"Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!" -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
"Try to not spook the horse."
-Neil Young
0
brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,284
I find it disappointing that there has been little response to this subject in general. Granted, there are obviously other majorly important issues going on right now, but I find it disappointing that this issue has being mostly ignored here. It matters enough for Eddie Vedder to make a plea to support Captain Watson. It also matters enough for people including Anthony Kiedis, Moby, Michael Franti, Bryan Adams, Pierce Brosnan, James Cameron, Dr. Jane Goodall, and French President Emmanuel Macron to all have recently been outspoken in the defense of Cpt Paul Watson. And yet so little support shown here.
And on top of that, apparently I'm not going to get a response to my request that this thread not be trolled. A forum member has the nerve to come on here and disparage people who are supporting this issue, and has been allowed to do that. I will point out the obvious: that is a flagrant violation of the forum rule regarding talking about the subject, not the each other.
"Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!" -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
Since I seem to be the board pariah today, I will chime in on this. Two wrongs do not make a right. It is no secret that Japan tests the limits of what is legal with regard to whaling. But I do not support independant enforcement of such grey areas being imposed upon Japan. I am biased, as many of you know, my wife is Japanese and it is a strong part of my life and household. The bigger question is why would anyone want to eat whale, it is simply not good. @brianlux I think you hit the nail on the head with the tradition discussion. They do it because that is the way it has been.
0
brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,284
Since I seem to be the board pariah today, I will chime in on this. Two wrongs do not make a right. It is no secret that Japan tests the limits of what is legal with regard to whaling. But I do not support independant enforcement of such grey areas being imposed upon Japan. I am biased, as many of you know, my wife is Japanese and it is a strong part of my life and household. The bigger question is why would anyone want to eat whale, it is simply not good. @brianlux I think you hit the nail on the head with the tradition discussion. They do it because that is the way it has been.
The problem here is that without the independent enforcement of international law against whaling by organizations like the Paul Watson Foundation (and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society previous to their being infiltrated, usurped and rendered ineffectual) , no one else is doing it.
And I don't see how this is a "grey area". There are no "two wrongs" here. Cpt Watson, and those who work with him, not only protect endangered whale species, they protect ocean life and the health of the oceans in general. The first line of defense for the health of the planet lies with the oceans. Although this is a somewhat over-simplified statement regarding a complex array of environmental systems, life begins and ends with the oceans. All major forms of life depend on the oceans. If life in the oceans degrades to too great a degree, all major forms of life on earth will perish. True, given several millennium, life would probably return. But why would we allow some peoples "traditions" to imperil such a great amount of life on this planet? That is illogical.
And look, I have no bias against Japanese people. My first "significant other" was Japanese. I only have a bias against those who engage in practices that endanger the well being of the planet.
"Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!" -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
Talking about how majestic whales are and how they should not be killed. While at the same time de facto only selling tortured and killed animals at the festival and having next to nothing vegetarian and nothing vegan available. Surprisingly small minded by Eddie. I just rolled my eyes at what a narrow view he obviously has on the subject.
You're talking about two different subjects. One is protecting whales and ocean life that are endangered, and the other, your passionate advocacy for people to become vegan/ vegetarian. Two different topics. I honor your beliefs for your cause, but do not appreciate you thread crapping here. Please take it somewhere else. Thank you.
No. I am talking about the same thing
Be less small minded. You and Eddie
"Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
Since I seem to be the board pariah today, I will chime in on this. Two wrongs do not make a right. It is no secret that Japan tests the limits of what is legal with regard to whaling. But I do not support independant enforcement of such grey areas being imposed upon Japan. I am biased, as many of you know, my wife is Japanese and it is a strong part of my life and household. The bigger question is why would anyone want to eat whale, it is simply not good. @brianlux I think you hit the nail on the head with the tradition discussion. They do it because that is the way it has been.
The problem here is that without the independent enforcement of international law against whaling by organizations like the Paul Watson Foundation (and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society previous to their being infiltrated, usurped and rendered ineffectual) , no one else is doing it.
And I don't see how this is a "grey area". There are no "two wrongs" here. Cpt Watson, and those who work with him, not only protect endangered whale species, they protect ocean life and the health of the oceans in general. The first line of defense for the health of the planet lies with the oceans. Although this is a somewhat over-simplified statement regarding a complex array of environmental systems, life begins and ends with the oceans. All major forms of life depend on the oceans. If life in the oceans degrades to too great a degree, all major forms of life on earth will perish. True, given several millennium, life would probably return. But why would we allow some peoples "traditions" to imperil such a great amount of life on this planet? That is illogical.
