Winograd vs. the Big Orgs: Leveling the Playing Field

by Stephanie Ernst · 2009-12-14 06:55:00 UTC
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I don't always agree with Nathan Winograd, well-known No Kill advocate and author of Redemption; that is, I don't universally agree with every conclusion he comes to or with his assessments of people's motives. But I often do agree with his observations, and his arguments are as worthy of considerations as anyone else's. That said, Winograd's messages don't receive circulation as widespread as the messages of his detractors and those he challenges, in no small part because his powerful counterparts in these conversations have larger platforms, greater resources, and the ability to just refuse to directly answer his (and others') most challenging arguments.

So this is my small contribution toward (and only "toward" because this platform doesn't have nearly the reach of those over whom Winograd is competing to be heard either) leveling the playing field. I will not say much. I will let Winograd's posts speak for themselves. What I will say is this: We don't bestow sainthood on corporations, and putting blind faith in large nonprofits that more or less function as corporations, complete with some of the tactics and self-interest that make us so wary of corporations and their "truths" and intentions, is dangerous. Assuming that those in positions of power and influence are always honest and open and selfless in their intentions is unwise -- and a disservice to our fellow animals.

When we realize that situations, organizations, and people aren't entirely what we thought, that can be not only troubling but even devastating -- I've been there -- but hearing and considering all sides of the argument, even those that challenge what we support, is vital if our loyalty is to our fellow animals. And our loyalty should be to our fellow animals, not to organizations or prominent figures or what-we-want-to-believe. Seeing the good in organizations does not mean (or excuse) ignoring or burying the bad.

Finally, to Winograd, who in these posts covers some issues that deserve to be covered and that have angered me and many others as much as they have infuriated Winograd, even if most people are hesitant to speak out and say that. Winograd is not hesitant to say it.

Betrayal & Deceit at the Humane Society of the United States

Going Rogue

Stephanie Ernst wrote the original Animal Rights blog at Change.org until December 2009. She can now be found at Animal Rights & AntiOppression.
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