Whaling for food. Cretins.

Well, sort of food. For certain people.

The Nisshin Maru is a converted fishing factory ship that the Japanese use as the mother ship of its "whaling effort." And the Nisshin Maru is currently off of the ice pack in the Ross Sea, Antarctica -- burning. It is owned by a Japanese government agency, the Institute of Cetacean Research. State sponsored slaughter under a scientific guise.

Those interested in saving the whale are no doubt aware of the progress of the Sea Shepherd organization in thwarting the annual "research whaling" by the Japanese. And if claim to care about these things, you SHOULD be aware of the work of the Sea Shepherds. There have been a few rammings, attempts to run in front of harpoons, and general havoc designed to prevent the Japanese from filling their holds with "byproduct" of their whaling research.

Two of the havoc creators have left the Japanese fleet earlier this week to get back to Australia before their registration lapses and the boats become "unflagged." So they are out of the equation for now. Greenpeace has also shadowed the Japanese fleet, so they are in a position to help the burning (and possibly sinking) Japanese vessel, although they would understandably show great reluctance in doing so. They are reportedly making haste to stand by. Latest reports state that the fire may be under control although 120 persons were evacuated to other Japanese spotter and hunting ships. The vessel flying the Jolly Roger is a Sea Shepherd. Of course this photo was provided by the whalers to the New Japan Times to show the sympathetic Japanese public how evil the anti-whaling forces are. Japanese press has called them "pirates." One wonders about Photoshop usage, but even if only psy-ops, its a cute image -- 3000 or more miles from anything.

The Japanese government has "cordially requested" that the New Zealand and Australian navies stand by to lend their assistance should the situation become worse. In response the Kiwis told the Japanese that they have two frigates in the area, but that they are headed North -- away from the whalers -- due to pressing obligations elsewhere. Right. But the threat of 1000 tons of fuel oil leaking from the ship if it sinks into the pristine environment will probably induce the Kiwis and Aussies to assist if necessary.

So the Japanese are hoping to "cull" 950 odd minke whales and some 7-10 Fin whales ... what on earth for? What do they already not know about these animals? Except that there are precious few Fin whales remaining and that they are large and most likely, tasty.

Here lies a slippery slope: these are -- without doubt -- intelligent animals. Mammals. We want to prevent these creatures from being killed in the most heinous way possible ... slowly, bleeding to death, with a large metal object in their back which has exploded (to create hydrostatic shock to kill quicker). They are inflated (no use in letting them sink!) dragged backward up onto the ramp of a large ship (where they if not already dead, suffocate) where they are brought under the flensing knives. But is this a lot different from the way we treat cattle? Would it be different if in some way we could learn to farm whales?? Is that the dividing line? Is it offensive because we perceive whales to be more intelligent than the normal animals which we slaughter for food?
Is it because they are wild and free, as well as intelligent? Is it because people like the Japanese would hunt them to extinction (powerful argument, that one) if nobody opposed them?

I eat meat and like it a lot. All sorts. Even lamb and veal. Fish too, although I tend to order or buy farmed fish if at all possible. But somewhere I cannot condone whaling. The cruelty to animals possibly (or potentially) as intelligent as we are is just unacceptable. But why? Is it that whales and other members of that family including dolphins and porpoises -- cetacea -- may possess a sense of self in the same way that we do? Is that the dividing line?

Anyway, SINK YOU BASTARDS!!! But retrieve the crew.