Publish to Newswire
Add an EventFrom the Open-Publishing Calendar
From the Open-Publishing Newswire
Indybay Feature
Whale Activist Vows To Fast Till Death
Tom Falvey is a friend of mine. We go way back to Greenpeace days. Tom is determined to hold onto this life threatening fast until Japan ends its hostile aggression against both the whales in the arctic seas ( Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary) and against the brave Sea Shepherd crew desperately trying to protect the whales.
Please help him by writing letters to the Secretary of State and Embassy of Japan. Addresses below
Please help him by writing letters to the Secretary of State and Embassy of Japan. Addresses below
Hunger Strike Against Aggression
Japan has sent its whaling fleet to the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary in defiance of international law. It has also sent armed cost guard personnel with them in response to nonviolent activists upholding the law. Japan has not stated its intentions. The fact remains that it has deployed the capability to forcibly board or disable the activists' ships. The threat of deadly force in support of an illegal enterprise constitutes armed aggression.
I will fast until death unless Japan renounces the use of force against those defending the integrity of the Sanctuary.
If Japan does so I will gladly end my fast. If it refuses then it will be clear that Japan intends to physically subdue them. In that case the world community will be forewarned and have a duty to prevent such violence.
I want to live. But some things are worth dying for. If necessary I will join the countless individuals who have given their lives for two fundamental principles:
* The rule of law must prevail, and
* Armed aggression on the high seas is unacceptable
The Japanese whaling fleet pretends to be conducting scientific research in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, off Antarctica. The International Whaling Commission’s (IWC) scientific committee has rejected this cynical subterfuge several times. In 2007 the full IWC formally asked Japan to stop its lethal research (Resolution 2007-1). Japan has said no.
For the 2010/11 season Japan has unilaterally decided to take 935 Minke, 50 Fin and 50 Humpback whales, in an “objection” to IWC rules. A dead whale is worth about $200,000 on the meat market. This is actually a commercial operation; an industrial scale slaughter for profit.
This year Japan has also sent armed coast guard personnel with its fleet. This is in response to nonviolent activists defending the integrity of the Sanctuary. Japan has not stated its intentions. The fact remains that it has mobilized the capability to forcibly board or disable the activists’ ships. Obviously such tactics would put human life at risk.
The possible use of armed force to suppress opposition in a protected conservation zone takes the whaling issue to a new level. This is no longer simply about the whales. It challenges the very concept of international law. Can one nation violently impose its will on the global commons in defiance of the recognized regulatory body (IWC)?
There are good reasons for the Sanctuary’s existence. Antarctica itself is a desolate ice sheet. The cold nutrient rich ocean surrounding it is spectacularly alive. Whales are its dominant life form. Yet most whale species have been hunted to the brink of extinction. Now Japan is going after the last and smallest survivors.
This issue also has an ethical dimension. All whales have bigger brains than ours, and some seem to be as complex. We cannot prejudge beings so high on the evolutionary scale as mere natural resources. Real scientists would wait to determine the truth about their intelligence before butchering them for food.
Another ethical aspect is whaling’s extreme cruelty. An exploding harpoon rarely kills outright. The wounded whale is winched to the killer ship’s side, stuck with a probe and electrocuted with thousands of volts. It often takes 15-20 minutes for the whale to finally drown. Such prolonged agony would not be tolerated in any slaughterhouse.
Few people care about the ecology of the remote Southern Ocean. Or the possibility of advanced consciousness in marine mammals. People do care about a stable world order governed by the rule of law.
In this case, Japan has explicitly stated that it is exempt from the rule of law. It claims the right to exploit the oceanic commons as it sees fit, regardless of others’ interests. Its military presence implies a right to physically subdue anyone who stands in its way. That is a breathtaking assertion of jurisdiction over the Southern Ocean, 6000 miles from Japan.
The United States, with many other nations, has long voiced opposition to Japan’s illegal whaling. However, it has tolerated some state sponsored poaching in the Sanctuary because Japan is a major creditor that finances much of our deficit. Now its military deployment presents a direct challenge. It cannot be evaded. The threat of deadly force in support of a criminal enterprise constitutes armed aggression on the high seas.
