Paul, Heather, and Seal Pups

    Paul McCartney and his wife, Heather Mills, recently flew to Newfoundland, Canada, to draw attention to the seal hunt. The seal hunt has been propped up the Canadian government since the collapse of the market, due to protests. When debating the seal hunt with McCartney and Mills, on Larry King, Daniel Williams the premier of Newfoundland, pointed out that they were animal rights activists: they were against killing animals.

    The couple attempted to stay focused on the seal hunt. Premier Williams is suggesting a slippery slope. If we stop killing seal pups, next it will be chickens. To be sure, seal pups are no more precious than cows or pigs, though they look more attractive, to many. Since sealing is unique, Williams' analogical argument is weak.

    Williams is correct that seals are only one of a number of other animals we mistreat, but that does not buy him exemption. Rather, the seal hunt highlights the sad history of Canada, built on the fur trade. The seal hunt is the more disgusting, though symbolic, expression of cruelty to animals. Never vote for a party that supports the seal hunt. There must be another way of making a living, in the twenty-first century, than slaughtering seals. Traversing immeasurable miseries, like Holocaust survivors, we can only accept and act. In a few short weeks, thousands of worlds will be lost, forever.