In the world of advocacy, whether it's for human or animal causes, it seems sometimes there are very well-defined lines drawn in the sand.
I was reminded of this when I was sent a link to a beautiful and moving commentary written by an incredible advocate with a huge heart, Mary Alice Pollard of Cornwall's Voice for Animals entitled "There is no room for such hatred even here on my internet home". Mary Alice wrote this after she encountered a very sad situation where she found herself in a situation of having to defend herself for her opinions about the tragic loss of human lives after an act of terrorism in Norway, where on July 22nd a bomb exploded, killing at least 93 innocent people in this peaceful region.
Sadly, a war of words of sorts erupted between some animal advocates and others, including Mary Alice, who were trying to simply say that all life, both human and nonhuman is important and the senseless loss of either is heartbreaking.
Some of those who advocate for humans and their rights constantly question why animal advocates care about anything other than humans. Their position is that humans should take precedence and animals aren't of any value in comparison.
On the other hand, some of those who advocate for animals take the position that humans have enough support and animals are in far greater need. They question why humans should come first when the animals have no voice of their own.
The bottom line, however, is that all life, both human and nonhuman, is precious. Each life was put on this earth for a purpose. Each life has a reason to exist and each life has value. No life should be taken away or end senselessly or cruelly; not a single life.
Simply because someone advocates for animals doesn't mean they don't care about humans or vice versa. It's a sad day when those who do work for the good of living beings can't seem to agree and the two worlds collide in a barrage of hurtful and hateful words.
When that type of situation arises, sadly the lives of all living beings end up taking a back seat to the opinions and determined nature of those involved with sometimes ugly and hurtful things being said to and about each other. The end result is that the entire purpose of being an advocate gets lost and energies that could be spent doing far greater things get expended in futile arguments.
We each choose our battles in life and the causes we wish to support. Some of us take the path of trying to be a voice for those who otherwise would have none. Others choose the path of human needs. Both are valid. Both are righteous. Both are needed. All are important.
What each person needs to realize is that advocates can work passionately to help their causes and still care about others. The lines can be blended and the hearts can meld into one; the loving, compassionate and caring hearts.
So before you have a knee-jerk reaction with someone who might be championing a cause that isn't yours, think about your own heart, your own causes and passions and how much they mean to you. Then realize that others have just as much passion and just as much desire to do good in this world.
It's together where we truly make a difference for all life whether it walks upright, flies, slithers, swims or runs on four legs. Always try to remember that all life, no matter how large or how small, matters.
Bless all of the hearts who care about all living beings.
Click here for Mary Alice Pollard's Commentary on Facebook.
Click here for information about Cornwall's Voice for Animals.
Click here for the Facebook page The Little Jollity Farm in the Meadow, a Feathered Friend Rescue.
Click here for information about the bomb in Norway.
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