Rebuttal re: HSUS

  
We value comments from either side of an opinion. Although the comments on the post are welcome please note they are subject to rebuttal (in red.)

“Please see the HSUS statement on this as well.”

I have been to the website, checked the blog and remain unconvinced.

”We're no (sic) affiliated with local shelters, but that doesn't mean we don't do a lot for them.”

And that would be what? Do you supply food, veterinary care, and money for containment, shelter, or training? You know, the real costs which are borne by the local shelters and not spent on lobbying.

“Whether its (sic) through our Animal Care Centers, or through our emergency services (we've rescued over 9700 animals in 2009), we help animals on the ground and on the legislative front.”

9700 rescues would work out to 197 per state per year or roughly 3 per country per year. We rescue more than that as a family and without a revenue base of $204,000,000 or $2474 per animal. My wife, and the owner of this blog, went to Louisiana in the Katrina aftermath and actually did real work in animal rescue for Noah’s Wish without compensation or any agenda to destroy the country.

”Our multi national agenda is clear - stop cruelty.”

The “national agenda” was clearly and fairly evaluated in the blog post on Zion Beckons and it amounted to far more than “stop cruelty.” Most of the items in the agenda were extracted from the wording on the website published by HSUS.

Read our CEO's blog if you want to hear it first hand, or visit our website.”

I read it and saw little which would alter my opinion. It sounded pretty much like a PETA rehash.

Thank you for your comment.


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Liberty, Job # l

  
Our preacher, who has a clear cut calling, and I were having a talk at the hospital this morning. As we waited for Jan to recover from heavy sedation and see for ourselves if God was still on the job (He is!) we chatted about the left-ward tilt evidenced by our president and the congress. To his credit, he would never dream of talking politics from the pulpit or while on any spiritual mission. As a personal friend I soon recognized his hunger for the latest discoveries which I had made and reported on these pages. We are definitely on the same wave length.

As we spoke, I noted an older man listening in on the conversation with great interest, and when some special point was made he gave an almost imperceptible nod. After a half hour or more of listening, he leaned our way and begged forgiveness for “eavesdropping.” We both assured him that there was nothing in our conversation that was privileged and apologized for disturbing him. He then said he had learned a great deal from what he heard and felt helpless that he couldn’t figure out how to contribute to the solutions rather than just stay aware of the problems.

Further rumination on this issue brought to mind the frustrations which many have as they find themselves in the role of unsupported patriots. He is not alone trying to figure out why the traditional avenues lead to dead ends. As Americans, we have found solutions to our shared problems usually resided in the hands of politicians we sent to Washington to represent us. Older citizens recall the days when the press also pressed for continuation of the values which we as Americans shared. If the problems we faced were external in nature we could always call on the military to wage a counter effort to whatever danger was presented to the republic. Through trust, these, with the help of the judiciary, were the dependable avenues for us to seek redress of grievance or threat.

The principle problems we face today are of a completely different nature. For the first readily recognized time we are facing our severest peril from within. With a president who has not only had many associates and role-models among the Marxists, we now find that he assigned many of those to high positions in government. He has openly challenged the metric of traditional leadership roles in the federal government. He has used methods which are not consistent with the constitutional mandates and circumvented the normal hiring practices to lard his surroundings with socialists. He has, in fact, brought about the nebulous “change” which he promised as a candidate.

For millions of citizens this has posed a huge problem. They now, like our new friend, find themselves without the standard protections which Americans have come to rely upon. They do not see the only obvious path to lead the country out of its own quagmire. The only available defense is now in the hands of each citizen. Reliable polls indicate opposition to nearly every issue which is currently being crammed down our throats. The collective thoughts of Americans reject almost every thing in the process of action in Washington. They didn’t want TARP, the stimulus package, cash for clunkers, big auto take over, bail outs for multi-billion dollar financial institutions, God relegated to the role of a historical curiosity, cap and trade, dithering in Afghanistan, endless national debt and socialized medicine. Each of the aforementioned has cost an enormous sum, and in the case of the war, lives. Through it all, John Q. Public stands both aghast at the government takeover and horrified at the cost. And still, the question remains: “What are we to do and who is responsible to do it?”

