Archive for July, 2010

Christopher Porter and the Free the Pod campaign.

As a follow up to my post earlier this week and my article that just ran in TimeFinders Magazine I wanted to share more about the issue of animal captivity and the differences in philosophies that keep this a hot button issue. Months have gone by since our original interview and through that time there have been many twists and turns. Porter knew he was in a race to get people to support his campaign and understands fully that aquariums, activists, governments and the public can’t get to common ground.

Like anything, each can find reasons to stand behind their cause but behind that, is what drives this world MONEY. We are talking huge amounts of money that come from our pockets directly to organizations and businesses that deal in animal captivity. How much of that investment positively impacts the wild animal species and their habitats is what we don’t know. I venture to guess, after talking with Porter, the dollars are not floating towards where it makes the most sense.

Christopher Porter’s switch from dolphin dealer to dolphin freer really made a stir and getting support has proved extremely difficult. One group that I contacted after speaking with Mr. Porter was Ric O’Barry’s organization Save Japan Dolphins, where I spoke to Mark Berman regarding their support of the Free the Pod campaign:

“We have congratulated Chris Porter on getting out of the dolphin trade and we want to see the project move ahead. We are getting all the details ironed out. Dolphin trading must stop and Chris has the first step in promoting dolphin protection; we are continuing to look at his proposals to move forward.”

“The Government of the Solomon Islands is in favour of the capture and trading of dolphins, we want to guarantee the safety of these dolphins. The Government has to guarantee the elimination of dolphin capture and trade.”

“It also takes others to cooperate, we can’t do this alone.”

As the clock ticks away towards the final release of the remaining dolphins, I can’t help but wonder how much cooperation went on and in the end who, if anyone, stepped up to help?

Ultimately though, I think public awareness is the key as Porter suggested in our interview. We, the public, either choose not to know or clearly don’t know, what goes on behind the scenes to provide us with the pleasure of viewing, touching or swimming with wild animals. (Well, lets just take the word “wild” out of that statement because we are not seeing a wild animal anymore we are seeing a captured, controlled, manufactured image of the species.) Attending shows, parks, zoos and aquariums believing (or hoping) they are happy. Believing they are well taken care of…we are doing these animals a favour. It is the conditions with capture and captivity that we would rather turn away from.

Porter says:

“We do have an effect on them in captivity and we would feel the same way. Separated at birth from parents, living a separated life because of breeding and security purposes, spending many hours a day in a small pool, in solitary confinement like Tillicum. Of course, if you are an intelligent being it’s going to have an effect. It does have an effect on these animals because they are so intelligent and because they are so intelligent we need to preserve them in the wild.”

Of course, the argument that animals could be intelligent or feeling in a way that may compare to humans really gets some people on their high horse. They can’t fathom that something less than a human would be traumatized being abducted from its pod, group, pride or family. In their minds an animal on land or in the sea that travels for miles in a day, communicating with its members and instinctively living as it’s species has for hundreds of years would eventually lose all of its instincts, memory and needs. It will just adapt to its new tiny, artificial home.

I agree with Chris Porter’s next point:

“If the argument is that we are displaying these animals to preserve their wild counterparts then we would be preserving these wild counterparts more. We wouldn’t have drift net fishing, we wouldn’t have thousands of dolphins captured still, we wouldn’t have killer whales who are getting hunted off of Chinook Salmon so that sports fisherman can get a photo and have something for their barbecue. We are not having that impact.”

Around the world they are still capturing animals for multiple purposes that serve the human need to be even closer to them. Unless, of course, you live up the top a mountain in some expensive development and one of these lovely wild animals happens into your garden or garbage then it is “We’ve done everything to keep these things out but they keep coming back…it even went after our cat!”  Now, that is some hypocrisy there, spend money to see them contained behind glass but complain when we actually really interact with them.

As for the dolphins and whales, (that thankfully can’t just show up at the door) aquariums and their paid scientists find new reasons to collect more.

Porter:

“They are talking about going to collect whales again and justifying it because the population assessments are done and determine “Yes, that population could support a removal” “It’s scientifically justifiable and so we are going to remove these animals.”

“What if one country has an over abundance of whales or dolphins? We are not talking millions; we are talking maybe thousands, maybe hundreds. Maybe in theory we could take six away but if the rest of the world has a depreciation of these animals then we need some places that have an over abundance so that we can start getting the balance back and start changing people’s opinions.

“Even in 2010 zoos and aquariums are still talking about catching whales and dolphins. That’s not helping the wild population.”

I’m not sure as a society we are prepared to give up our addiction to pleasing ourselves with show stopping performances, dolphin swim programs and animal displays. We are too self centered, bored, needy and entitled to explore the real business that feeds our obsession. Even Mr. Porter understands the public’s draw to aquariums, zoos and the like:

“There are people that have told me I go to zoos and aquariums and I know it’s not right but it makes the kids happy and I forget about them for two three hours and they have so much fun.”

