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CONVENTION OF THE GOAN DIASPORA FROM GOA INTO THE WORLD
Lisbon, Portugal June 15-17, 2007 Details at:
http://www.goacom.org/casa-de-goa/noticias.html
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On Fri, 25 May "Kevin Saldanha" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote: Re: [Goanet] Mark Twain's Celebrated Jumping Frog of
Calaveras
Hi Arnold,
The crux is not so much the gastronomic delights of the amphibian
appendages as it is the wanton cruelty of the dispatch methods by
starvation due to disambulation (is that a legitimate big enough word
;-?)
.(ellipsis)..
This method of rendering food animals unconscious has now fallen out
of favour due to concerns about BSE but unfortunately still persists
in high school and university biology labs much to the apprehension of
animal rights activists.
http://www.frogsite.org/Anti_Pithing.html
However, they also are of the opinion that ANY vertebrate (and many
invertebrates with two neurons to synapse) have the capacity to
perceive discomfort enough to shy away from it. That, and the
inherent desire to survive, make fishing a despicable sport. (I
wonder what joy sport anglers get out of outwitting a brain many times
smaller than theirs, anyway.)
Dear Kevin:
Your learned and profound May 25 comments are appreciated. Yes, I admire
your humane attitude towards creatures other than man. As a biologist/doctor
you have your heart in the right place. The inhumane methods used to kill
animals by those of us who claim to be the image and likeness of God make us
guilty of blasphemy of sorts. Mind-boggling is the dilemma of killing and
maiming animals for food and research as required for Mankinds survival and
at the same time making sure we dont subject other species to unnecessary
pain and suffering. Yes, from Humankinds point of view, all creatures
inhabiting this Planet are part of Creation or Evolution(as you will) and
thus entitled to some consideration unless theyre a direct threat to our
existence.
Im an occasional recreational fisherman who is guilty of this cruelty.
Youre absolutely right about the sadism inherent in this angling sport.
Unfortunately, we dont think of the ugly aspect of the sport as we go to
challenge the creatures of the waters for an outing and pastime in the bosom
of Nature. The true anglers real objective is catching fresh air and
sunshine with the charm of solitude and maybe some good company of fellow
anglers.
As you have scientifically revealed, its amazing how many forms of life
come from the same genetic tree. Metaphorically, Man is the 800 lb gorilla
dominating practically all other forms of multi-cellular animals and
vegetation. As you scientists tell us, we are indisputably on top of the
food chain and masters the ecological domain of Nature on this planet. Its
so ironic and poetic justice too that despite all our strength and brains we
live in dread of those ephemeral microscopic organisms such as microbes and
viruses because Nature has given them the power to destroy us so called
Masters of the Planet Earth.
It always fascinating to get erudites like you and Dr Helekar to express
authoritative opinions on matters of heredity and other biological facts.
Pardon me if it appears Im trying to infringe on your ambit. I have deep
respect for persona of your genre in scientific matters wherein my knowledge
and understanding is very limited.
Regards
Arnold
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