Here I have both good news and bad news. The monster of oppressive government can be overcome. The agent of change has to be—YOU! ME? YES YOU!! It is no longer possible to just watch the evening news, shake your head, curse and go on with your life. When the traditional remedies disappear it then filters on down to those of us who love the country enough to take whatever action we are able, to restore normalcy and justice to the republic. Obviously, there is a strong historical precedent for this thought and the steps required to manifest that action.

The men, who manned the militia grounds at Lexington, the bridge at Concord and took on the mightiest Army in the world at that time, were unlikely heroes. They were farmers, grocers, wheel-rights, kids, old men, hunters, fishermen, and carpenters who held weekend drills and carried arms from their own homes. Subsequently, those who forged the U.S. Constitution during years of disagreement were men of character, faith and skill who fully understood the needs of all the citizenry. You personally could have been part of either group.

Inasmuch as we have been abandoned by the politicians, the press, the presidency and the judiciary, the job belongs to the people. Does this mean that we should all rush out and join the throngs at the barricades? Not necessarily but that would be the final option. What it does mean is that we must all do our level best to ensure that we are heard. Past that, we must be informed by our own inquiry. There are a growing number of organizations which have your interests at heart. Many are listed on the side bars of this web-site. Yesterday’s pamphleteer is today’s blogger. Thomas Paine in character is alive and well in the active minds of those who communicate daily in blogs and periodically in hundreds of regular publications. Get the facts and be prepared to share with family and friends to enlarge the ranks of the protest.

Once armed with knowledge, share your wishes and objections with your elected representatives by mail, phone, fax, or a personal visit. Always keep in mind that they are the servants of the people and not the other way around. As you would with any employee, be courteous, caring, but most important, be firm. One interjected point here: if you ask a question, wait patiently but insist on an answer.

If you have time, talent and resources, volunteer for leadership, organization or donations to further the cause of defeating of this all-out assault on our liberty. If you hear of a Tea Party within range of your capability to attend, do so. Be ever alert to upcoming events which hold your interest and attend. Again, past that, you should tell your friends, family and neighbors. Those who would steal our freedoms are terrified of this course of action. They will publicly deny, denigrate, and falsely report patriotic events but privately they seek the means to stifle this legitimate debate. Your personal acquisition of knowledge is the most feared weapon in the arsenal of defense in protection of our liberties. The lies propagated by the left should never go unanswered. It’s up to you.


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

American Humane Association

  
After the response we received from readers on the HSUS I concluded that all of us need more insight into the financial dealings of animal oriented organizations. If I were to go with a national advocacy group, I would probably select the American Humane Association.

 They were organized in 1877 and have been fighting animal cruelty ever since. In addition they have combined their efforts with children’s advocacy as well. For those who go to movies you will note in the trailer that AHA posts the advisory, “no animals were injured in the making of this film..” During shooting of the film, the only persons not employed by the studio who remain on the set are the representatives of the AHA. They stand as the voice and advocate of the mute actors and supervise their welfare. They started their crusade for animal/actor safety early in the history of film making when a studio ran a blindfolded horse off a cliff to his death.

Their objective appears to be champions of the innocent without altering the American life style. Their lobbying activities are for humane procedures and not the elimination of entire segments of the economy. For details on their finances, you may check out Charity Navigator for an accurate rundown. While you are there, I would suggest you also devote some time to other charities which you support for an overview of their activities. People who use the service are not shy about expressing their opinions and dispensing distaste as well as praise for particular charitable organizations. A solid rule of thumb is the presence of a large number of comments is generally seen as evidence of complaints.

The addition of emphasis on child protection, as well as animals, is seen as a logical compliment to the work they have ongoing.

In a closing note of interest: the post on HSUS Tuesday generated an historical high traffic for Zion Beckons. In fact, the high point was reached about 1:30 pm. For good or ill, I am very pleased to observe such interest in animal welfare. In closing I would also point out that direct donations of any size would be greatly appreciated by your local shelter/animal rescue organization. Take it in person and see for yourself the great works they accomplish. You will be welcomed with open arms—and paws—and purrs--and wagging tails.


