A long overdue discussion

Salero21 - You might be missing the point that this issue of " animal rights " and animal personhood is not only for the benefit
of the animals ; but also to further our progression into a more consistent and enlightened society .

Many including myself, view animals as victims trapped in a legal system which defines their purpose and their "rights" based on our "need". This is contrary to any possible objective or fair outcome. We cannot legislate a position with impartiality if we are the direct beneficiary of such judgements. After all, we are - "only
human". And humans will, left to their own devises, stack the deck to our favor every time. It is unfortunate that only a few
recognize this paradox and that the fate of animals is at the mercy of their captors.

I can only hope that as we progress, we might be able (in our "humaness") to empathize with their plight. And if I may risk sounding anthropomorphic... to view their disadvantage through their eyes. To do otherwise would be a tragic loss to man's potential as a fully aware (and compassionate) species. You see,
I think our end goal is to evolve away from our intellectually debilitating predator status. Keeping animals as slaves prohibits
this.

Your story about the dog in the airport... I too see it as ridiculous - not so much at the fawning by the dog's guardians; but rather at
the ridiculousness that an animal, should be in an airport to begin with. Considering a dog's nature and needs - I'm quite certain
an airport is hardly where one would wish to be.

If we could only realize that our continued use and dependancy on animals, keeps us wearing the proverbial "monkey suit"... When we finally see this, we will surely have made great strides in our development as a species.

Discussing and debating strategies that gets us to this point is long overdue. And I thank Animal Legal Defense Fund and Opposing Views for creating this forum to do such.