“It’s our busy, stressful lives and sometimes we sacrifice the affects we are having on these wild animals. If they were people everyone would be sounding their alarms but when you have organizations from both sides recognizing that they are social animals then we have to accept that it is a bit like containing people.”

“We are imposing our views on how they should live in the wild and captivity.”

I will offer yet another unsolicited opinion…we have closed our minds. Public, aquariums, zoos and activists all covering their ears when hearing the truth about our actions. Not cooperating with each other, unable to sit at a table to discuss better management of species and habitats we have already impacted. We suck at managing anything that has been given to us by mother nature! No matter how great the intention, how masterful the brains, how much money or effort we throw at conservation we always screw it up.

Meanwhile, we take and take and take. Make excuses, point fingers, do studies, employ more people while the animals suffer worldwide. These dolphins that will get released have an unknown fate ahead but not because the ocean didn’t welcome them back to freedom but because humans just can’t let go of the controls.

Kenneth Klassen – sex tourist, child pornographer and predator is behind bars for 11 years. Preying on girls as young as nine in Cambodia and Columbia this guy video taped himself engaging in rape and was arrested when he tried to import and pick up the videos some time later. After further investigation more tapes were found in his storage locker located in Burnaby, BC.

He was arrested, charged on 35 various sexual assault, procurement and pornography related counts and found guilty after pleading on 14 counts. There are probably many victims through his travels that we and the courts will never hear from which makes it all the more hard to take. Such is the trail of destruction left behind from these creatures.

What first goes through my head is the frustration with an 11 year sentence which by some standards is a large sentence to be handed down for such a case. Secondly, his apparent apology “I”m sorry for what I have done with all my heart” which nobody ever takes seriously – if anyone buys that line they are as sick as he is.

He is one man who got caught, in a sea of others of like mind, that continue to exploit, abuse and degrade these children. As their appetite for abuse is not satisfied in their own backyard they make a well calculated plan to research and travel to destinations that have vulnerable, innocent children forced into sexual slavery.

It is not like these countries Cambodia, Columbia, Philippines, Thailand or Africa don’t know this is going on. Due to poverty, corruption and a lack of will to properly protect defenseless women and children the pornography and sex tourism industry flourishes. It is not underground anymore. We are all familiar with its existence; we are disgusted by Klassen but behind the hat and glasses that he tried to disguise himself with, is a normal looking man.

That is a problem, we just can’t pick these less than animals out of a crowd. They lead seemingly normal lives and yet here they are taking off to foreign lands to do what is the unthinkable for the rest of us. How much is that girls life worth? Over a dozen girls images and stories were brought to this case but knowing there is more… that is not even one year per victim. What do you think his time served will be?

Eventually, Kenneth Klassen will be out. Yes, he will continue to have restrictions placed on him. No, there is no way to ensure he will be reformed. Yes, our laws are not strong enough. No, we don’t want him in our neighbourhoods or to travel elsewhere.

It is a fact of life that these monsters inhabit our earth but given how much our world has opened up both through travel and Internet we have a whole other playground these guys frequent. What can we do?

For other stories I have covered such as this check out:

A Sparkle of Hope

Jack Crone – Curiosity Killed the Cat

Every picture tells a story and that can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you feel today.

Recently, a conversation with one of my dear friends made me think about how many of us can open up our photo albums and take a long walk down memory lane. We are transported back to special occasions; milestone birthdays, weddings, parties and travel. There is also the photos of people who have shared each of those experiences with us. Relationships immortalized on film including our intimate partners — but what happens when you no longer want to be reminded of that person?

My friends solution: a cleansing, a purge of any reminders, she just got rid of the pictures. Though, not quite sure how she will feel down the road about that decision, right now it feels pretty good. A way to alleviate some of the pain associated with viewing the photos.

She wouldn’t be the first to throw out what was once  precious mementos; each of us may have chosen at one time or another to do the same. It is quicker to trash the reminders than mend a broken heart. There is a sense of gratification too. If you have tried it, you know that initially there is a real feeling of power, a taking care of business and regaining  control.

It can be difficult  to talk about a person or situation but it can also be cathartic. To have the memories floating around inside our head is something we can’t change; short of having amnesia which I don’t think any of us are going to put on our wish list. 

Photos, however, are disposable. A simple toss in the garbage, a tear or cut around the offending person and we believe we have instantly helped our current situation. Unfortunately, I’m not convinced it works that well.