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Humane Society of the United States

  
This is an example of mis-direction in its vilest hour. Pictures of abused animals, dogs, cats, bunnies, cows, and others are presented in ads nightly on our local Fox News Channel with appeals to donate to save these poor creatures and provide a home. It is an extremely aggressive campaign with full minute spots appearing several times a night—every night. The ads strongly suggest that your donation will provide a safe, loving home for these unfortunate creatures in some unidentified shelter.

Since I do not, and am unwilling to, watch any network TV news or cable cast other than Fox, I confess that I can’t verify these ads are showing elsewhere. Given the popularity of Fox, it would make sense to use them primarily as they are the most watched outlet and the most likely to generate revenue.

With some urging from Jan Granny with a Pitchfork, I did some research and found a huge dossier of interesting and damning information on this subject—Humane Society of the United States. The first serious problem which came to the fore was the absolute absence of evidence of any facility under the direct or associated connection with the HSUS which could provide a shelter or even adoption for the abused animals.. No such facility is known to exist in their name in any state in the United States or abroad. Their payroll reflects no veterinarians, keepers, consultants, dieticians, trainers or managers to man these phantom homes for animals. These shelters are a total fiction and any donations would never help so much as one lonesome injured kitty.

This passionate plea came from an outfit with an estimated wealth of around $115,000,000. That amount, if allocated to each individual state would provide $2.3 million each to provide rescue services for animals. The animals used in the filming of the appeal depict creatures who are obviously victims of rank cruelty and neglect. They are shown in dilapidated confinement and bearing the fresh damage of recent lack of kindness or care. Their appearance makes an extremely strong appeal to the casual viewer for financial support. It is a sham!

So, where does the money go? After an investigation the activistcash.com web site made this observation:
“Instead, HSUS spends millions on programs that seek to economically cripple meat and dairy producers; eliminate the use of animals in biomedical research labs; phase out pet breeding, zoos, and circus animal acts; and demonize hunters as crazed lunatics.. HSUS spends $2 million each year on travel expenses alone, just keeping its multi-national agenda going.”

How about a peek at the guy running the show, Wayne Pacelli? He started with the organization as a vp back in 1994 and took the top spot in 2004. He was a dream come true for the organization—a true vegan. From his new lofty perch with no dependency on animals for food, he could press the full “Peta-esque” agenda at no personal loss.

The comparison to PETA is valid across the board. I see no serious disagreement between the organizations in their press for granting animals equal rights with humans. While the thought of Woodsy the Owl in the court room repeating his traditional, “Who? Who? Who?” might be amusing if not for the serious implications on a citizenry already under attack from every quarter over existing rights of their own? All too often the battle over individual rights turns into a zero sum game as one man’s gain is another man’s loss. The average guy doesn’t need to lose to a pig, a cow, or a bird.

One way or another or on one issue or another we are all under attack from this organization. Among the things we would lose if HSUS had their way would be bacon, beef, bratwurst , baloney, chicken, milk, eggs, leather shoes, vests, belts, coats, and hats, circuses, medical research using animals, hunting, fishing, polo, horse racing, pet ownership, wool in its many applications, insecticides, dog food, fly swatters, football, fur lined gloves, McDonald’s anything, WD-40, and coon skin caps. All HSUS seeks is a total reorganization of life as we know it.

They have mounted an all-out attack on American choice and individualism in the guise of protecting animals. Their ranks have recently been filled with personnel who have former PETA experience and also the discredited and indicted ALF (Animal Liberation Front.) For those with short memories, ALF has frequently violated the law through arson and willful destruction of biology labs with animal subjects and assaults on various breeding facilities. Their goal is not the protection of animals but bans on the use of any animal product in any way.

The solicitation arm of HSUS has been a consistent customer of the Share Group, a fund raising outfit. They manage the money seeking for a profit and through agreements with charities. This in itself is a legitimate enterprise and highly profitable for the Share Group. Here is an excerpt from activistcash.com on part of this effort on the behalf of HSUS:

“In the fundraising business, returning 30 to 35 percent of funds raised to a given charity is considered acceptable. But according to reports from New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, Share Group kept $2.18 million between 1999 and 2000, and passed on only $273,560 to HSUS -- a return rate of only 11 percent.”

Obviously it costs money to raise money but in the above example if you gave $100 the end charity comes up with a mere $11.

