Balzac

What's wrong with Margaret Atwood? She's actually a Canadian I can be proud of.

dingbat

RITA MACNEIL. I could be really coarse and extend this thread to whaling, but I shall refrain.

iaink

What did Gordy do

Atlantic Xpat

The decline of North Atlantic fish stocks is a complex issue. Politics both federally and provincially has had a large part to play, as has bad science, good science ignored, short termism (both by fishermen and politicians), greed, foreign and domestic overfishing, lacklustre international management and environmental changes. An excellent piece of work on the subject is 'Lament for an Ocean' by Michael Harris. Be careful it might challenge some of your preconceptions which is always a bit painful. 'Frinstance you believe that the fact that the DFO scientists/officials are from the Maritimes mean they cant be impartial. In actuality most of the science and policy comes from Ottowa, that well know Maritime City and a common point of view amongst Maritimers is that Ottowa sells them out for larger geopolitical gain. (selling grain to the Russians, buying airbuses for Air Canada etc etc). The truth as ever lies somewhere in between.

One thing that I can say is that the fishing industry, including the seal hunt is a vital part of the economy of a very rural province. Even with its decline since the cod moratorium of 92. Taking part of that away because its not politically correct to kill defenseless and cute animals for their fur/meat/oil just doesnt sit well with me.

iaink

Are you serious? Have you ever tried to read one of her novels

dingbat

Ah if only you could read my mind....

oceanMDX

Then I suppose McCartney should stay in England and protest the sexual exploitation of children .... just because it is illegal doesn't mean that it doesn't occur.

BTW, "animal welfare" groups (more interested in their own welfare) do ask for money.

dbd33

Are they from Queer as Folk ?

Balzac

I never said Newfoundland was wealthy. Why don't you read "Glad to be here's" quote. The seals were over hunted in the 50's and are only now returning to numbers to be expected there. With climate change the seals are further threatened. The seal hunt is political, a sop to a dying region. Spend my tax money on educating these people.

Atlantic Xpat

Southpark.

All together now 'Blame Canada............'

iaink

But they are doing it to raise more money, I have no problem with that, they need the money to help with animal welfare in other areas where they can actually make a difference.

They certainly arent going to influence the canadian government to stop the cull, so what other logical reason can there be for helicoptering an A list celeb to the middle of the gulf of St Lawrence to have his picture taken with the wrong seals? Perhaps there is no logical reason.

dbd33

She's a pleasant enough woman but, good grief, she churns out some tedious tripe.

dbd33

Oh, and thinking of tedious tripe, Naomi Klein.

Atlantic Xpat

Ah, when we start talking about 'them' or 'these people' we dehumanise ordinary people with lives, loves and dreams. Thats a dangerous thing to do my friend.....

You are coy about your nationality and location. However with your oh so well observed comments on Newfoundland are you Margaret Wente?

Balzac

That is the kind of mindless argument I was trying to pre-empt. Just because you protest one injustice doesn't mean you dont care about other injustices.

Why do you think people work for animal welfare groups? You surely can't believe its for the big bucks. Maybe everyone isn't cynical. Is that possible?