You have all seen those bumper stickers that say "I (heart symbol) my Golden retriever." (or whatever)

This then led to bumper stickers which said "I (spade symbol) my cat."

A bit later, the inevitable: "I (club symbol) baby seals."

Sick, but ya gotta admire the creativity (I think).

I am not as averse to someone hunting and eating an animal (sadly in parts of Africa many endangered animals are being killed and EATEN because there is no other food; this includes elephants) as I am to those who wish to have the pelt or head as a trophy, or those Yuppies who pay big bucks to be taken on some cushy, guide-led "expedition" into the jungle (which said Yuppie would not survive one hour in if left there alone, hmm, there's a thought) so he can shoot some defenseless creature (which has been located and tracked by the guide) and mount its head on his office wall...

What a self-serving, clueless, pretentious thing to do.

I do support the fishing bans on endangered fish (and lobsters in teh Northeast) and dwindling populations, but I do think before the government imposes such bans on those who depend on these fish for their livelihood, they should look into compensating the fishermen in some way...a complex issue to say the least and the long-range problem has more to do with shifting ways of life...look at Nova Scotia; no more mining or fishing to speak of (at least, not like the old days); they shifted to tourism and are doing very well...

peg