To the Editor,
Re: Canada’s example sets precedent for rest of world, Letters, May 3.
I agree with Holden Southward’s statement that “Canada’s example sets a precedent for the rest of the world.” That is exactly the reason we should continue the seal hunt, but in a more responsible and ethical manner. That is really the “next level”.
He says it’s “disrespect to nature to take what is not essential.” Wrong. A surplus in the seal population is, indeed, “not essential.” In fact, it can be damaging to the ecosystem.
Therefore it is perfectly legitimate to harvest that surplus portion of the population.
He cites human interation with dolphins as a reason to end the hunt; Dolphins have nothing to do with this matter. Nothing. His emotional reaction to this situation is seemingly clouding his ability to reason.
Our “moralistic right to exploit other creatures without conscience” is in fact our duty to exploit creatures and resources with a conscience. Think of any resource as a bank account.
You have the mandatory baseline to keep things moving along smoothly, but whatever is in surplus, is free to be used or “spent” so to speak. It only “cheapens us if we make an idol of our own species” if we do not act in a way that is worthy of idolizing. Emotional knee-jerk reaction is not a solution. It just produces idiots throwing red paint on fur coats, truly devaluing the life and death of the animals used to produce them.
“What is a human worth without principle”, he asks?
Well, first, define principle. I think we’ll find very different answers depending on whom we ask. Furthermore, leave these decisions to people who actually have knowledge.
I do not claim to be an expert on this matter, but as a lifelong hunter and angler, I can assure you that Southward’s position is nonsensical. He notes that Canada’s native peoples were “conscious not to let the animal suffer” during their hunts: I direct his attention to the buffalo jumps and snares used by First Nations to capture game.
Don’t try to tell me those animals died without pain. Furthermore, he cites their practice not to “waste any of its bi-products.” What he fails to realize is that under their living conditions, waste was not an option.
“Conscience”, however you define it, has nothing to do with an existence where every day is a battle against the elements and starvation.
To waste is fatal in that situation. Don’t attempt to affix some sort of morality to the practice when it was simply a necessity for survival.
If “something is wrong if nobody cared seals are bludgeoned to death” then let’s reassign the seal hunt as a regular, licensed hunting season; just like deer or geese. High powered rifles would allow for the hunt to continue without the animals suffering. In order to maximize the amount of fur taken from the animal, head shots would be of great importance to the hunters.
The result is a quick and painless death for the animals making up the surplus population. Everybody wins. Revenue from licence sales, fur for the clothing manufacturers, meat, and a controlled, healthy population of seals.
Southward says we would be “richer on the inside if we let some more creatures into our hearts”; I say we take it a step further.
All Canadians should be proud of and hold deep reverence for every resource this land offers us. We should make the best possible use of our resources and continue to use them, while striving to be as environmentally responsible as possible.
D.R. Akin Nanaimo