This is the Insurgent Radio Kiosk for Wednesday, November 6th
Community Commentary
Action Calendar
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Don’t Do Animal “Gifting”
This is the time of year when we receive full color, glossy catalogs from Heifer International and organizations like them, asking for donations to send live animals as “gifts” to help alleviate hunger and poverty in poor countries.
Animal “gifting” does can actually do a disservice to the people and communities the charities claim to help. There are many reasons why this is a bad idea.
Many recipients of live animals are already struggling to feed their families, and more animals means more mouths to feed, adding to the family’s burden.
Also many farmed animals use up to 10 times more water than growing crops for direct human consumption. The animal’s water needs very often compete for the drinking water needs of local communities.
The World Land Trust calls animal gifting programs “madness, environmentally unsound, and economically disastrous.” They consider it “grossly irresponsible to continue with these schemes as a means of raising quick money for charities over the Christmas season.”
Former Indian minister for social welfare Maneka Gandhi has noted that goats destroy the fertility of land, and within two years those who are given a goat are even worse off.
Heifer International catalogs feature children hugging and kissing healthy animals. This organization is not a friend to children or to animals. In reality, children who are supposed to benefit from animal gifts may be taken out of school to tend to them. And animals endure long transport times to the recipient’s location and much evidence exists to say they are not cared for properly after they arrive.
If you wish to help feed those in need this giving season please do not support Heifer International or other animal gifting organizations. Instead give to charities such as A Well Fed World or The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation. Both charities provide hunger relief to families without harming animals or our fragile environment.
This is Marina Drake for Alliance for Animals.
The kiosk brings you commentaries from members of the public. All opinions expressed are those of the speakers. Have an idea for your own two-minute commentary? Go to wortfm.org/kioskcommentary.
It’s today’s Action Calendar!
A panel discussion addressing “Nature’s Guardians: How Scientists and Local Communities Can Work Together to Save Species” is scheduled for this evening at UW-Madison’s Union South, 1308 West Dayton Street. The panel of conservation leaders will share their experiences working with local people to protect precious habitats and endangered species. This free event will kick off at 5:30 p.m. Phone 890–2064.
All are invited to a presentation titled “As Go Unions, So Goes the Republic: The Labor Movement and the Political Future” with Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO, this evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Madison Labor Temple, 1602 South Park Street. Phone 332-1886 for information.
The West Madison Senior Coalition will offer meals to those 60 and older tomorrow, Thursday, November 7th, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Meadowridge Library, 5740 Raymond Road. There is a suggested minimum donation of $4.00, but participants can contribute what’s affordable. Transportation is available. Meal and bus reservations should be made today by calling 238-7368.
Evening Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver hot, nutritious low-cost meals to older and differently-abled people. Locations are flexible and the time commitment is about one hour per shift. For details call 276-7598.
The Insurgent Radio Kiosk welcomes your commentaries on subjects of interest to the W.O.R.T. listening community. Commentaries are limited to two minutes. If you’d like to do a Kiosk commentary, visit wortfm.org/kioskcommentary.
The Kiosk is available online at wortfm.org/kiosk.
This has been the Insurgent Radio Kiosk heard weekdays at 5:00, 6:30 and 9:00 AM and at 2:00 PM. I’m Greg Geboski.
Submit announcements at least ten days in advance of the event at wortfm.org/announcements.
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