The world community must act to ensure that Japan renounces the use of force against those who are upholding international law. The real stakes here are far higher than those of power and pride. If Japan gets away with this then it kills any hope for effective ocean conservation. It, then others, will just grab what they want. The degradation of a vital planetary ecosystem will accelerate. We will all pay a heavy price. Is the world so intimidated by Japan’s economic clout that it will allow this to happen?
Japan is unique but not privileged. It cannot make its own rules and enforce them by violence. The oceans are not Japan’s for the taking.
Current Situation – January 17, 2011
The Sea Shepherd activists are now with the whalers' supply ship. They will block any attempt at refueling. That means the whalers would have to return home at least a month early, thus saving hundreds of whales. During this process the Sea Shepherd ships will be essentially immobile and thus vulnerable to whatever action the armed coast guard personnel may have planned. This moment of truth could come at any time.
World governments have a duty to ensure that Japan does not resort to force. Failure to act means they would share responsibility for any injuries or deaths that may occur.
<b>To express your concern please contact:</b>
Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki
Embassy of Japan
2520 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20008-2869
Tel: (202) 238-6700
Fax: (202) 328-2187
Email: jicc [at] ws.mofa.go.jp
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Department of State
2201 C St, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Tel: (202) 647-9572
Fax: (202) 647-1579
Email: colemancl [at] state.gov (her personal assistant)
Or the appropriate officials in your country.
<b>About Tom Falvey</b>
Tom Falvey, 61, is an environmentalist and writer in San Diego, CA. He is not affiliated with any organization. He does not represent the Sea Shepherd activists. This is a personal statement of conscience.
You can contact Tom Falvey at:
Tel: (619) 618-5713
Email: tefalvey [at] gmail.com
About this Hunger Strike
I began this hunger strike at noon on December 28, 2010.
The credibility of this protest depends on its sincerity. I will only drink water during this fast. If I fall unconscious, or into a coma, I refuse any feeding, even if death is imminent. If I develop any medical condition as a consequence, even a life threatening one, I refuse all treatment.
The only condition under which I will accept feeding or medical intervention is if Japan renounces the use of force against nonviolent activists upholding the integrity of the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.
Japan has sent its whaling fleet to the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary in defiance of international law. It has also sent armed cost guard personnel with them in response to nonviolent activists upholding the law. Japan has not stated its intentions. The fact remains that it has deployed the capability to forcibly board or disable the activists' ships. The threat of deadly force in support of an illegal enterprise constitutes armed aggression.
I will fast until death unless Japan renounces the use of force against those defending the integrity of the Sanctuary.
If Japan does so I will gladly end my fast. If it refuses then it will be clear that Japan intends to physically subdue them. In that case the world community will be forewarned and have a duty to prevent such violence.
I want to live. But some things are worth dying for. If necessary I will join the countless individuals who have given their lives for two fundamental principles:
* The rule of law must prevail, and
* Armed aggression on the high seas is unacceptable
The Japanese whaling fleet pretends to be conducting scientific research in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, off Antarctica. The International Whaling Commission’s (IWC) scientific committee has rejected this cynical subterfuge several times. In 2007 the full IWC formally asked Japan to stop its lethal research (Resolution 2007-1). Japan has said no.
For the 2010/11 season Japan has unilaterally decided to take 935 Minke, 50 Fin and 50 Humpback whales, in an “objection” to IWC rules. A dead whale is worth about $200,000 on the meat market. This is actually a commercial operation; an industrial scale slaughter for profit.
This year Japan has also sent armed coast guard personnel with its fleet. This is in response to nonviolent activists defending the integrity of the Sanctuary. Japan has not stated its intentions. The fact remains that it has mobilized the capability to forcibly board or disable the activists’ ships. Obviously such tactics would put human life at risk.
The possible use of armed force to suppress opposition in a protected conservation zone takes the whaling issue to a new level. This is no longer simply about the whales. It challenges the very concept of international law. Can one nation violently impose its will on the global commons in defiance of the recognized regulatory body (IWC)?
