Where Have All the Geese Gone? -- A Question for Political Debate

Cago, solitary, surviving goose at Harlem Meer in Central Park. Cago's family wiped out in 2013 USDA WS Goose cull in New York City.

Primary Day is less than two weeks away and as of this point, I am only fully decided on one of the political races -- that for Public Advocate.

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As previously noted, I am enthusiastically supporting Letitia James  for Public Advocate because she is one of only two politicians to publicly speak out adamantly and passionately against goose slaughters in NYC when it was of no political advantage for her. 

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Ms. James spoke very poignantly at a 2010 goose rally about how the Prospect Park geese were always of great comfort to her when growing up and sometimes experiencing loneliness, bullying or isolation.  Her speech on geese actually moved me to tears at the time and was one of the most heartfelt in terms of sharing the tender and vital connection between humans (especially, children) and animals.

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But, even if one didn't care about geese or other animals, one should care about politicians taking their civic duties seriously.   Of the four candidates currently running for Public Advocate, Letitia James is the only one to actually vote in recent past city elections. (This question was raised on an NBC debate.)

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If one cannot bother to follow candidates and actually vote in city elections, it is difficult to think such person will take the responsibilities and duties of elective office seriously. Running for political office should not just be about gratifying the ego and making a name for one's self.

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It is disappointing that in all the political debates aired on TV, the issues of animal cruelty and/or protection are never raised for discussion.  

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We hear about all kinds of things, much of which can be difficult for the average lay person to understand (such as neighborhood "rezoning").

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But, whether we should be slaughtering thousands of geese in New York City or forcing horses to haul carriages filled with fat tourists or killing thousands of cats and dogs in animal control shelters because they catch cold is never brought up.

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This makes it difficult for those caring about animal justice to actually make prudent, wise and informed decisions.

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As previously noted, many animal advocates are jumping on the bandwagon for mayoral candidate, Bill de Blasio.

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But, personally speaking, I see nothing in de Blasio's past history nor current statements to indicate he would be far different from that we already have.

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De Blasio was wishy washy when answering a question on goose slaughters in NYC (basically talking out of both sides of his mouth and saying nothing definitive) and he has also been political in his statements on carriage horses saying basically that if NYC gets electric, vintage cars to substitute for horse carriage rides, he would support a ban.

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Bill de Blasio For New York: Rising Together - A Humane City for New York's An

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Call me a cynical New Yorker, but de Blasio's statements on the horses and the couple of other animal issues he briefly addresses on the above "humane" web site don't really say much.

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Put simply, they lack depth and/or indication they have been carefully considered and thought about. 

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One guesses that had the same questions been raised to Christine Quinn before she actually took over the job of City Council speaker, she would have answered in similar phrases and jargon.

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Its easy to talk about "improving" city animal shelters or addressing animal abuse issues before actually taking offices of power and political pressure.

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I only know that as so-called, "Public Advocate," de Blasio's office wasn't even willing to discuss NYC goose slaughters when called about them two years ago.

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Why should one believe de Blasio would be different if taking over the mayor's post?

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At least Quinn was willing to personally correspond on the issue.

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In the end, it is up to the individual to research, study, communicate and determine who are the most capable and also, most sincere and honest candidates to take this city forward in the next four years and hopefully address animal justice issues.

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Personally speaking, I would sooner vote the candidate who is direct and honest in their communications (even if their positions don't necessarily concur with my own) than one who attempts to tell me what s/he thinks I want to hear just to get votes.

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Worst of all, are those politicians who don't respond at all.

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Quinn communicated.  Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and so-called, "Public Advocate" Bill de Blasio did not.

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Others may do what they will, but neither indifference nor platitudes win Brownie points with me. 

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I will always remember the impassioned and eloquent speech Letitia James gave to defend the maligned and scapegoated geese in New York City being ruthlessly gassed and slaughtered at the hands of USDA WS. 

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It was not a speech of empty promises and platitude, but one of felt and actual grief.

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But, there are no such speeches or actions to recall from any of the other current candidates in the major political races in NYC.

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So, the days of leaning, without  final decision continue.

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It would represent a real step in progress if just once, the questions concerning animal abuse and killing in New York City were brought up in political debate.  -- PCA

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