Update: PETA Explains Criticism Over Obama Fly Swat
Filed under: animals — Michael Parrish DuDell @ 11:48 am
June 18th 2009
Earlier this week, my partner in crime Michael d’Estries told you about an Obama fly swat that rocked the world.
Here’s how it went down: during an interview with CNBC, President Obama killed a fly that was buzzing around the set. In response, many news outlets reported that PETA was publicly condemning Barack for his actions. But that’s not really the WHOLE story.
In an effort to bring some clarity to the situation, PETA released a statement saying:
“As we all know, human beings often don’t think before they act. We don’t condemn President Obama for acting on instinct. When the media began contacting us in droves for a statement, we obliged, simply by saying that the president isn’t the Buddha and shouldn’t be expected to do everything right—if not for that, we would not have brought it up. It’s the media who are making a big deal about the fly swat—not PETA. However, we took the opportunity, when asked, to point out that we do offer lots of ways in which to control insects of all kinds without harming them. There is even a chapter in PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk’s book, Making Kind Choices, about how to rid your home of “uninvited guests.” ‘
“We support compassion for all animals, even the most curious, smallest, and least sympathetic animals. We hope that everyone will take inspiration from Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Albert Schweitzer, who included insects in his realm of compassion and would stop to move a worm from hot pavement to cool earth.”
I’ll be honest — I’m with PETA on this one. I mean how else should an organization that defends animals — all animals — react to this sort of incident? What are your thoughts on the story now that you’ve heard both sides? Chime in and share, share, share!
regardless of how they were to answer the inquiries, they were going to be in the spotlight.
“ooooohhhhh, what’s PETA gonna do about this?!?”
however, they could have deflected the answer to reflect on the other great accomplishments they’ve made (@ georgina’s comment), rather than just satiating the media feeding frenzy.
it’s not about the flies of the world, and they should have pointed that out. i get their point, but as anon says, most non-Buddhist americans don’t jive with their reasoning, so there’s no connection. i for one do, but wouldn’t impose it on others or make others feel they’re wrong about their beliefs, mainly because i know they won’t agree. however, talk about the animals that have been rescued in the last month, etc, and there’s a connection…
Here’s the truth about PETA — they are outraged about one fly, but PETA has been caught euthanizing cats and dogs, then throwing the bodies in dumpsters.
In 2005, the bodies of several cats and dogs were being thrown in a dumpsters at a shopping mall every week. An investigation found that PETA was collecting the animals from shelters. PETA would tell the shelter owners that they would try to find homes for the animals, but instead they were euthanized the very same day, then thrown into dumpsters. One veterinarian said he turned over a litter of perfectly healthy adoptable kittens to PETA, and they were found in a dumpster the same day.
Please check out these websites, or just Google PETA and dumpster for lots of info:
http://www.thisistrue.com/peta.html
http://www.petakillsanimals.com
Its not PETA making a big deal of killing a fly, but its the media who makes something out of nothing (obama killing a flie), great news for all Peta haters who can now say and ridicule that PETA are wackos because they defend flies and insects, which of course they dont.
deeznuts shut the fuck up, you’re probably just some loser college freshman who lives with his mom and plays wow all day
OH MY GAWD! A bazillion fly’s are swatted everyday, just because the president swats one doesn’t make it a big deal!!
PETA are a bunch of terrorists that euthanize animals for no reason.
Wow. Just… wow.
It’s a fly.
No one that matters gives a damn.
President Obama Killed that stupid fly because he’s a human being, same as the rest of us.
All you silly bastards who’ve never been annoyed by, or executed a richly deserving fly, can keep your sperm banks shut and get a Goddamned life.
Insects are animals. True wiki can be wrong, but not on this one.
ONE QUESTION: WHY IS THIS NEWSWORTHY? PETA HAS FOUND YET ANOTHER WAY TO DEGRADE ITSELF THRU THE STUPIDITY THAT IT STANDS FOR. SPEND MORE TIME AND MONEY FOR THE CONSERVATION OF LIVING THINGS. THE HUNTING COMMUNITY HAS THEM BEAT BY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF LIVING THINGS, AND BY AN IMMEASURABLE AMOUNT OF TIME DEDICATED TO IT. ONCE AGAIN PETA IS MADE UP OF THE UNKNOWING, BELIEVING THE INSANE. P.S. IF FLIES ARE NOT ANIMALS, JUST WHAT ARE THEY? MINERAL? PLANT? (CHUCKLES)
Flys are disease carrying insects. Get it straight.
The statement PETA originally gave was kinda loaded to begin with. They deserve the flak coming their way.
DeezNuts you’re an idiot for actually thinking I was serious. My Dad is an exterminator.
I’ll grant you that there are people that actually think that way…but really.
