A (BAN)NER ON LIVE ENCAGEMENT

Photo courtesy of S. Elias

Well, boys and girls, we took the Whangarei Vegans banner out for an airing on Saturday 16th May, and I thought it was a very quick 60? 90? minutes, chatting to Growers’ Market shoppers and also to each other (and plus also too, I went off and did some shopping at the usual no-animal-farming stalls -- like when this shot was taken, probably -- so that ate up some time). As usual, nobody gave us any grief, and it’s a protected activity under sections 14 and 16 of the Bill of Rights Act and we were on public property without obstructing it. Even Cathy’s scarf didn’t get in the way (you go,Grrrrrl!).

Wooden it be nice if more Whangarovians who believe in veganism felt like doing actions such as this?

The Government certainly doesn’t seem to believe in veganism but they have shelved the idea of putting cows, sheep,deer or goats back on ships for export, “for the time being”. 

Without more public pressure, this Government won’t push the N.A.W.A.C. to release the rodeo code re-write for public submissions before the election. Oh, how I long for the power of citizen-initiated binding referenda! (I long for lots of stuff along these lines.)

Speaking of submissions, I once again submitted my anti-torture by-law to District Council, just because there’s a different mayor and councillors. They came back and told me they do
not have any powers to regulate these matters through a by-law. When I asked them through what process may we advance this....... well, I’m still waiting for a reply.  I’m not telling you this, boys and girls, in a state of amazement. I know full well that there’s no political will to stop rodeo or vivisection up here. Hell, I doubt we could even get 50% of the population to oppose such savagery. I don’t
know why I’m telling you. Maybe I just want you to know that I’m trying. Some of my friends and family think I can be very trying.

With love and sapote,
Billy