I'm having a hard time reading this post because every time I hear that someone has abused an animal...the toxins and the anger...collossal rage starts bubbling up and if I don't step away...it will blow.

So, without reading the rest of the post nor the comments, I have no idea if anyone has said this already but here is why I get so angry about it:

It's not that they can't defend themselves. What it is, to me, is that children and animals put their trust in you. They TRUST us, no judging, no worries, no fear. They absolutely look to adults with trust and an adult or older child goes and does that to a younger child or an animal...you have swiped one of the most precious things from that child or animal. It's not the broken bones and bruises...it's what that person has done to the MIND of the child or animal that causes me to want to do likewise to the abuser.

Bones and bruises, cuts and scrapes will heal. But the damage done to their psyche, their character, their emotions, their mind...when you abuse a child or an animal, you have basically started killing them emotionally. (Some like to say that animals don't have emotions but for those...you should still get what I'm saying.)

And that to me is the bigger crime out of the whole situation.

You know, Larry, I really like the idea of me leaping tall buildings to zap over-inflated egos...there's a story in there somewhere, surely! :)

I stare at him. "I think the odds of you sitting across from me in six months time are extremely small." I say, unflinching.

Kaaa-ZAP!!
Our 'Everyday' deflater of overinflated pompus twits. Just remember if possible use the 'I know something about you' smile on him.. make him stay up at night and wonder a little.. fair balance (or a start) for what he put you through. Or better yet.. smile (cat with Canary style) where people besides him can see you (If asked say truthfully.. Nothing .. REALLY.. )

How can people pick on things which can't defend themself? What kind of fucking monsters are they?

You Helen.. are a real person.. with a real soul (abeit one like my own with a few bumps and scrapes)... Right and wrong have a meaning to you. Those things in human form are what you call them.. Monsters thinking of nothing but their own immediate needs...

The universe has a VERY special fate for things like those monsters..

Have fun with your Visitor !!!!

Helen said: ""I think the odds of you sitting across from me in six months time are extremely small." I say, unflinching."

Awesome! LOVED that! *Amber beams*

And it goes without saying that people who knowingly torture defenseless living things are the lowest of the low and deserve all the wrath the gods can muster up.

Outrage over cruelty to animals and young children is well placed righteous anger. But what about cruelty to the most defenseless...the unborn? Does that get everyone's dander up as much? It certainly does mine.

Helen, if this is too "political" or too sensitive a topic, please strike it from the record with my apologies. I do think it's ironic that many get irate over cruelty to animals and children but not over cruelty to the unborn.

I like to think of your banshee as a wrathful angel which decends upon degenerates who abuse animals or general louts like Von Petty Pumpkin.

My .02: It's a false dilemma to suggest that cruelty against humans is worse than cruelty against animals or that prevention thereof must take priority over the other.

There's quite a bit of research which demonstrates that animal abusers (and children in particular who abuse animals) are more likely to comit violent acts against humans. Here's one article from Brown University but there's heaps of stuff out there to be googled:
http://www.childresearch.net/CYBRARY/NEWS/200003.HTM

I know it's out there, but every time I see that kind of animal abuse, something inside me snaps. I almost take it personally, because I wasn't there to save the animal from such cruelty. Poor, poor puppies.

And my husband always says, "We can't save them all, dear." Oh, but if I could! Or at least be the judge, jury, and executioner at the karmic trial!

I'm glad your dad is still part of your life, Helen. I can't imagine losing my dad to a family rift/war. As has already been said here, a girl needs her daddy, and a father needs his baby girl.

Don't get your hopes up about the fox-hunting ban. All that has happened is that the House of Commons has voted to ban fox-hunting. They've done this many times before and the ban has always been overturned by the House of Lords, who have the power to emend a bill and to overturn it. As you see, it doesn't work quite the same way as in the US Congress.

I've no time for animal cruelty, child abuse, or truly any kind of physical or mental mistreatment of a defenseless creature.

I'm glad you were able to speak with your Dad, and that things are good between you. A girl should always have her Daddy to turn to, and a father should always have his little girl.

The coldest depths of hell are reserved for those who would hurt kittens or puppies.

The animal abuse cases sicken me almost as much as the child abuse.

Too many sick bastards out there.

It is heart renching to see an animal get hurt. Recently TM and I went out looking for a puppy for her. After looking at several which didnt work out for several reasons I came across this small shaking little puppy. When I put two fingers in the cage expecting the usually sniffing or licking she ended up just resting her head down on them and stopped shaking. Shortly there after TM ended up taking her home.

Hope your weekend goes well. TGIF

I'm glad the balance is coming back a little into your life. And anyone who tells me that they'll see me in Court has effectively terminated the conversation right there. Good for you.

<offtopic>Yay! Luuka finally managed to escape the channel isle's event horizon. Now all I have to do is post my stories and pics. </offtopic>

As for the actual point of your post - I have to agree with you that the sheer scope for human cruelty in this world makes me sick, especialy when directed at the defenceless and trusting.

I can only second greywulf's comments ... these people are in the minority and as long as there is moral outrage at their actions that is where they shall stay.

I never thought I would see the day fox hunting was banned. I am no expert and do not know populaton numbers and the impact of foxes on the farming community and hence the need to keep the population down to a certain level. But even if culling is needed I have never be able to understand how it could be claimed that chasing the fox with a pack of hounds and then the dogs ripping it to pieces was the must 'humaine' way to facilitate the culling.

Yes we are just another animal on the planet and a lot of animals are meat eaters and kill other animals for food and thats nature, but we were doing this for sport for a few elite with the pretence of it being for a practical and humaine reason.

Of course some will bemoan the loss of a great tradition. Well burning so called witches and chopping off peoples heads, Jus Primae Noctis, the right by which the lord could sleep the first night with the bride of a newly married serf are also old 'traditions', but I think we moved on a little as a society and I dont see anyone bemoaning the loss of those traditions!

First of all *HUGS* for the Eggs and Bacon wounds. They wont ever heal (and they shouldnt it's a part of you) but hopefully with time the scab wont be so raw.

Second can I be Charlie Brown in that scenario? I am a dog person (though certain kitties are ok- just not with my terrier) and you DO NOT hurt defenseless little puppies.

I think that is what your anger about it boils down to. Those who can defend themselves make you mad but dont send you over the edge. Those that cant make you want to rip off their arm and beat their ass like Zorro with it. I sign up to volunteer.

Glad Emily made it across the pond safe! I will email this morning a list of things here in Paris for you two.

I'm with you all the way Helen. Any creature on this planet deserves better than this.

Rather than clog your comments up, I've posted my own thoughts on my own blog.

Remember, there are good people out there too.

*hugs*