The part about premeditation and remorse, should have been clue #1 and clue #2 for ya…
It’s all in good fun, people.
PETA has killed tens of thousands of cats and dogs. Why? it’s cheaper than finding them good homes.
http://www.petakillsanimals.com/
Hmmm, think i will go finish my whale soup
“It’s the media who are making a big deal about the fly swat—not PETA”
That’s what I’ve been saying all along…
“What is this organization doing about the acts of abuse to children in africa??
PETA has it’s priorities out of order. As they exist now, the entire organization is a terrible waste of resources. Imagine if they spent even half as much time trying to preserve human life as they do preserving animal life.
People in the world are dying. Human beings. Focus on that.”
Well, apparently non-veg*ans are only able to do one thing at a time!!
You know, you can focus on several issues in your life… Besides, there are many organizations fighting for human rights! Each has its role!
By the way, what are YOU doing to fight for human rights? At least PETA is fighting for what they believe in!
You on the other hand are just sitting in front of your computer criticising others for actually doing something!
“Next item for PETA agenda? Stop arrogant humans from killing the poor parasites like tapeworms and hearworms and guinea worms.
Please…and who would want to catch and release. Soon they will be saying it is wrong to take antibiotics as
they kill germs.
I also hope they do not ride bikes, because you know they are killing insects everytime they ride. We just can’t have any of that can we?
Bah. If smallpox wasn’t eradicated, PETA would be campaigning for its protection as an endangered species.”
Who is being an extremist now? Don’t twist things, okay?
Oh and regarding smallpox: “Smallpox is an infectious disease unique to humans, caused by either of two virus variants [...]”
“Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, which means that they are not able to reproduce outside their living host.”, therefore they are not even considered organisms…
You can read more at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virus
“who gives a shit, he killed a fly.
Denise Vasaya you are an idiot. It was a fucken fly. Get a life.
Idiots
The thing is that PETA are nutjobs, they believe in animal rights not animal welfare.
PETA deserved the tarring they got what a bunch of morons.
PETA also funds terrorist groups such as ELF or ALF and their founder is a crazy crazy woman who wants parts of her body eaten and sent to people in weird and demented ways.
They insight hate and violence to anyone who opposes their ideas and morals and they have to be stopped.”
From what I read you are all very intolerant, rude, violent people! You’re the ones who spread hatred and intolerance…
Oh, and you’re extremely coward as well! I believe you wouldn’t say those things if you were face to face with PETA members or with veg*ans, would you?
“Im with DeezNuts on this. Get a life.
Once again its people with to much time on there hands and an skewed look at the world.”
From what I can gather you’re the ones who have too much time on your hands. Why do you bother coming to an eco-veg*an site to insult others? You don’t belong here so why do you come here to bother us? This is not N. Korea you know? We are entitled to think what we wish! We’re not hurting anyone! Why do you fear us so much!?
By the way, I’m not a supporter of any NGO whatsoever…
You may stop killing flies. I’ll just have to increase my dead fly production to make up for your deficit.
At least the fly found peace on Twitter: http://twitter.com/aflyobamakilled
welldonepeta.
PETA’s stance is not to protect all living creatures.
Humans are living creatures and PETA protested a terrorist attack, not because it killed people (they specifically said this), but because a pack mule was used as a bomb.
They only give a shit about animals, and probably don’t realize that humans themselves are animals as well.
Plants, germs, parasites, bacterial diseases, possibly viruses (Is that debate still going on?), fetuses, and sponges are all living things.
Did you know that some microscopic oceanic lifeforms are used in toothpaste?
Their priorities are so fucking skewed it’s not even funny.
I support ending animal cruelty, but first, I think, we need to end cruelty to our fellow animals (humans).
That said, Jesus fucking Christ it was a goddamned fly!
Just noticed Whoever’s mega comment :p
“From what I can gather you’re the ones who have too much time on your hands. Why do you bother coming to an eco-veg*an site to insult others? You don’t belong here so why do you come here to bother us? This is not N. Korea you know? We are entitled to think what we wish! We’re not hurting anyone! Why do you fear us so much!?”
1. Too much time, not my argument, not really caring over here
2. I clicked a link and thought my opinion should be expressed
3. Exactly, this isn’t North Korea, so everyone has the right to put forth their opinion, no matter what people think about it. That goes for both sides of the argument.
I don’t recall anyone saying that you shouldn’t be allowed to believe whatever it is that you believe, we just happen to disagree
Cheers
Why is peta making such a fuss about obama killing a fly when they themselves kill thousands of animals a year. And whats their reason? They said they would rather kill them “pain free” rather than let the shelters kill them. Why can’t people think for a minute and look at what they are supporting.
Yawn, get back to PETA’s exciting new strategy of renaming fish as “sea kittens”.
