I don't see it as an either-or problem (children or animals) so much as a strange inconsistency in our level of outrage. In fact, if anything, to me it seems that we may have a greater tolerance for brutality and rage than earlier and frequently make excuses for it. I don't accept his actions at all and now that I read he committed a previous similar act, I think that it is more understandable why the judge thought "he was a danger to society". His line is drawn now at humans; but if there were no dog to throw, would he throw a person? (I saw that he claimed the dog had bit him-- though why his arm was in the car to get bit stretches the credibility of that claim)
I love animals. I appreciate their social value as companions and comforters. But the personification of animals is a strange phenomenon- painted doggie toenails, ribbons in hair, gourmet foods. There is a certain displacement, even decadence, about it -- but that is only a very personal reaction. Dogs certainly should have a place in the boat, but on the floor rather than in the captain;s chair-- and please, not wearing a little sailor hat. :) |