I regret the removal of pictures from my life, I only did it once with a handful but it was enough for me to have some regret. Pictures can be my link to days gone by that were fabulously great, moderately memorable or served as a reminder of challenges I have overcome. I don’t want to pull pictures out to relive the experience and people as if I’m missing something now. It is just that every picture tells a story and that story is about me. The photos chronicled all the people who shared with me an experience that can never be duplicated and most often they were the same people who taught me something I needed to learn.

Everyone has the right to do what they wish with their possessions; photos are no different. So, there is no final judgment here just a chance to explore how our feelings can collide with what was once a treasure. I just can’t help but wonder if the removal of a picture or pictures really has any real influence on closing that chapter of our life.

Great Song – One of my favorites!

Every Picture Tells A Story – Rod Stewart

Christopher Porter – Dolphin Dealer turned Free the Pod campaigner.

Last year I wrote a blog post that garnered a tremendous amount of attention Dolphin Dealer – Christopher Porter. Not only did blog readers notice but so did Christopher; after leaving a comment and an email I suggested we talk further.

We talked about his campaign to free the very pod of dolphins he helped to capture, among other important matters concerning captivity and the various roles humans play in this lucrative business. It was a fascinating discussion that took countless hours to transcribe just to figure out where to focus my article which is now out in TimeFinders Magazine called Christopher Porter: Politics of the Dolphins. He needs support for his campaign but first it is helpful to understand the goals he wants to reach:

1. Release the pod and secure partnerships that would allow for ongoing follow up.

2. Secure meaningful related work for the people of the Solomon Islands, that would reduce their dependence on the killing and capture of dolphins.

3. Research beyond the standard captivity studies and provide a template which others worldwide could adopt. (proving release is possible and research is valuable)

4. Facilitate dialogue between all interested parties including aquariums, activists, partners, governments and the public on better management of the oceans and its inhabitants.

Porter is a very vocal, often described as aggressive, opinionated and knowledgeable man. He covered multiple issues for this interview. With the expertise of Jill, who worked her magical editing wand, we managed to provide readers with what I hope is an interesting, thought provoking look at the world behind the show and tell life of dolphins and whales in captivity.

You will be able to make up your own mind up as to who Christopher Porter is, the value of the Free the Pod campaign and explore the political mess that surrounds the business. There is more to discuss which I will provide in another post next week which includes a quote from Mark Berman from the SaveJapanDolphins.org - Ric O’Barry’s campaign to save dolphins.

Meanwhile, Vancouver is currently raising the debate of the appropriateness of continuing to support our own Vancouver Aquarium. Line ups at the zoo show the public still can’t get enough of those animals in a pool perhaps understanding a bit more about what is really at stake here may change their mind? Or not.

Where do you stand on the issue of captivity?

The news has been saturated lately with stories about the victims of drowning. There has been 205 people who have died so far this year in Canada. My province of British Columbia has seen an increase, with four people last week alone losing their life in our waters. As some of my readers know I am a survivor but not without a loss that profoundly impacted my family. I posted that experience May 20th, 2010  for National Life Jacket Day.

I understand perfectly the trauma and fear associated with such an experience, how it feels and how much the body and mind remembers. I have a range of emotions with every passing story:

Hurt and Sadness as I know how far reaching the grief extends, as families and friends grapple with the loss for days, months and years to come.

Anger that despite measures put in place for protecting ones self and others we are still not able to take it seriously enough to make the right decisions.

Frustration that no matter how prepared others may be we can not beat the fate that lies ahead.

Hopeful that one or more of these stories, including mine, my cause a person or family this year to be extra vigilant with their personal safety on or near water.

There is speculation that our recent hot weather may have increased the amount of people in the water and therefore more accidents occur. However, to this day I see people not wearing life jackets that partake in water sports and activities.

There is a proposal being talked about to have swimming lessons built into the school system so that children may have a better chance for survival. As a child who had those lessons and had to tread water for a long time before being rescued I can assure you it may help but it is not a cure. Knowing how to swim and being a man who grew up and worked along side water all his life did not help my father.

In life I believe some things are meant to be, people come into this world and leave us. It is our time. I also believe that common sense and not tempting fate is important too. So, I again ask people to please look to what you can do to protect yourself and your family from this kind of tragic accident. Survivors, like myself, really don’t want you to have to live with the memories and go through what we did.

Be safe! Be smart!

CBC News Story

Today we went and explored the Ladner Village Market. During the summer twice per month over 100 vendors come to Ladner to share their products. First, I have to say if you haven’t been to the Ladner/Tsawwassen area before it is worth the time, a great Sunday drive. What we enjoyed at the market was the variety of goods, not all standard crafts, plants or even meat but unique items.

We found beautiful pottery that caught our eye, Choi’s Pottery which had us marveling at all the everyday items that can be turned into stunning pieces of art. We were given a list of the pattern and symbolism that can be found on the pottery which made us identify with it even more. My husband really likes cranes and blue herons, the crane’s symbolism was Long Life and Good Health.

