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As previously mentioned, I would never kill a bug. In the past, yes. Accidentally, sometimes. But intentionally? Never. It’s just not part of my M.O. You see, as an earth lovin’ greenie I feel like it’s important to respect nature, its biodiversity and all of its creatures including those that aren’t just four-legged and furry. Moreover though, I’m a practicing Buddhist and prefer not to take a future re-birth as a fly. But that’s a whole other can of worms…
So, yes. When I found out that Obama swatted the now famous (albeit dead) fly ninja-style during a recent interview on CNBC, I didn’t exactly throw up my arms in a celebratory “Hurray!”
However, I didn’t think it necessarily required the recent media frenzy or the cutting comments from animal activist group, PETA, who reacted saying,
| He [Obama] isn’t the Buddha, he’s a human being and human beings have a long way to go before they think before they act. |
I’d have to agree with Michael D’Estries from Ecorazzi and ask PETA, really? Don’t you have bigger fish to fry? (Metaphorically, of course!)
Obama and his administration have been on such a great, green roll over the past several months—laying down policy to curb carbon emissions from automobiles, announcing plans for energy efficiency, creating the nation’s first ocean policy, and a seemingly hopeful agenda for sustainable development in the U.S.
Should a fly swat be garnering this much attention when he’s thus far brought to the table so much good?
Since their initial statement, PETA’s at least released a somewhat redeeming update saying,
We don’t condemn President Obama for acting on instinct. When the media began contacting us in droves for a statement, we obliged, simply by saying that the president isn’t the Buddha and shouldn’t be expected to do everything right—if not for that, we would not have brought it up. It’s the media who are making a big deal about the fly swat—not PETA.
Much better. Though leaving Obama’s name out of the media reaction altogether and strictly using the opportunity as a way to present compassionate methods of bug control would have been way cooler, guys.
What do you, the readers, think? Hit me up with comments in the space below!
::Ecorazzi
More on President Obama:
What Environmental Challenges Await President Obama?
Check Your Car Emissions Before Obama Does
Do You Know Your Green World? (Quiz)
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