AR-News: (US) (WI) letter: Fishing isn't idyllic; it's painful, cruel

[MEATSTINKS at aol.com]

Fond Du Lac, Wi Post-Crescent
Letters: Fishing isn’t idyllic; it’s painful, cruel 
<A HREF="http://www.wisinfo.com/thereporter/news/archive/opinion_11820148.shtml">Post-Crescent - Fishing isn’t idyllic; it’s painful, cruel</A> 
<A HREF="http://www.wisinfo.com/thereporter/news/archive/opinion_11820148.shtml">http://www.wisinfo.com/thereporter/news/archive/opinion_11820148.shtml</A>

It’s hard to believe that only 140 years ago Americans kept slaves, and 85 
years ago women weren’t allowed to vote. It’s easy to look back at the 
prejudices of our grandfathers and shake our heads in disbelief. It is much more 
difficult to distance ourselves from our own prejudices.

Michelle Malkin’s column about teaching her toddler to fish (“Anti-fishing 
activists back a badly-flawed premise”) called the experience wholesome and 
idyllic. But I suspect her daughter may one day put down her fishing pole and get 
hooked on compassion instead. 

Most likely her grandchildren will look back and shake their heads.

The scientific evidence is in, and fish do indeed feel pain (see 
www.fishinghurts.com). 

Rather than encouraging bloodsports, why not instead teach children to 
respect animals? 

Just because fish are different from us is no reason to torture and kill 
them. Can’t we find non-violent ways to amuse ourselves? Extending the Golden Rule 
and the Sixth Commandment to include animals will make us better human 
beings.

stewart david

Asheville, N.C. 

    
    

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