The world is becoming a smaller place. This is a double edged sword with the Internet. In one hand, the information age we live in has created an interest in knowledge and information sharing that is a marvel. It's way more difficult to hide things from people, which in turn can lead to social changes in otherwise secluded areas or topics. On the other hand, misinformation and power struggles arise when people learn the wrong facts and/or strive for policy changes against a political machine that wants to keep status-quo. We see this all the time--even now with the presidential campaign.When it comes to legislation, the fight is long and hard. Behind the scenes there are diligent individuals working to push new laws through that will hopefully better our lives as a people. Not only is it a long obstacle course, but there is usually someone in control who apposes the efforts, and many times with very little reason involved. Change is slow.
I've mentioned Rhonda Kamper in a previous posts. She is working on Henry's Law in Utah to pass a first felony offense for animal torture. Unfortunately, Henry's law did not pass. Among overwhelming support by the public and the House of Representatives, the bill was altered dramatically to include only companion dogs and cats as a third felony offense because of fears over treatment of farm animals. (If you want to see what happens to farm animals, check out Peta.) This is a baby step toward positive change and an example of why it takes forever for change to happen.
Another example is one of the volunteers in the Bravery project has been trying to pass the a law that strangulation is attempted murder and must be treated as a felony, not a misdemeanor. For four years, she has run up against a senator, for whatever reason, apposes the efforts. Change is slow.
If you don't know history, you should. There are lots of cool docudramas and fascinating stories to make history more interesting to learn. A common thread you will see is the dogma that sticks to the policies that govern. One of my favorite examples is William Wilberforce, the abolitionist
who was a Member of Parliament in England back in the 18th century. At this time, the African slave trade was in it's prime. The UK, Europe, American economy were strongly dependent on the slave labor force, nevermind the unbelievable cruelty involved. William worked tenaciously year after year to pass an antislave trade motion. It took him 18 years. The motion abolished the slave trade, but did not free those already enslaved. This was a giant leap, but much more needed to be done.Fighting for human and animal rights, for some reason, has always been a long struggle, but one worth the effort and time. In our era, we are fortunate enough to have information tools and stronger freedoms to express our unrest, yet there is still a lot of work to be done for basic and obvious changes that should have already been in place for such a "civilized society."
Be empowered by learning lessons in history; we have no excuse with information at a click of a mouse. Don't give up the good fight; keep the pressure on those stubborn bureaucrats. Get involved and use your voice; talk openly about issues and VOTE this year. Eventually positive changes will happen.
Henry's Law
Amazing Grace
Implications of Historical Ignorance
Herstory of Domestic Violence: A Timeline of the Battered Women's Movement
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