We, and no doubt you, have cash-starved local organizations with sincere, dedicated people who are devoted to animal rescue. On a recent visit to one in Cassville, MO while “cat-shopping,” we learned some amazing things. We met no paid employees. We saw no equipment or facilities which exceeded the bare-bones requirements to maintain their operation. They had a huge choice of happy, well cared for animals. The biggest surprise came when we asked about the daily demand for an immense amount of food. The volunteer opened a store room door and revealed shelves groaning under the weight of canned and bagged animal foods of every brand, size, and end-user designation. When I questioned the presence of such a large back stock of food on an obviously scant budget, he said the magic words: “It is an ongoing gift from Wal-Mart.” As products near their expiration dates the stock is purged and sent to the shelter. What was missing was any hint of a self-aggrandizing claim on behalf of the retail giant for their generosity. We left with two sisters, Liberty and Prudence, whose furry feline bodies you will currently find occupying our sofa.

For a far more comprehensive view of this organization (HSUS) click on either of the links: read it and weep. To usurp a noble goal, mis-manage funds, and utilize such mis-direction is criminal at worst and shameless misbehavior at the best. If you are reading this on the net you have research facilities at your finger tips which exceed the capacity of the greatest libraries the world has ever known. Please use them and avoid those who would ride the tides of sympathy to achieve ill gotten gains.


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Monday Morning Rant 121

  
Another exciting week has come and gone and left the residual damage we have come to expect from this administration. Increasing exposure of falsified data on a prestigious university’s studies of climate change, flummoxing of the secret service at the State Dinner, the sudden realization that Harry Reid can’t come up with the numbers necessary to deliver socialized medicine with a senate vote, have filled the air and the air waves. Some days a fella’ just can’t catch a break.

With each passing day, the poll numbers in resistance to the policies and personalities in the White House get thinner to the delight of the opposition conservatives. We went into Thanksgiving with the strongly approve/strongly disapprove numbers at a whopping -15 on Rasmussen. Since they only poll “likely voters” and not the population at large we may safely take some joy in their ratings. There is real danger lurking in all these positive developments.

For some peculiar reason, those on the right seem to gather hesitancy when confronted with gradual success. We have difficulty going for the jugular when circumstances are right and the left is reeling. After considerable time reading the Daily Kos comments on a couple of articles it was easy to see they had their “dobbers” down. Part of that was attributable to their dear leader’s hesitancy to totally adopt their radical left wing attitudes on absolutely every issue. The balance could be laid at the feet of failure to enact the agenda when the congress is totally under the thumb of the administration.. Fear was there for the reading as well as continuing doubt about the one’s capacity for governance—not just running for office but actually running the office. To build your confidence in the progress of conservative back-lash, reading the comments on Kos is highly recommended. They didn’t even get in their licks and accustomed insults about the “nefarious” Tea Party movement.

Four Officers Shot in Lakewood, WA

We are all waiting expectantly for the apprehension of the perpetrator and investigation of the motives for the senseless murder of four police officers in the greater Tacoma area. The four officers were collectively the parents of nine children and seated in a coffee shop a short distance from McChord AFB in the city’s southern suburbs in advance of the start of their shift. The officers, three male and one female, were together when the gunman came in, went to the counter, abruptly turned and opened fire at extremely close range. All were uniformed, fully equipped and wearing Kevlar.

Any death of any person is tragic. In the prime of life it is especially so. The gunman has changed the lives of the surviving families forever. There is no way to compensate for this loss. Although we realize the perpetrator will be pursued relentlessly and no doubt found, we all need to pray for the survivors in their loss and for their ability to carry on. The victims are in other, far more capable hands.

Tiger Woods

This is not a gossip column, super market tabloid, or reality TV. We respect his right to conduct his personal life with dignity and privacy. ‘Nuff said.

Victory in Honduras?

I believe that it is my love of our country, its history and its lawful values which draw me as more than an interested observer to the happenings in Honduras. I have never been there, I have never personally known a citizen, and my only personal knowledge of the country comes from my close relationship with a missionary with strong ties there and ongoing and transparent news reports.

I then conclude that my ties are largely ideologically in sympathy with their constitution and the population’s insistence that every person abide by it. If a government is formed by the people it needs be operational for those same people. The outsiders who would influence the events in Honduras have no rightful voice.

