"Reasoning" the Unreasonable ("Why Are They Killing the Geese?")

Probably the most common question we who advocate for protection of geese are asked is, "Why are they killing the geese?"

 

Whenever I am asked this, there is always a sense of disappointment or even slight insult -- even though fully understanding the sincerity or naivete of the questioner.

 

Last night, when walking home from the park after a visit with my feathered friends I asked myself why.

 

I think the reason is actually quite simple.

 

We normally would not ask those who oppose an injustice to explain the "reasons" for the injustice.

 

We would not for example, ask Lincoln to explain the rationalizations for slavery or Schindler to explain the Nazi rationale for murdering Jews. Indeed, we don't even ask the Occupy Wall Street people the reasons why some corporations abuse people or destroy the environment and why some on Wall Street are corrupt.

 

Put simply, it is not up to those fighting for justice to explain the excuses for injustice.

 

To do so, only puts us in the position of giving voice and "explanation" for things we patently and morally oppose (and thus, in some people's minds, a sense of credibility or "reason" for the unethical.)

 

We should only have to explain our reasons for opposing the injustice and striving to create or restore a more peaceful and tolerant world.

 

Nevertheless, the fact that we who work to save the geese are frequently asked, "Why are they killing the geese?" seems to suggest that many people apparently don't understand what is inherently wrong about invading a public park either to round up wildlife for killing or shooting animals as targets.   "If they are killing the geese in public parks, there must be a good reason for it." many people seem to conclude.

 

But, it is that thinking which is basically flawed.

 

Because if we have learned anything through eons of human history it is that while violence and injustice may have motivations and causes, they rarely have just reason.

 

When asked the question of why government is killing geese in public parks, I usually answer simply, "Because they can.   The geese cannot vote or protest.  And they are completely defenseless. They are killed because some people don't like them, as some people don't like dogs, cats or even children.  They are killed for convenience."

 

But, as noted, I don't like answering the question and don't feel I should have to.  I should not be the one compelled to give voice and "explanation" for things that should not (in my view) have voice and rarely have just explanation.

 

Its like having to "explain" why some people use the N word.

 

It is not the advocate for justice's place to have to "explain" others' bigotry or violent actions towards the innocent and defenseless.  Such is better left to psychiatrists or the perpetrators themselves. 

 

Prosecutors in court don't, after all, have to prove "motivation" for the crimes alleged.  They only have to show and prove that the crime has been committed and by the one accused.

 

Likewise, we who advocate for the geese only need to show that violent actions have been committed and be able to cite who they have been perpetrated by. (In many cases, we are also compelled to show peaceful and effective non-lethal alternatives to violence.) 

 

But, explain the reasons for the violence?  No.

 

Let the accused explain their rationalizations for what essentially is unreasonable and unjustifiable.

 

An excuse does not justice create.  -- PCA