There are good reasons for the Sanctuary’s existence. Antarctica itself is a desolate ice sheet. The cold nutrient rich ocean surrounding it is spectacularly alive. Whales are its dominant life form. Yet most whale species have been hunted to the brink of extinction. Now Japan is going after the last and smallest survivors.
This issue also has an ethical dimension. All whales have bigger brains than ours, and some seem to be as complex. We cannot prejudge beings so high on the evolutionary scale as mere natural resources. Real scientists would wait to determine the truth about their intelligence before butchering them for food.
Another ethical aspect is whaling’s extreme cruelty. An exploding harpoon rarely kills outright. The wounded whale is winched to the killer ship’s side, stuck with a probe and electrocuted with thousands of volts. It often takes 15-20 minutes for the whale to finally drown. Such prolonged agony would not be tolerated in any slaughterhouse.
Few people care about the ecology of the remote Southern Ocean. Or the possibility of advanced consciousness in marine mammals. People do care about a stable world order governed by the rule of law.
In this case, Japan has explicitly stated that it is exempt from the rule of law. It claims the right to exploit the oceanic commons as it sees fit, regardless of others’ interests. Its military presence implies a right to physically subdue anyone who stands in its way. That is a breathtaking assertion of jurisdiction over the Southern Ocean, 6000 miles from Japan.
The United States, with many other nations, has long voiced opposition to Japan’s illegal whaling. However, it has tolerated some state sponsored poaching in the Sanctuary because Japan is a major creditor that finances much of our deficit. Now its military deployment presents a direct challenge. It cannot be evaded. The threat of deadly force in support of a criminal enterprise constitutes armed aggression on the high seas.
The world community must act to ensure that Japan renounces the use of force against those who are upholding international law. The real stakes here are far higher than those of power and pride. If Japan gets away with this then it kills any hope for effective ocean conservation. It, then others, will just grab what they want. The degradation of a vital planetary ecosystem will accelerate. We will all pay a heavy price. Is the world so intimidated by Japan’s economic clout that it will allow this to happen?
Japan is unique but not privileged. It cannot make its own rules and enforce them by violence. The oceans are not Japan’s for the taking.
Current Situation – January 17, 2011
The Sea Shepherd activists are now with the whalers' supply ship. They will block any attempt at refueling. That means the whalers would have to return home at least a month early, thus saving hundreds of whales. During this process the Sea Shepherd ships will be essentially immobile and thus vulnerable to whatever action the armed coast guard personnel may have planned. This moment of truth could come at any time.
World governments have a duty to ensure that Japan does not resort to force. Failure to act means they would share responsibility for any injuries or deaths that may occur.
<b>To express your concern please contact:</b>
Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki
Embassy of Japan
2520 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20008-2869
Tel: (202) 238-6700
Fax: (202) 328-2187
Email: jicc [at] ws.mofa.go.jp
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Department of State
2201 C St, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Tel: (202) 647-9572
Fax: (202) 647-1579
Email: colemancl [at] state.gov (her personal assistant)
Or the appropriate officials in your country.
<b>About Tom Falvey</b>
Tom Falvey, 61, is an environmentalist and writer in San Diego, CA. He is not affiliated with any organization. He does not represent the Sea Shepherd activists. This is a personal statement of conscience.
You can contact Tom Falvey at:
Tel: (619) 618-5713
Email: tefalvey [at] gmail.com
About this Hunger Strike
I began this hunger strike at noon on December 28, 2010.
The credibility of this protest depends on its sincerity. I will only drink water during this fast. If I fall unconscious, or into a coma, I refuse any feeding, even if death is imminent. If I develop any medical condition as a consequence, even a life threatening one, I refuse all treatment.
The only condition under which I will accept feeding or medical intervention is if Japan renounces the use of force against nonviolent activists upholding the integrity of the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.
For more information:
http://tomfalvey.blogspot.com/
Add Your Comments
Comments
(Hide Comments)
Japan still has a long way to go regarding integration with the rest of Asia / World in general. It's a cultural elitist thing...you know, a tradition - just like the whale slaughter
It is a national disgrace that Japan foists meat that is basically toxic waste on its own populace in the form of school lunches and meals at public facilities such as old age homes and hospitals as a means of subsidizing its national policy on whaling. This is nothing less than a repeat of the Minamata disaster perpetrated by Chisso chemical and abetted by the national bureaucracy in Japan.
How is it they constantly change their "story". First it was scientific whaling, then they admitted it is sold at markets for food. Then they say that whales eat into valuable fish stocks, now they are saying the minke whales prevent the recovery of larger whales because they eat too much krill. Like WTF?
It's ICR propaganda out of control.
That facts are the Japanese are the terrorist scum bags down there with their high tech ships carrying on like victims as usual. oh how brave they are killing whales with explosive tips (how traditional) and having to deal with eco-terrorists on the high seas. Guess what, you butchers are illegally whaling and should be dispatched to the sea bed.
It's ICR propaganda out of control.
That facts are the Japanese are the terrorist scum bags down there with their high tech ships carrying on like victims as usual. oh how brave they are killing whales with explosive tips (how traditional) and having to deal with eco-terrorists on the high seas. Guess what, you butchers are illegally whaling and should be dispatched to the sea bed.
As for the flawed concept that Japan is doing “legal” research in the Southern Ocean:
The first time Japan used Article VIII to justify whaling was in 1976. The IWC had just set the catch quota for Bryde’s whales to zero for purposes of conservation. Japan responded by issuing itself a science permit and proceeded to kill over 200 Bryde’s whales that season. Afterwards the IWC passed resolutions requiring any future use of Article VIII to be first evaluated by the IWC scientific committee.
In the mid 70s and 80s Japan and other embattled whaling nations (including the Soviet Union) fought the establishment of a global moratorium (despite the fact that the UN had passed a resolution in 1972 declaring a 10 year moratorium should be enacted). After a series of votes a moratorium was passed in 1982 and went into effect in the 85/86 season but Japan objected to it officially and continued to take whales under objection. This is normal under the rules of the ICRW (International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling).
The United States threatened Japan with economic sanctions including loss of access to Alaskan fisheries worth over $400 million USD. In negotiations, Japan agreed that it would stop commercial whaling by 1988 for access to these fisheries. However, Japan was busy preparing and presenting plans for “scientific research” to the IWC scientific committee.
The committee rejected the research proposals (submitted before 1988). And despite this, in the 87/88 season Japan started its research whaling program JARPA. Due to pressure from US fishermen and environmental groups Japan lost access to US Alaskan resources anyway in 1988. US President Ronald Reagan declared Japan was in violation of IWC regulations and officially sanctioned Japan under the Packwood-Magnuson Amendment in 1988 as well.
Since then, the IWC has almost annually issued resolutions, passed by majority, against Japan’s lethal research methods. Unfortunately, due to the lack of political will to take on Japan over whales and the lack of any punitive mechanism in the ICRW there has been nothing more than talk out of world governments.
Historically, Japan has violated whaling regulations such as size limits, species limits, gender limits, seasonal limits, sanctuary boundaries, and even supported “pirate whaling” (killing whales in secret around the world through front companies with foreign labor to smuggle meat back to Japan without reporting to the IWC).
Does any of this look like important legal science? Does it really look like Japan is honoring international conventions in good faith? The Australian Federal Court didn’t think so and it recently ruled that Japanese whaling in the Australian Antarctic Territory EEZ is illegal
The first time Japan used Article VIII to justify whaling was in 1976. The IWC had just set the catch quota for Bryde’s whales to zero for purposes of conservation. Japan responded by issuing itself a science permit and proceeded to kill over 200 Bryde’s whales that season. Afterwards the IWC passed resolutions requiring any future use of Article VIII to be first evaluated by the IWC scientific committee.
In the mid 70s and 80s Japan and other embattled whaling nations (including the Soviet Union) fought the establishment of a global moratorium (despite the fact that the UN had passed a resolution in 1972 declaring a 10 year moratorium should be enacted). After a series of votes a moratorium was passed in 1982 and went into effect in the 85/86 season but Japan objected to it officially and continued to take whales under objection. This is normal under the rules of the ICRW (International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling).
The United States threatened Japan with economic sanctions including loss of access to Alaskan fisheries worth over $400 million USD. In negotiations, Japan agreed that it would stop commercial whaling by 1988 for access to these fisheries. However, Japan was busy preparing and presenting plans for “scientific research” to the IWC scientific committee.
The committee rejected the research proposals (submitted before 1988). And despite this, in the 87/88 season Japan started its research whaling program JARPA. Due to pressure from US fishermen and environmental groups Japan lost access to US Alaskan resources anyway in 1988. US President Ronald Reagan declared Japan was in violation of IWC regulations and officially sanctioned Japan under the Packwood-Magnuson Amendment in 1988 as well.
Since then, the IWC has almost annually issued resolutions, passed by majority, against Japan’s lethal research methods. Unfortunately, due to the lack of political will to take on Japan over whales and the lack of any punitive mechanism in the ICRW there has been nothing more than talk out of world governments.
Historically, Japan has violated whaling regulations such as size limits, species limits, gender limits, seasonal limits, sanctuary boundaries, and even supported “pirate whaling” (killing whales in secret around the world through front companies with foreign labor to smuggle meat back to Japan without reporting to the IWC).
Does any of this look like important legal science? Does it really look like Japan is honoring international conventions in good faith? The Australian Federal Court didn’t think so and it recently ruled that Japanese whaling in the Australian Antarctic Territory EEZ is illegal
Wow - thats what it took to make them stop? Threats of sanctions and loss of fisheries? I guess it makes sense, since they seem to respond to threats and string action (what did it take to end WW2?)
Here is some supporting facts:
1. The Japanese are whaling in violation of the International Whaling Commission's global moratorium on commercial whaling. The IWC scientific committee does not recognize the research that the Japanese are using as an excuse.
2. The Japanese are killing whales in the internationally recognised Southern Ocean Sanctuary for whales.
3. The Japanese are killing whales unlawfully in the Australian Antarctic Territory (Australian Law - Federal Court judgement January 2008 under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999)
4. The Japanese are targeting fin whales and humpback whales. One is listed as an endangered species and the other listed as a threatened species. This is a violation of CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, of which both Japan and Australia are signatories.
5. The Japanese are in violation of IWC regulation 19. (a) The IWC regulations in the Schedule to the Convention forbid the use of factory ships to process any protected stock: 19. (a) It is forbidden to use a factory ship or a land station for the purpose of treating any whales which are classified as Protection Stocks in paragraph 10. Paragraph 10(c) provides a definition of Protection Stocks and states that Protection Stocks are listed in the Tables of the Schedule. Table 1 lists all the baleen whales, including minke, fin and humpback whales and states that all of them are Protection Stocks.
6. The IWC regulations specifically ban the use of factory ships to processy any whales except minke whales: Paragraph 10(d) provides: "(d) Notwithstanding the other provisions of paragraph 10 there shall be a moratorium on the taking, killing or treating of whales, except minke whales, by factory ships or whale catchers attached to factory ships. This moratorium applies to sperm whales, killer whales and baleen whales, except minke whales."
7. the presence of military / security / coast guard forces breaches the Antarctic treaty
8. the whaling fleet regularly refuels in the treaty zone below 60 degrees south in breach of the Antarctic treaty. In October 2008 the whaling fleet's refueling and cargo vessel, Oriental Bluebird, was deflagged following a ruling by Panamian Authorities. The maximum fine of 10,000 Balboas (US$10,000) was imposed on the owners of the ship, Hiyo Shipping Co. Ltd, in Japan who on October 8th removed its Panamanian registration and flag. Japan has ratified an international treaty which seeks to end the practice of 're-flagging' vessels in order to circumvent international environmental law.
9. the Whaling fleet fails to submit Environmental Management Plans in case of a maritime disaster in the Treaty zone which breaches the Antarctic treaty. The Nisshin Maru factory ship caught fire in 2007 losing all power including to its engines. One crew member died. An environmental disaster was threatened, but did not eventuate.
A good development this one is:
http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/sea-shepherd-cuts-supplies-japanese-whaling-fleet/5/78368
Here is some supporting facts:
1. The Japanese are whaling in violation of the International Whaling Commission's global moratorium on commercial whaling. The IWC scientific committee does not recognize the research that the Japanese are using as an excuse.
2. The Japanese are killing whales in the internationally recognised Southern Ocean Sanctuary for whales.
3. The Japanese are killing whales unlawfully in the Australian Antarctic Territory (Australian Law - Federal Court judgement January 2008 under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999)
4. The Japanese are targeting fin whales and humpback whales. One is listed as an endangered species and the other listed as a threatened species. This is a violation of CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, of which both Japan and Australia are signatories.
5. The Japanese are in violation of IWC regulation 19. (a) The IWC regulations in the Schedule to the Convention forbid the use of factory ships to process any protected stock: 19. (a) It is forbidden to use a factory ship or a land station for the purpose of treating any whales which are classified as Protection Stocks in paragraph 10. Paragraph 10(c) provides a definition of Protection Stocks and states that Protection Stocks are listed in the Tables of the Schedule. Table 1 lists all the baleen whales, including minke, fin and humpback whales and states that all of them are Protection Stocks.
6. The IWC regulations specifically ban the use of factory ships to processy any whales except minke whales: Paragraph 10(d) provides: "(d) Notwithstanding the other provisions of paragraph 10 there shall be a moratorium on the taking, killing or treating of whales, except minke whales, by factory ships or whale catchers attached to factory ships. This moratorium applies to sperm whales, killer whales and baleen whales, except minke whales."
7. the presence of military / security / coast guard forces breaches the Antarctic treaty
8. the whaling fleet regularly refuels in the treaty zone below 60 degrees south in breach of the Antarctic treaty. In October 2008 the whaling fleet's refueling and cargo vessel, Oriental Bluebird, was deflagged following a ruling by Panamian Authorities. The maximum fine of 10,000 Balboas (US$10,000) was imposed on the owners of the ship, Hiyo Shipping Co. Ltd, in Japan who on October 8th removed its Panamanian registration and flag. Japan has ratified an international treaty which seeks to end the practice of 're-flagging' vessels in order to circumvent international environmental law.
9. the Whaling fleet fails to submit Environmental Management Plans in case of a maritime disaster in the Treaty zone which breaches the Antarctic treaty. The Nisshin Maru factory ship caught fire in 2007 losing all power including to its engines. One crew member died. An environmental disaster was threatened, but did not eventuate.
A good development this one is:
http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/sea-shepherd-cuts-supplies-japanese-whaling-fleet/5/78368
It is unfortunate that we are dealing with a tide of pro-whaling propaganda zombies - from hired PR junkies in New Zealand (Glenn Inwood), to various forum posters (DDPalmer, Hideyoshi Toyotomi etc) to the Japanese Fisheries agency the ICR which puts out blanket statements similar to what North Korea does in relation to the violent eco-terrorists (The SSCS). Plus all the made up claims of injuries the Whaling vessel operators put out.
The reasons for conducting the "Research whaling" are just as absurd with no scientific standing.
It actually reminds me of what Hitler did - a very successful propaganda campaign, feels like Japan's pro-whaling lobby are definitaly going dow this path (Werent Japan and Nazi Germany allies? and the last two nations that had to fall for the official end of WW2 - how interesting that link is).
The reasons for conducting the "Research whaling" are just as absurd with no scientific standing.
It actually reminds me of what Hitler did - a very successful propaganda campaign, feels like Japan's pro-whaling lobby are definitaly going dow this path (Werent Japan and Nazi Germany allies? and the last two nations that had to fall for the official end of WW2 - how interesting that link is).
Dear Tom,
You are definitely following in the path of Ghandi. But I do not know if you will have the same effect as he.
We know so little about these creatures. And as they near extinction, we are finding out wonderful things about them, but perhaps, too late. I am not saying that to be cynical; I am saying it because you have countries that do not deal in sane laws or sensible actions.
I guess that is why Sea Shepherd and so many other organizations to save the sea are out there. They are the honest men (including you) who futilely recognize that each's own government pays lip service to the public, while in dark room follow other paths. With bright lights like WIKILEAKS, at least the common man has the last laugh, simply because the lies of all our governments are getting exposed.
Although I am not fasting, I am doing my part. Prior to having a massive heart attack, I realized that my goal in life is to help these defenseless creatures. That I survived is considered a miracle. I wrote a book, built a site and blog as often as I can. My realization is that the eternal creator of all things had other plans for me and given me my own calling. So I don't think my dieing is what is needed. It is my words and the lives I can touch.
So I will continue to do what I do and I wish you good fortune and success with your goal. May we both achieve our personal dreams.
You are definitely following in the path of Ghandi. But I do not know if you will have the same effect as he.
We know so little about these creatures. And as they near extinction, we are finding out wonderful things about them, but perhaps, too late. I am not saying that to be cynical; I am saying it because you have countries that do not deal in sane laws or sensible actions.
I guess that is why Sea Shepherd and so many other organizations to save the sea are out there. They are the honest men (including you) who futilely recognize that each's own government pays lip service to the public, while in dark room follow other paths. With bright lights like WIKILEAKS, at least the common man has the last laugh, simply because the lies of all our governments are getting exposed.
Although I am not fasting, I am doing my part. Prior to having a massive heart attack, I realized that my goal in life is to help these defenseless creatures. That I survived is considered a miracle. I wrote a book, built a site and blog as often as I can. My realization is that the eternal creator of all things had other plans for me and given me my own calling. So I don't think my dieing is what is needed. It is my words and the lives I can touch.
So I will continue to do what I do and I wish you good fortune and success with your goal. May we both achieve our personal dreams.
For more information:
http://www.thewhalepeople.com
Instead of risking your life through inaction, how about you make yourself useful and do something constructive to save the whales? What good is a dead activist? And you would be dead. The Japanese are not going to stop whaling just because you choose not to eat or some people send some angry letters. If you really care about this cause why don't you get out there where the action is taking place and do something about it.
Chapter 2: Renunciation of War: Article 9
Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese People forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation, and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.
In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph , land, sea,and air forces, as well as other war potential , will never be maintained . The right of beligerency of the state will not be recognized.
Japan is violating its own constitutional vows to the worlds people in this particular crime of whaling in the souther ocean whale sanctuary. Not only is is breaking the UN Cities treaty, the Aussie economic exclusion zone, the IWC, ---International Whaling Commission's moratorium on Whaling, but now is using other 'war potentiall, such as sophisticated military sound weapons and stun grenades, sniper shooters with live ammunition,and ramming ships with the intention of sinking them, while the international laws and treaties signed by the worlds' peoples democracy is criminally broken.
This adventure by Japan shows clearly to the world's people that Japanese Imperialism is a virulent as ever in the upholding of democracy as collective agree between the nations. We have only to remember the Japanese submarine that torpedoed a clearly marked Australian ship , mar;ked with large red cross signs which also contravened the conventions of war at the time around 1944. Then their government deniged doing and such thing. Another example of Japanese lying and denighal of the truth is the fact that it used chemical, and biological weapons to kill over 800,000 people in China and deliberately starved to death two million people in Vietnam, while killing millions more thro;ughout Asia and stealing their resources.
We all thought that Japan had learned its lessons not to do that kind of fascist aggression globally when it signed the new constitution into power after the second world war. To this day it has not, and is breaking its own National Laws as well as the international laws of the world on the whaling treaties. More than that it goes to the COVE each and every year and kills tens of thousands of porpoises, which meat is poisoned by its polluted intdustrial revolution. Then it feeds the meat to public school children for their lunches etc. There is a law in the Geneva Conventions of war (1949) which says that the targeting and killing of civilians is a war crime. That for sure includes the children of their own nation being poisoned sickened and having their lives cut short by feeding poison to them. Japan indeed, in its mafia section which backs the whaling industry has definitely not learned the lesson of the rule of law in a civilized world. Their government must cease subsidizing such a criminal adventure on the high seas.