And look, I have no bias against Japanese people. My first "significant other" was Japanese. I only have a bias against those who engage in practices that endanger the well being of the planet.
I do not need to be sold on the importance of healthier oceans. I am aware and agree. It is grey because it is analogous to vigilante enforcement of rules based on interpretation of one entity vs. the next. It is not up to the Sea Shepard to enforce international maritime rules. I am not even sure who is.
0
brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,284
We humans breeze through our lives mostly oblivious to the fact that there is a life support system on this spaceship we call Earth.
And that life support system is maintained by a crew of diverse species ranging from bacteria to phytoplankton to fish to worms to bees to trees and toe whales and millions of other species.
These are the crew of spaceship Earth. We humans are merely passengers having a wonderful time entertaining ourselves.
But we are also criminals in that we are murdering the crew and the more we kill, the more fragile the life support system becomes.
Whales for example nurture phytoplankton and phytoplankton provides over 50% of the oxygen we all breathe. Since 1950 there has been a 40% diminishment in phytoplankton populations because of the massive slaughter of marine life over the last century.
When the whales are diminished, the phytoplankton are diminished and when the phytoplankton is diminished, life in the Ocean is diminished and when the Ocean is diminished, humanity id diminished.
And if the Ocean dies, we all die.
This is the reality - not that most people care.
It's difficult to have empathy for other species and an understanding of the laws of ecology when we create a fantasy reality to justify our perceived superiority.
That fantasy is called Anthropocentrism.
"Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!" -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
We humans breeze through our lives mostly oblivious to the fact that there is a life support system on this spaceship we call Earth.
And that life support system is maintained by a crew of diverse species ranging from bacteria to phytoplankton to fish to worms to bees to trees and toe whales and millions of other species.
These are the crew of spaceship Earth. We humans are merely passengers having a wonderful time entertaining ourselves.
But we are also criminals in that we are murdering the crew and the more we kill, the more fragile the life support system becomes.
Whales for example nurture phytoplankton and phytoplankton provides over 50% of the oxygen we all breathe. Since 1950 there has been a 40% diminishment in phytoplankton populations because of the massive slaughter of marine life over the last century.
When the whales are diminished, the phytoplankton are diminished and when the phytoplankton is diminished, life in the Ocean is diminished and when the Ocean is diminished, humanity id diminished.
And if the Ocean dies, we all die.
This is the reality - not that most people care.
It's difficult to have empathy for other species and an understanding of the laws of ecology when we create a fantasy reality to justify our perceived superiority.
That fantasy is called Anthropocentrism.
I agree with all of that. Just not enforcement by unauthorized civilians.
0
brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,284
edited October 30
Another point that should be made here is that traditions change and/or become passe and go away. We no longer burn heretics at the stake.
Using tradition today to hunt and kill whales makes no sense:
In modern times, whale meat is rarely eaten in Japan. A 2005 poll commissioned by Greenpeace and conducted by the Nippon research Centre found that 95% of Japanese people very rarely or never eat whale meat
I have read (but can't find the link off-hand) that those numbers have grown. It's just not a thing anymore.
Post edited by brianlux on
"Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!" -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
"Try to not spook the horse."
-Neil Young
0
brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,284
We humans breeze through our lives mostly oblivious to the fact that there is a life support system on this spaceship we call Earth.
And that life support system is maintained by a crew of diverse species ranging from bacteria to phytoplankton to fish to worms to bees to trees and toe whales and millions of other species.
These are the crew of spaceship Earth. We humans are merely passengers having a wonderful time entertaining ourselves.
But we are also criminals in that we are murdering the crew and the more we kill, the more fragile the life support system becomes.
Whales for example nurture phytoplankton and phytoplankton provides over 50% of the oxygen we all breathe. Since 1950 there has been a 40% diminishment in phytoplankton populations because of the massive slaughter of marine life over the last century.
When the whales are diminished, the phytoplankton are diminished and when the phytoplankton is diminished, life in the Ocean is diminished and when the Ocean is diminished, humanity id diminished.
And if the Ocean dies, we all die.
This is the reality - not that most people care.
It's difficult to have empathy for other species and an understanding of the laws of ecology when we create a fantasy reality to justify our perceived superiority.
That fantasy is called Anthropocentrism.
I agree with all of that. Just not enforcement by unauthorized civilians.