River Run Cottages has a little side business going on and they had barrels that were just right for the garden, including one creation that was a water feature. We have seen barrels used before as part of people’s landscape or for practical purposes to catch the rain from the down spouts but these were well priced and right there. No searching for who is selling barrels.

We bought organic meat from (sorry no website) Spokin Lake Meats Ltd., fresh farm meat with none of the antibiotics and God knows what else that is laced into our food. They were busy, friendly and sold out of a few items but it is worth a try. We have been looking for organic meat suppliers and when we find one we try what they have to offer. I have to say, organic does hold flavor better and for some reason the food digest better too.

I took a moment to have an artist by the name of Pauline Basi paint a beautiful henna tattoo on my wrist.  The design scrolls slightly up my arm and down to my hand. I have always loved Mehndi since I was a child. I watched a slide show of a wedding that family friends had attended in which the brides’ hands and feet were adorned with the art. I never forgot the image and when I come across the opportunity to get it done I’m excited. What I did not know is how talented this woman is beyond the art she placed on each persons body. Her website is magnificent, so calming and I was immediately drawn into her gallery. One more incredible surprise that comes from the day.

Whether it is beautifully designed jewelery, pottery, art, perfumes or preserves, food, plants, crafts or clothing it was all there. Creative people all coming together to sell what they believe each of us needs. Whether we need or just want, markets such as this make shopping fun and festive; with lively music and lots of eye stopping moments.

They say a lot of people are doing stay vacations and local day trips to fill their summer and today showed us we don’t have to go far to have a great time. We got to know more stores in the area for future trips which can only help out local businesses after summer ends. Great idea Ladner, keep it up!

A while back I shared with readers my frustration with the decision by our bus company TransLink to install an automated voice system. Called TMAC (Transit Management and Communications System) this $40 million dollar investment “improves communication, schedule reliability and safety.” (TransLink Media)

Through GPS they can track their buses, tell users when buses are scheduled to arrive at a stop and the “annunciator” helps the visually impaired know which bus it is and where is is going next. Wonderful technology that has now entered the fleet and made already loud, large buses become even more annoying!

Oh, I know there are those that love the new bells and whistles I’m sure. All you, techno loving people benefiting from the multimillion dollar pilot test that really wasn’t a test but a foregone conclusion. It doesn’t matter that this system would be implemented without full consultation on its impact.

What impact? Well, the constant reminders at all hours of the day and evening just where transit users are going! Yes,  the first thing that I hear in the wee hours of the morning is the number and name of the bus that is stopping out front. It is also one of the last things I hear at night just before midnight as I try to drift off into a blissful slumber.

Now, I have observed this annoying annunciator is activated even without one person standing at the stop and if the person’s are visually impaired that are disembarking they are sure good at hiding their condition. The disability advocates apparently have wanted this need filled and they got it. However, I contend that the majority of people actually riding the bus would not fall under the disability category for which it was created.

Instead, according to a very sympathetic TransLink employee, there are hundreds of complaints. Daily people are calling in to discuss the intrusion of “the voice.” The voice that travels great distance to announce what a human could do, if we weren’t so fond of automation. Now, please don’t bother to convince me this is worth the disturbance of communities for a special interest group. You, are probably not the ones whose home is affected by it. Traveling well over 100 feet, over a fence, up a walkway, through closed windows and doors,  this voice is an unwanted visitor daily.

After trying to get some headway with a call to TransLink and a call to see if my city could do anything under a noise bylaw I have become an advocate on behalf of homeowners; starting with mine. With my trusty duct tape and a homemade sign I marched down to the bus stop and erected a quiet but important message of my own.

QUIET PLEASE!

LIMIT THE USE OF THE AUTOMATED VOICE

ESPECIALLY EARLY MORNING AND LATE AT NIGHT.

RESPECT OUR RIGHT TO PEACE.

I’m sure my sign will not stay up long and I don’t have 40 million to invest in testing its effectiveness. That’s OK though, I have plenty of ink in the printer and paper. If they don’t like my small protest I may need to create my own automated voice to greet them everyday. I think it will be quite helpful as my annunciator will tell TransLink where it is and where it’s next stop should be.

If you too are bothered by this and feel inclined to try contacting TransLink here is the link to their customer service and good luck!

Living in the best country in the world!

Freedom for all its people

Beautiful scenery

Diversity abounds

Adventure surrounds us

Caring  Global Partner

Interesting History

Complex issues

Simple needs

Hockey nation

Best restaurants/food

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Resources for the world

No matter where I travel in the world, as beautiful as cities are to visit, nothing compares to home. We are a lucky people in so many ways. Despite the challenges that face us all, this country continues to lead in a way that makes me proud to be Canadian! Especially living in Vancouver, BC!!!