First off: Congratulations Obama!
Secondly, here are some posts from numerous points of view on the green prospect and animal rights prospect of Obama, and Prop 2/Question 3.
As most people know, Obama promised his two daughters a puppy if he made it to the White House. Now that he has, they're looking for a dog. However, one of his daughters is allergic. As much as they'd like to adopt from a shelter, they're unsure if the dogs will be hypoallergetic since, "a lot of shelter dogs are mutts like me." Fortunately for the Obama family, and the everyone else looking for a purebred, there are many purebred shelters that you can find using PetFinder.
Here is PETA's official statement towards new-president Barack Obama:
""I think how we treat our animals reflects how we treat each other. And it's very important that we have a president who is mindful of the cruelty that is perpetrated on animals." Because PETA is devoted to fighting animal abuse and recognizes the link between cruelty to animals and violence directed against humans, the organization is very encouraged by this statement. PETA is also pleased that Obama and his wife, Michelle, have announced that they will adopt a rescued dog for their daughters instead of patronizing a pet store or breeder. PETA opposes large-scale breeding facilities, known as "puppy mills," as well as private breeders who bring puppies and kittens into the world while nearly 4 millions cats and dogs must be euthanized at the nation's extremely crowded animal shelters every year. PETA supports animal shelters and encourages all prospective companion animal guardians to visit their local shelter.
PETA was also encouraged to see that unlike other Democratic and Republican presidential candidates in the past, Obama did not pander to the National Rifle Association and other pro-hunting organizations by heading into the woods and shooting defenseless animals.
PETA looks forward to working with President-elect Obama and the new administration to help create change for the millions of animals who suffer unnecessarily in this country. What's next? If his stance on other animal issues is any indication, perhaps the next president will put a tofu chicken in every pot."
Also, since Biden is now the vice president-elect, him and his wife will be looking for a dog. PETA sent them a letter about rescue shelter dogs, hoping they will follow in Obama's footprints.
GristTV released a video about the election, but it has now been removed from their YouTube page. However, check out http://www.grist.org/ for all your environmental news. :)Avaaz, an organization that promotes activism on numerous issues like climate chance, human rights and peace, says "Obama's victory brings a chance for the US to finally join with the world community to take on pressing challenges on climate change, human rights, and peace". The organization is sending a message to the new president, saying congratulations and an invitation to work with Avaaz and the people around the world. They're also sending a petition. Check it out, click here!
The We Campaign also is sending a message to Barack, along with a new video. The people voted for change, but now what? Click here for the message to the president-elect, but you can only send it if you're in the US, and the video.
IDA (In Defense of Animals) is also sending Obama a message to adopt a dog from a shelter. Click here for more details.
Of course, Friends of Animals - the leaders in the anti-Palin community - were happy that Obama won. "We look forward to a government that learns to disengage from the old, violent methods: violence that harms us all, human and non-human.A government that learns to stop painting with the broad brush that allows civil disobedience, or standing up for the birds, deer and bears, to be chilled by out-of-control anti-terrorism laws.A government with a serious focus on respecting the environment, reducing greenhouse gases, and preventing extinctions." They'll be pressing a number of issues, which you can read up on here.
Prop 2 & Question 3:Great news for animals in California! Over 60% of Californians voted YES to Prop 2, saving over 20 million animals from factory farms! It will prevent some of the worst cruelty of factory farms: keeping egg-laying chickens in cages too small for them to spread their wings, veal calves in crates for their entire lives, and pregnant pigs in crates too small for them to take a single step! (Info found from PETA & Humane Society of the US)
Also, in Massachusetts, question 3 was passed. This will ban greyhound racing by 2010. This prevents the 20 hours per day spent in cages too small to stand! It also saves greyhounds from becoming injury prone, whereas as racers they are prone to fractures, dislocations, lacerations and amputations. [PETA]
Overall, organizations and volunteers are tremendously happy about the Obama election, as am I. :) People are looking forward to change and are clearly ready for it. If you voted for McCain, sorry that your candidate of choice didn't win, but I'm not sorry about the outcome. I'm very happy with it. Also, animals are getting more and more rights every day. This is great news and has been an exhilarating week. I, for one, cannot wait until Bush is out of the whitehouse!
The world is in danger, we need to be its superheroes.
Love,
TreeHugger