In the most recent election for president, in accordance with their laws, they have proven the efficacy of their system, properly elected their next president and are now ready to peacefully proceed with the business of government. The identity of the victor in the election is not nearly as important as the election itself. This success is a great disappointment to Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, and Spain who each and collectively held a vested interest in the election and no legitimate right to intrude. By asserting their constitutional independence, the Hondurans more closely mimic the intentions of their cousins in the Northern Hemisphere by so doing and our peoples become closer as a result.

It is an absolute defeat for the Obama factions who falsely labeled it as a “coup”, sent our secretary of state to lobby against it, and denied committed funds ($31 million) which others had earmarked for the poverty stricken country. By lining up on the wrong side of the issue, our president once again showed how out of touch he is in foreign relations and demonstrated his favor for bullies and despots at the expense of peace loving peoples and the rule of law.

And finally

Tomorrow is December 1 and this year is about shot. There was much which I should have accomplished during the last eleven months and a suitable roadblock arose for each task. Right now, everything is second fiddle to getting “Granny” fully operational again. We have rediscovered Job in our Bibles and thus realized that yes, things could indeed be worse. Like Job, we shall refrain from cursing God for our difficulties. We also continue to acknowledge the prayers of the faithful to strengthen us and accelerate her healing.

The natural world continues as a reminder that life goes on. Our primary visitors recently have included the nuthatch, small wrens, finches, gaudy cardinals and some monster jays. I find it amazing that, regardless of size, they wait patiently in nearby branches for availability of the feeder. It must seem as a bottomless source of bird seed to them.

I went to the large glass door looking out on the rear deck last night to turn off the porch light and was treated to a rare sight. Wandering about was the largest opossum I have ever seen. It was huge. The overall length, from tip to tail, was nearly four feet! Although I’m certain that somewhere there lurks one larger, I was definitely impressed. I continue to be grateful to God for the presence of these creatures and the reminder of the really important things of this world.


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

The Great god Kyphoplasty

  
My bride has been suffering extreme back pain from a fractured vertebra in her back caused by an accident some fifty days ago. She came to me this morning with a plaintive question concerning the caprices of the variety of medications she takes to alleviate the pain.

“Dr. Moon,” she queried, “why, after I took one white pill in the morning yesterday, was I pain free for the bulk of the day when the same routine today resulted in a strange euphoric reaction and little relief?”

I’ll admit I found the question challenging until I gave it more thought and recalled some history from long ago. After lengthy ruminations I finally had the answer.

“Dearest heart,” said I, “varying response to pain medication is not all that unusual and frequently tied to other factors of your treatment. I would urge you to review the following: when you created the recuperative ceremonial fire ring, did you prearrange the rocks of regeneration on the outside of the prayer circle? Did you then carefully intersperse the rough rocks of harsh response in interactive positions near the polished ones already in place? Did you carefully skin the bark of the Kindness Kindling for better transfer of heat to the Blessed Burls to better ignite the flames of restorative goodness?”

As she contemplated my queries, I noticed a furrowing of her brow and mimicry of the faces that puppies present when challenged with new or unusual concepts. I went on: “I had noted previously that the ritual fowl we had hung from the roof poles had been placed without regard to either ‘by the neck’ or ‘by the feet.’ The resultant blood drainage into the sacred cups is then influenced by the last contact and becomes either brain or claw oriented. This act of carelessness may indeed influence the outcome of your eventual healing.”

She immediately countered, “I have done all as is written in the traditions of our fathers and the hearts of our mothers. When I boiled the fowl and cleansed the bones, I was very careful to remove all directional impetus and replace undue influence. I then gently waved the bones over the prayer fire in a counter sundial-wise direction to exert the maximum negative force on the pain. Please keep in mind that we first met while learning all this at the feet of the Great Shaman as children.”

“Point well taken;” said I, “on the morrow we shall return to the Great Bone Healer and seek to have the sacred balloon inserted to expand the fractured juncture and replaced with the cement of certitude to retain the original position. During the ceremony, we shall offer constant supplication to the great god Kyphoplasty for his benign relief and also to the muses of Medicare and American Family for their role in assuring successful recovery.”


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon