jhghfdje: Animal People?s Statement on Animal Rights Extremism

In this holiday season Animal People reminds us all that we are privileged to live in a democratic society, where different points of view can be expressed, discussed and debated freely, and where violence has no place as a tool to advance social change.

Speaking of Research welcomes and applauds this statement.? We hope the new year will only expand the circle of those open to civil dialogue and public debate.

The Animal People?s board resolution reads in its entirety:

The Animal People, Inc. Board Resolution on Activist Tactics

? ? ? ? Arresting the cycle of violence in human affairs is of greater importance than the accomplishment of any single tactical objective?whether trying to stop the slaughter of animals for food,? fur,? sport,? or religious rituals;? addressing the scientific use of animals;? or dealing with any other particular exploitation of animals.? We enjoy the opportunity to address social injustices,?? inequities,? and cruelties (toward animals,? children,? women,? gay people,? poor people,? and racial and ethnic minorities) because we are privileged to live in a democratic society,? which through the effort of generations of our forebears has (however tenuously at times) replaced the old paradigm of ?might makes right? with respect for the rights of individuals,? democratic process,? public debate,? freedom of expression,? and divergent points of view.

??????? Part of our social contract as civilized people is that we agree to trust in the ability of our ideas to persuade,? and to operate within established systems until they can be improved by peaceful means.

? ? ? ? We believe that no principle should be more inviolable than the principle that violence?including psychological violence such as intimidation,? the invasion of familial privacy,? and engagement with persons not responsible for or directly involved in issues (such as relatives of parties with whom there is a dispute)?must never be employed as means to achieve moral progress and advance social change.

? ? ? ? Protesters have the right to express dissent,? rally,? and even agitate in order to arouse public concern in the hope of prompting action,? but demonstrations,? rallies,? and actions involving civil disobedience should be held at appropriate sites,? such as public areas including shopping malls,? universities,? government buildings,? or office buildings connected to the issues of concern.