THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 23, 1996 TAG: 9605220150
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 85 lines
In response to Lee Tolliver's May 9 article, ``Anglers should beware when PETA visits ol' fishing hole:''
First of all, PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) and other animal-rights groups are right, and the adults pushing fish torturing as an amusement for children are wrong.
Are we not supposed to be teaching our youth to respect and care for all life? Well, fishing, along with other forms of animal abuse, hunting, animal circus acts, rodeos, etc. . . ., all are contradictions to our ``be-kind'' message.
As far as PETA wanting to take away people's livelihoods, that is also not true. The plan would be to educate and help these people to find a cruelty-free way to make a living.
The revenues raised by fishing licenses is, as far as I'm concerned, blood money. And I'm sure there are many more constructive ways to raise money for the ``environment.''
PETA is not here to take away anyone's rights. If people would relax and listen, they would realize they have nothing to worry about, and we might all learn something.
Let's take children hiking, canoeing, snorkeling, nature walking and biking - just to name a few healthy, constructive (not destructive) activities - and teach them about nature and everything in it.
Just because fishing is a tradition to some does not make it right. It's time to start raising a kinder, gentler generation:
Teaching our children that Mother Nature and all the creatures, large and small, need to share this planet. Teaching them anything less is confusing them.
And people who make time to be the voices for the voiceless and easily exploited should be commended. And those who spend their spare time paying big bucks trying to inflict pain and suffering on others - they are the ones who need to ``get a life.''
Anne Burky
Virginia Beach Other concerns should drive PETA members
Concerning PETA, I'm hoping the citizens of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina do not ignore this organization. If we choose to do so, matters will only become worse.
How can this group place animal rights above humans, when so many people are suffering from many types of abuses? If they wish to address animal abuse, then protest the bull fights, dog fights and cock fights. Travel to Europe, Southeast Asia and Latin America to champion animal rights. (Those countries would not tolerate them for long!)
Sport fishing is a multi-million dollar business that supports not only local economics but cooperates with local, state and federal agencies to protect our fisheries so future generations may enjoy it.
I teach my children to respect and enjoy nature, and to practice catch and release. I myself work to protect our environment at work and home. But I do not believe one should force their opinions or beliefs by force, intimidation or harassment. These tactics are borderline terrorist methods and should not be condoned!
If PETA is so concerned about abuses, then they should address child, spousal and abuse of the elderly. Look after the homeless and the hungry, not the sportsperson.
It appears as if the membership of PETA is being guided by a handful of attention seeking, misguided, self-righteous people with too much time on their hands.
M.B. McIntyre
Virginia Beach Account for behavior
The Virginian-Pilot should be commended for the thorough reporting of the events surrounding the case of Del. Robert Nelms. If it were not for your efforts the citizens of the 76th District would not be aware of the un-flattering information about their state representative.
The account given of Mr. Nalms' career reveals a pattern of refusal to give account for his behavior. Questions asked about fees paid for consultant work on an environmental project still remain unanswered.
When people take public office they are expected to answer questions about their finances and their behavior. Mr. Nelms does not like this part of the job, so why should he remain in the position?
Bev Taylor
S. Battlefield Boulevard by CNB