I am frequently asked in interviews how a radical and misanthropic organization like PETA gets so much money. The answer is simple. Many average people think the group is about just being nicer to animals, when it is actually about ending all animal domestication.
Then there are the shallow celebrities, who provide a cornucopia of cash. Take Paul McCartney. After his wife Linda died of breast cancer, he gave millions to cancer research (applause), but then counter-donated with millions to PETA–even though PETA’s hostility to animal research serves to impede cancer research. Moreover, PETA loathes horseback riding, and yet, Linda was a great horse woman. Talk about clueless!
Now, Bob Barker has forked over $2.5 million. From the story:
Former “Price is Right” host Bob Barker is lending his name, and a considerable amount of his cash, to the construction of a new Los Angeles home for PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Barker and a bevy of game show caliber beauties joined PETA President Ingrid Newkirk Wednesday for a groundbreaking at what will become the new PETA office on Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park. The 86 year old daytime TV legend donated $2.5 million to make the project happen. It’s no coincidence that the office will be named The Bob Barker Building. Barker was a longtime advocate for spaying and neutering, as well as other animal rights issues, during his Price is Right tenure.
No, PETA isn’t about spaying. It is about ending all uses of animals: Another example of the media conflating animal welfare and animal rights. But with celebrities with money to burn like Bob Barker and Paul McCartney, the price for PETA is always right.
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While PETA may be focused on creating a world where animal use is outlawed, one cannot ignore the incredible progress that has been made regarding animal welfare because of PETA's existence. No one organization (definitely not the AVMA - American Veterinary Medical Association) has done more to promote spay/neuter than PETA. Spay/neuter is crucial to reducing animal overpopulation.
ReplyDeletePETA - love them or hate them, the organization pushes the envelope which in turn brings everyone up a notch when it comes to animal welfare.
Little is black and white, and one can be critical of PETAs agenda but still have an appreciation for their accomplishments in many areas of animal welfare.