Somebody has to do the job, Get_Right. Even Greenpeace with all their supposed good intentions falls short. Why? Because to spend huge amounts of donated money on infrastructure and administrations. Here's the Greenpeace headquarters:
Paul Watson's Neptunes Navy utilizes all their resources for actions that protect wildlife. Here's the current Paul Watson Foundation headquarters...
...and where it should be:
"Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!" -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
"Try to not spook the horse."
-Neil Young
0
brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,284
...and the injustice continues.
INDEFINITE DETENTION CONTINUES IN CAPTAIN PAUL WATSON CASE AS JUDGE RULES WATSON TO BE HELD UNTIL JUSTICE MINISTRY’S DECISION
The legal battle surrounding
Captain Paul Watson took another frustrating turn today. Judge
Lars-Christian Sinkbæk extended his remand by an additional three weeks,
postponing his next hearing until December 2, 2024, which coincides
with Watson’s 74th birthday. The delay comes amid increasing global
scrutiny and rising concerns over the fairness of the proceedings.
Today marks Paul’s 6th court appearance, which was very brief. The judge
postponed the hearing once again. The court of Greenland referred to
the verdict from the High Court, stating that keeping Paul is not
disproportionate. The judge expects a decision on this to be presented
before the next court date, indicating that the case needs to be
expedited.
“Today we argued that being held is disproportionate but the decision is currently in the hands of a higher court”, said Finn Meinel, Paul Watson’s defense attorney.
Watson, who has been detained since July 21, 2024, is fighting
extradition to Japan over allegations stemming from a 2010 protest in
the Antarctic against illegal Japanese whaling operations. The charges
claim Watson injured a crew member during a non-lethal stink bomb
protest, which his supporters argue is being blown out of proportion to
silence his decades-long fight against whaling. While the video evidence
of the incident was once again not able to be presented in court today.
“115 days and they haven’t made a decision”, stated Captain Paul Watson, commenting on his indefinite detention.
Despite growing international calls for his release, the prosecution was
granted yet another extension today, with the judge advising that
evidence cannot be considered until the Justice Ministry has made a
decision on whether to proceed with extradition, blocking yet again
critical evidence in Watson’s defense, which his legal team insists
would exonerate him.
With esteemed conservationists like Sylvia Earle, David Attenborough,
and Jane Goodall, among many others, speaking out in support of Captain
Watson, it is deeply troubling that his fundamental human right to
defend himself and present his evidence continues to be denied.
His legal team maintains that these charges are politically motivated,
aimed at silencing Watson and intimidating other activists who are
working to expose Japan’s unlawful whaling practices, which have been
condemned by the International Court of Justice. The case is set to
proceed to criminal court, where Watson’s defense team will present
evidence of his innocence, pending a decision by the Danish Justice
Ministry on whether to move forward with his extradition.
Please continue to email the Danish Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard and ask for the immediate release of Captain Watson Phone: +45 7226 8400 Mail: jm@jm.dk
Tag Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen on your social posts @mette
Use the hashtag #FREEPAULWATSON on all social media posts
Coordinate protests, contact celebrities, contact your local
governments, and share this message with everyone you know. Thank you
for all of your efforts!
Write to Paul in Prison Anstalten Prison C/O Paul Watson Nuuk, Greenland DK-3900
For the Oceans, For Justice -
The Captain Paul Watson Foundation
"Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!" -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
"Try to not spook the horse."
-Neil Young
0
brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,284
Please consider emailing Danish Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard and requesting the release of Cpt Watson.
The latest on Paul Watson:
In
a dystopian reality, Captain Paul Watson, who has dedicated his life to
protecting the oceans, stepped out of a police vehicle in freezing
temperatures, greeted by the songs of “Happy Birthday” from his
supporters and colleagues. He was only able to give a few brief words
before he was quickly ushered into the courtroom—an all-too-familiar
scene that felt like Groundhog Day. When will there be progress?
Once again, Judge Lars-Christian Sinkbæk decided to extend Captain Paul
Watson’s remand, this time to December 18, 2024. The defense
successfully argued for the hearing to be moved to two weeks instead of
the initially proposed December 30, emphasizing the urgency of a
resolution. The court is still awaiting a decision from the Ministry of
Justice regarding the grounds for Watson’s extradition to Japan.