Q Canadas' First Division fought long and hard to get the Article 9 of the Japanese Costitution put to national and international law, and what do we see today but the breaking of the anti-fascist constitution and continuance of the lawless wrecking globally, and not only by Japan but also by its chief accomplish in the axis power alliance Germany who is now killling the people of Afghanistan as a criminal adventure on behalf the U.S. Imperialist illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq, and Afghanistan. The First Canadian Division forbid the re-arming of these two nations for any reason and forever. Betrayal of the life in the sea is also going on on the land and we must remember that the liberation of the species including our own depends of the scraping of the war machine and thusly to the freeing of all life on the planet . Shame on Japanese Imperialism for breaking its sacred vow in its constitution before the whole world's people.
As for the fast on to death, I for one believe that such an act is not as wise and the comrade who chooses to live for another forty years of so to do the work necessary to overthrow the Imperialist brigands who are destroying the planets life. Viva socialist liberation. End pollutin wars, no;t endless wars for more pollution.
Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese People forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation, and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.
In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph , land, sea,and air forces, as well as other war potential , will never be maintained . The right of beligerency of the state will not be recognized.
Japan is violating its own constitutional vows to the worlds people in this particular crime of whaling in the souther ocean whale sanctuary. Not only is is breaking the UN Cities treaty, the Aussie economic exclusion zone, the IWC, ---International Whaling Commission's moratorium on Whaling, but now is using other 'war potentiall, such as sophisticated military sound weapons and stun grenades, sniper shooters with live ammunition,and ramming ships with the intention of sinking them, while the international laws and treaties signed by the worlds' peoples democracy is criminally broken.
This adventure by Japan shows clearly to the world's people that Japanese Imperialism is a virulent as ever in the upholding of democracy as collective agree between the nations. We have only to remember the Japanese submarine that torpedoed a clearly marked Australian ship , mar;ked with large red cross signs which also contravened the conventions of war at the time around 1944. Then their government deniged doing and such thing. Another example of Japanese lying and denighal of the truth is the fact that it used chemical, and biological weapons to kill over 800,000 people in China and deliberately starved to death two million people in Vietnam, while killing millions more thro;ughout Asia and stealing their resources.
We all thought that Japan had learned its lessons not to do that kind of fascist aggression globally when it signed the new constitution into power after the second world war. To this day it has not, and is breaking its own National Laws as well as the international laws of the world on the whaling treaties. More than that it goes to the COVE each and every year and kills tens of thousands of porpoises, which meat is poisoned by its polluted intdustrial revolution. Then it feeds the meat to public school children for their lunches etc. There is a law in the Geneva Conventions of war (1949) which says that the targeting and killing of civilians is a war crime. That for sure includes the children of their own nation being poisoned sickened and having their lives cut short by feeding poison to them. Japan indeed, in its mafia section which backs the whaling industry has definitely not learned the lesson of the rule of law in a civilized world. Their government must cease subsidizing such a criminal adventure on the high seas.
Q Canadas' First Division fought long and hard to get the Article 9 of the Japanese Costitution put to national and international law, and what do we see today but the breaking of the anti-fascist constitution and continuance of the lawless wrecking globally, and not only by Japan but also by its chief accomplish in the axis power alliance Germany who is now killling the people of Afghanistan as a criminal adventure on behalf the U.S. Imperialist illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq, and Afghanistan. The First Canadian Division forbid the re-arming of these two nations for any reason and forever. Betrayal of the life in the sea is also going on on the land and we must remember that the liberation of the species including our own depends of the scraping of the war machine and thusly to the freeing of all life on the planet . Shame on Japanese Imperialism for breaking its sacred vow in its constitution before the whole world's people.
As for the fast on to death, I for one believe that such an act is not as wise and the comrade who chooses to live for another forty years of so to do the work necessary to overthrow the Imperialist brigands who are destroying the planets life. Viva socialist liberation. End pollutin wars, no;t endless wars for more pollution.
We are 100% volunteer and depend on your participation to sustain our efforts!
Donate
$75.00 donated
in the past month
Get Involved
If you'd like to help with maintaining or developing the website, contact us.
Publish
Publish your stories and upcoming events on Indybay.
Topics
More
Search Indybay's Archives
Advanced Search
►
▼
IMC Network