I think any coverage of PETA is unnecessary. Those children don’t need any more attention.
Obama ISN’T the Buddha?!?!?!? Aw crap… no wonder I was getting all those funny looks…
PETA “euthanizes” dogs and cats for which it doesn’t believe good homes will ever be found. Shouldn’t they have checked whether or not the fly had a good home before criticizing the president for killing it (or him or her)?
I totally agree with the preservation of our ecosystem and preventing the abuse of animals and things like that, but insects are designed to be expendable. What is the average life span of a housefly? A day? As far as I know, they pro-create early in life, so killing them would be no big deal. If the president was plucking a dog’s ears off, you should probably say something. Swatting a fly? No. Even though they didn’t ‘condemn’ him, it’s still a bit ridiculous to even call attention to it. What next? Condemn every person that eats meat? Best of luck PETA.
Renfield grieves.
P.E.T.A.
People Eat Tasty Animals.
What next? Prosecution by PETA for inadvertantly stepping on ants?! PETA is not ethical – they kill more than 90% of the animals they rescue.
Open letter to Mr. Bruce Friedrich of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA):
6/19/09
Dear Mr. Friedrich;
I read an Associated Press article discussing President Obama’s recent fly swatting incident and you and your organization’s (PETA) refreshing and prompt attention to this grave matter.
As you so eloquently stated, [w]e support compassion even for the most curious, smallest and least sympathetic animals.” I could not agree more. Too often, our compassion and attention are reserved only for the cute and cuddly animals while the other animals are mistreated or ignored.
Each person’s body is home to a host of tiny invertebrates that quietly live upon a person’s skin and hair – particularly in areas of dense hair and high moisture, such as the crotch. Every time we wash our bodies, especially with soap, or remove our hair, we destroy many of these small marvels that usually pose no harm to us and have committed less offense than President Obama’s fly.
Next, human agriculture and timber harvesting together have been, and remain, the largest destroyer of animals on the planet. No other human-generated process has led to more short-term animal fatalities and long-term species extinctions. Crops and fields, even if operated as ‘organic’ and/or ‘eco-friendly,’ and obviously forest destruction, eliminate native habitat which in turn typically leads to starvation and reduced mating opportunities for what animals remain. With respect to crops and fields, if the remaining animals happen to flourish on the new single food provided by the crop, efforts will be quickly made to eradicate the animal. For example, the bol weevil has been rendered nearly extinct in the United States by human eradication techniques because it flourished when provided with fields upon fields of its preferred food, cotton.
For the foregoing reasons, out of compassion for ALL of the animals which you and your organization so cherish, I suggest that all PETA members should add the following strictures to their regimen:
1) Bathing with soap or other disinfectants and the cutting or trimming of any and all hair is no longer allowed. This is particularly true for the crotch ; and
2) The use of any and all agriculturally produced products and timber is no longer allowed. This includes: a) all fruits, vegetables and organic textile fibers (cotton, hemp, etc.), even organic, unless grown on a plot small enough to have no detrimental impact to the local ecosystem and b) wood and paper, even if made from recycled material.
The second new restriction will be quite difficult to follow, but not impossible. While wood is the primary building material for dwellings in this country, people do not necessarily need shelter – or one can live in a hole. Similarly, organic fibers are not necessary – one can live without clothes. Food is tougher. While most PETA members are vegetarians, pursuant to PETA’s mission statement , this is generally for ethical reasons rather than nutritional. Under the new guidelines, the limited sustenance foraging of wild seeds and fruits is permitted. However, given the vast expanse of exploitive agriculture and the dwindling of wild lands in this country, this is an extremely limited resource. On the plus side, PETA’s mission statement does not prohibit the exploitation of humans. Feeding upon humans would be allowable under these new guidelines – but not just any humans. A person who eats a human that exploited and/or mistreated animals by bathing, using agricultural products, etc. is just exploiting the same resources and unethical behaviors as the food-human. Therefore, unfortunately, to preserve one’s ethics, PETA members may only eat other PETA members.
In conclusion, I expect all PETA members to follow your example of strict adherence to the highest ethics and be stinky, hairy, naked, homeless cannibals who feed upon the flesh of other PETA members.
Best of luck to you and keep up the good fight.
Portitas Rathbun
It would be great if organizations like PETA could realize how ridiculous they sound to the other 98% of the population.
Kevin you probably suck your dads dick and you sound like you’re fat. Denise Vasaya I still think you’re stupid.
Deez Nuts you need to stick to the topic and not go stray with insults.
Please grow up so you can one day point to your crotch and say, “Deez Semi Normal Size Nuts.”
A fly is not an animal. It’s an insect. When PETA changes their acronym to PETAI, then i’ll take them seriously about the ethical treatment of flies. i’m a vegetarian who loves animals, even those which i would never choose to touch or encounter.