“In court today, there was a promising sign that within the next 14
days, the Minister of Justice will make a decision on Captain Paul
Watson’s extradition, which we hope will end his over four-month-long
unjust detention. We urge the Minister to deny Japan’s extradition
request, which is driven by revenge rather than justice.” Omar Todd,
CEO CPWF
Jonas Christoffersen, Watson’s defense attorney, expressed frustration
over the ongoing delays: “We are disappointed that the Danish
authorities have taken so long. We very much hope that the Minister of
Justice will reject the extradition request so Paul can be home with his
family before Christmas.”
Watson’s detention stems from an Interpol red notice issued by Japan,
related to his efforts to disrupt illegal whaling activities in the
Antarctic Whale Sanctuary in 2010. His legal team maintains that the
charges are politically motivated and designed to silence Watson and
intimidate other activists working to expose Japan’s unlawful whaling
practices, which have been condemned by the International Court of
Justice.
When the judge requested further remarks, Watson seized the opportunity
to defend himself, emphasizing the international pressure involved: “The
fact is that Japan has threatened Denmark that they will cut a contract
on windmills unless they get an extradition. Japan has threatened
France that they will drop out of a UN conference and also will impact
trade relations unless I get extradited.”
Reflecting on his continued detention, Watson said, “Well, I
never thought in July that I’d see my 74th birthday here in this
courtroom because in July, I was confident that the evidence and
documentation would show and prove that not only was I not involved in
any planning or participation in the alleged incident, but that the
evidence should have led to my release because I was not involved in any
crime. Japan, on the other hand, destroyed the ship and injured crew
members with no legal consequences.”
Please continue to email the Danish Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard and ask for the immediate release of Captain Watson. Phone: +45 7226 8400 Mail: jm@jm.dk
"Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!" -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
"Try to not spook the horse."
-Neil Young
0
brianlux
Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,284
Please continue to email the Danish Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard and ask for the immediate release of Captain Watson. Phone: +45 7226 8400 Mail: jm@jm.dk
Sample Text: Dear Minister Hummelgaard, Denmark has a proud
history of upholding human rights and justice. Now is the time to stand
on the right side of protecting the environment and free Captain Paul
Watson. This has gone on too long, and Captain Watson is innocent.
#FreePaulWatson
Tag Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen on your social posts @mette
Use the hashtag #FREEPAULWATSON on all social media posts
Contact local and mainstream media and news outlets, contact celebrities, contact your local governments, and share this message with everyone you know. Thank you for all of your efforts!
Please continue to write to Paul in Prison Anstalten Prison C/O Paul Watson Nuuk, Greenland DK-3900
"Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!" -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
Comments
-Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
-Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
-Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
Be less small minded. You and Eddie
I do not need to be sold on the importance of healthier oceans. I am aware and agree. It is grey because it is analogous to vigilante enforcement of rules based on interpretation of one entity vs. the next. It is not up to the Sea Shepard to enforce international maritime rules. I am not even sure who is.
Captain Paul Watson Foundation
-Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
I agree with all of that. Just not enforcement by unauthorized civilians.
I have read (but can't find the link off-hand) that those numbers have grown. It's just not a thing anymore.
-Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
-Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
The legal battle surrounding Captain Paul Watson took another frustrating turn today. Judge Lars-Christian Sinkbæk extended his remand by an additional three weeks, postponing his next hearing until December 2, 2024, which coincides with Watson’s 74th birthday. The delay comes amid increasing global scrutiny and rising concerns over the fairness of the proceedings.
Today marks Paul’s 6th court appearance, which was very brief. The judge postponed the hearing once again. The court of Greenland referred to the verdict from the High Court, stating that keeping Paul is not disproportionate. The judge expects a decision on this to be presented before the next court date, indicating that the case needs to be expedited.
“Today we argued that being held is disproportionate but the decision is currently in the hands of a higher court”, said Finn Meinel, Paul Watson’s defense attorney.
Watson, who has been detained since July 21, 2024, is fighting extradition to Japan over allegations stemming from a 2010 protest in the Antarctic against illegal Japanese whaling operations. The charges claim Watson injured a crew member during a non-lethal stink bomb protest, which his supporters argue is being blown out of proportion to silence his decades-long fight against whaling. While the video evidence of the incident was once again not able to be presented in court today.
“115 days and they haven’t made a decision”, stated Captain Paul Watson, commenting on his indefinite detention.
Despite growing international calls for his release, the prosecution was granted yet another extension today, with the judge advising that evidence cannot be considered until the Justice Ministry has made a decision on whether to proceed with extradition, blocking yet again critical evidence in Watson’s defense, which his legal team insists would exonerate him.
