companion animal guardians to visit their local animal shelter.

PETA was also encouraged to see that, unlike other Democratic and Republican presidential candidates in the past, Obama did not pander to the National Rifle Association and other pro-hunting organizations by heading into the woods and shooting defenseless animals.

PETA looks forward to working with President-Elect Obama and the new administration to help make change happen for the millions of animals who suffer unnecessarily in this country. What's next? If his stance on other animal issues is any indication, perhaps the next president will put a tofu chicken in every pot.

- Ryan!

Debate 2008: The Road to the Greenhouse! January 11, 2008

Posted by Lara Sanders at January 11, 2008 4:38 PM | Permalink | Comments ( 1 ) | TrackBack

Can't seem to get into watching the debates? I feel you. I would rather poke myself in the eye.

I wasn't always this jaded about politics though. Once upon a time, I was in college at American University studying politics like my life depended on it. I couldn't get enough. I would stay up into the wee hours discussing whether Nader ruined Gore's chances, or if the election was rigged (on numerous occasions).

Then something happened. I lost my faith in the political process. It was kinda like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington without the happy ending.

Years later, and just when I thought it was hopeless that I would ever get back into politics; PETA comes up with a brilliant video called Debate 2008: Road to the Greenhouse.

Now this is a debate I can get into! It combines two of my greatest loves in life: puppets and veggies. This debate might not get on CSPAN, but it definitely made it to onto my MySpace page!

With characters like Broccoli Obama, Celery Clinton, and Fruity Giuliani debating over whether meat causes impotence—how couldn't I get back into the game?

You won't be able to resist either. Check it out for yourself.

Find more PETA videos at PETATV.com

xoxo- Lara