Life; An organismic state characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction.

What does life look like to you?

Who defines the value of one’s life?

Are some lives considered of less value than others’?

On what terms are the values of one’s or a group of one’s lives determined? Are these values defined by intelligence, beauty, skill, money , etc…? SURELY NOT. Surely a species as capable as human beings sets the value of life to be the same for all animals (humans are considered animals). For the value of life to be equal for all is an axiom..it is inherent. All species and groups within species have equal value….

…Only in a perfect world would that be true. Though we are capable of such thought and action, we do not see all beings as equals.

Oftentimes the value of one’s life is measured by what one can provide via money, sex, and/or power.

Example where one’s life is measured by another’s access to power and money.

Example where one’s life is measured by his/her skill level. Sadly, it’s level of skill is forced and then used for another’s monetary gain.

A baby elephant being abused during a circus training session. Elephants are not born with the drive to produce tricks in a circus. They are born into large family systems. Every year baby elephants are ripped from their families and then forced to learn circus tricks. Circus trainers have to break their spirits with harsh tools and treatments. Go to Elephantsanctuary.com to learn more.

An example of one’s life being measured by another’s rise to power and fame.

An example where one’s life is measured by another’s financial gain and ease of workload

A baby chic being debeaked. Common practice in chicken farms to keep chickens from fighting each other due to overcrowding. Chicks receive no pain meds during this process. The pain of debeaking would be similar to having your nose shaved off. Go to FarmSanctuary.com to learn more.

An example where one’s life is measured by another’s access to money and sex.

Too often the one doing the measuring is the ONE to GAIN while the one being measured is helpless and sometimes without even a….

…Voice

I imagine that if they had a voice they would say…”My life is more than what you can gain”

We have to rethink the way we value the creatures we share this planet with. We have to rethink the way in which their lives and welfare are valued.

Because this sure the hell isn’t it.

Veal farming. These baby calves are ripped from their mothers at birth. They are then castrated without anesthesia and then chained to a small wooden crate. These crates are so small that the cows cannot even turn around. Veal calves are a by-product of the diary industry. The diary cows are impregnated to keep them producing milk. Their young males calves are churned into veal calves or sent to slaughter after being fattened up on grains. Their female offspring become diary cows or head to slaughter as well.

A shark being definned. These fearless creatures are caught , definned and then left for dead.

Fox after being skinned alive for it’s fur.

Chickens at a factory farm.

A dog after the abuse of dog fighting

We can change this. We are capable.

First and foremost become educated about your world. Your food, your health and the health of future generations. ASK QUESTIONS. Learn About your OWN biological make-up. Human beings are not biologically designed to eat meat. It is a cultural tradition. Nonetheless, it is a choice. One can still eat meat without contributing to the torture and inhumane treatment of so many animals. The supermarket offers selections for organic and humanely raised/slaughtered meat and diary products. LOOK for the words ORGANIC, CAGE FREE, FREE-ROAMING, and such on your labels. READ your labels. Learn what you are eating! Go to Whole Foods organic grocery store for the largest selection of organic and humane grocery products. Look at your household items such as the shampoo or detergent you use. Were these products tested on animals? Find out. REFUSE to wear genuine leather or fur products. Join the World Wildlife Fund, or become a volunteer at the Humane Society. Stay away from fast-food chains. They are the largest consumers of meat from suppliers that use the most inhumane methods of factory farming not to mention the drastic effects these foods have on your health. Spay and neuter your pets. Be responsible for your pets. Treat them with love and respect. Report any form of animal abuse or neglect. Think environmentally. Recycle. Plant a garden. Read a book about animals. Adopt an orphaned monkey or elephant from animal sanctuaries. Sign petitions, support rallies, donate, educate others. But first and foremost educate yourself. Do not be satisfied with not knowing. Indifference is truly the greatest sin.

THINK ABOUT YOUR ACTIONS AND THE CONSEQUENCES THOSE ACTIONS HAVE ON ALL LIFE.

“When it is all said and done- when the curtain falls, human life will only be measured by one yardstick and that yardstick measures in what was given- not received”