With esteemed conservationists like Sylvia Earle, David Attenborough, and Jane Goodall, among many others, speaking out in support of Captain Watson, it is deeply troubling that his fundamental human right to defend himself and present his evidence continues to be denied.
His legal team maintains that these charges are politically motivated, aimed at silencing Watson and intimidating other activists who are working to expose Japan’s unlawful whaling practices, which have been condemned by the International Court of Justice. The case is set to proceed to criminal court, where Watson’s defense team will present evidence of his innocence, pending a decision by the Danish Justice Ministry on whether to move forward with his extradition.
Please continue to email the Danish Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard and ask for the immediate release of Captain Watson
Phone: +45 7226 8400
Mail: jm@jm.dk
Tag Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen on your social posts @mette
Use the hashtag #FREEPAULWATSON on all social media posts
Sign the Petition by clicking here
Coordinate protests, contact celebrities, contact your local governments, and share this message with everyone you know. Thank you for all of your efforts!
Write to Paul in Prison
Anstalten Prison
C/O Paul Watson
Nuuk, Greenland
DK-3900
For the Oceans, For Justice -
The Captain Paul Watson Foundation
-Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
In a dystopian reality, Captain Paul Watson, who has dedicated his life to protecting the oceans, stepped out of a police vehicle in freezing temperatures, greeted by the songs of “Happy Birthday” from his supporters and colleagues. He was only able to give a few brief words before he was quickly ushered into the courtroom—an all-too-familiar scene that felt like Groundhog Day. When will there be progress?
Once again, Judge Lars-Christian Sinkbæk decided to extend Captain Paul Watson’s remand, this time to December 18, 2024. The defense successfully argued for the hearing to be moved to two weeks instead of the initially proposed December 30, emphasizing the urgency of a resolution. The court is still awaiting a decision from the Ministry of Justice regarding the grounds for Watson’s extradition to Japan.
“In court today, there was a promising sign that within the next 14 days, the Minister of Justice will make a decision on Captain Paul Watson’s extradition, which we hope will end his over four-month-long unjust detention. We urge the Minister to deny Japan’s extradition request, which is driven by revenge rather than justice.” Omar Todd, CEO CPWF
Jonas Christoffersen, Watson’s defense attorney, expressed frustration over the ongoing delays: “We are disappointed that the Danish authorities have taken so long. We very much hope that the Minister of Justice will reject the extradition request so Paul can be home with his family before Christmas.”
Watson’s detention stems from an Interpol red notice issued by Japan, related to his efforts to disrupt illegal whaling activities in the Antarctic Whale Sanctuary in 2010. His legal team maintains that the charges are politically motivated and designed to silence Watson and intimidate other activists working to expose Japan’s unlawful whaling practices, which have been condemned by the International Court of Justice.
When the judge requested further remarks, Watson seized the opportunity to defend himself, emphasizing the international pressure involved: “The fact is that Japan has threatened Denmark that they will cut a contract on windmills unless they get an extradition. Japan has threatened France that they will drop out of a UN conference and also will impact trade relations unless I get extradited.”
Reflecting on his continued detention, Watson said, “Well, I never thought in July that I’d see my 74th birthday here in this courtroom because in July, I was confident that the evidence and documentation would show and prove that not only was I not involved in any planning or participation in the alleged incident, but that the evidence should have led to my release because I was not involved in any crime. Japan, on the other hand, destroyed the ship and injured crew members with no legal consequences.”
Please continue to email the Danish Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard and ask for the immediate release of Captain Watson.
Phone: +45 7226 8400
Mail: jm@jm.dk
-Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
Phone: +45 7226 8400
Mail: jm@jm.dk
Sample Text: Dear Minister Hummelgaard, Denmark has a proud history of upholding human rights and justice. Now is the time to stand on the right side of protecting the environment and free Captain Paul Watson. This has gone on too long, and Captain Watson is innocent. #FreePaulWatson
Tag Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen on your social posts @mette
Sign the petition here
Use the hashtag #FREEPAULWATSON on all social media posts
Contact local and mainstream media and news outlets, contact celebrities, contact your local governments, and share this message with everyone you know. Thank you for all of your efforts!
Please continue to write to Paul in Prison
Anstalten Prison
C/O Paul Watson
Nuuk, Greenland
DK-3900
-Eddie Vedder, "Smile"
https://apnews.com/article/denmark-paul-watson-extradition-release-7e84fd63fb5cbfcdff21f6e575d9ba5f
-Eddie Vedder, "Smile"