But when a fly enters my abode & doesn’t leave after a reasonable amount of time/persuasion/shooing, i kill it. i kill it 1) for my own health/hygiene and 2) for my own sanity/productivity. If i were on TV as the President of the US with a fly buzzing around my head, i’d kill the fly 1) for my own health/hygiene and 2) for my own sanity/productivity as well as that of everyone watching.
And i’m about ready to file a grievance with my university for failing to hire a proper exterminator to deal with an unhealthful, unhygenic infestation of cockroaches in one of our campus buildings (the one where i have an office, of course). i’d love to know what PETA would do if their homes/offices were infested with roaches, termites, ants, or wasps. i believe it *might* be possible to rid a place of mice (even a larger number) without killing them, but insect infestations are a completely different problem. Would PETA come to my university and set the roaches free in an open field? i must know.
If we can’t impeach Obama for his unconstitutional socialistic policies, maybe we can indict him for fly-swatting.
I guess any card-carrying PETAn living in a home infested by ants, termites or other bugs are out of luck.
It’s really a shame about how misguided PETA is. By taking such an extremist stance on animal rights, they have alienated every one of the more moderate, mainstream individuals — meat-eating people, for instance, who just don’t find the fact that their delicious veal was raised and butchered in poop to be very appetizing. There are a lot of people who enjoy the taste of meat that would be horrified if they were more exposed to procedures in factory farms.
But because PETA does things like this — choosing to comment on the death of a FLY when there are so many more important animal rights issues going on right now — that makes them lose their credibility. Every time they make a radical comment like this, they lose several people who would have been willing to listen, in the future, to their views on the importance of spaying/neutering your companion animals or adopting from an animal shelter instead of a breeder.
It’s just sad.
I now plan to walk around my neighborhood with a fly swatter and kill every insect i see. I might even do the same thing with a can of RAID. If PETA had not said anything about this incident with Obama killing a fly, i would not be mercilessly slaughtering all of these harmless insects. I hope your proud of yourselves PETA, because of you i am now a bonafide insect genocidist. Maybe you should just shut up forever and do the world a favor.
As the article states, PETA was hounded by the press. They would have been considered hypocrites had they not answered exactly the way they did. I thought their statement was perfectly reasonable. I personally may not be able to live up their standards, but PETA has accomplished wonderful things in the way of making people think twice before treating animals as objects.
I get so tired of hearing people condemn PETA for their stand on euthanizing dogs and cats rather than allow them to rot away their entire lives in a cage. Unless you work with a rescue organization and are personally providing shelter for homeless dogs and cats, while the public-at-large continues to allow their unneutered household pets to reproduce and add to the 40,000 unwanted dogs and cats that are euthanized each WEEK in the U.S.,you do not know what you are talking about.
Peta has killed over 20,000 pets. They are ridiculous. Before you defend Peta, just know they don’t support keeping animals as pets! They rather have them euthanized than give them away as pets, and thats not propaganda, they do euthanize the pets they bring in.
that was very stupid of PETA to do that in the first place. I’m sure they don’t want to be referred to as PETI.
PETA is not just for kind and humane treatment of animals, it goes way beyond that. If people who support PETA realized that PETA’s view on “ethical” is to not have animals, including pets, at all. I show dogs and today members of PETA were at the dog show apparantly with the intent of letting our dogs out of their kennels. This has happened many times and dogs have been lost. We had to be warned to watch our dogs at all times.
To spend money on humane treatement of insects that carry disease is going too far and is too ludicrouse to me.
I’m truly embarrassed to be an american or to live in a society where fanatic, delusional radicals are upset over the swatting of a fly. A fly! Perhaps of these animal-nazis spent the time, money, resources and energy to save just one AMERICAN child from being kidnapped, tortured, exploited, assaulted, raped and murdered, I’d be ok with it. It’s very, very, very embarrassing that our societies priorities are so out of whack, that someone is actually concerned that a fly has a better day than that of any child, anywhere! This organization is what’s wrong with society today. These hippies are a malignant cancer of the human race….
I sure hope the members of PETA HOVER instead of WALK. Otherwise they are equally as “cruel” for all the ants, etc. they step on whilst walking on the ground. Morons.
sorry, its a damn fly who gives a shit.
PETA’s Leader uses insulin. Where does that insulin come from.. poor exploited animals. Where did the technology to keep her alive come from… poor exploited animals. PETA Owns a industrial meat locker meant for the storage of cadavers.. poor exploited animals. PETA and its supporters practice and condone the firebombing of animal testing facilities and the harming of an often overlooked animal .. thats right humans. we are are animals too dont forget (religious nuts please just save it this isnt the right place for a religious arguement)
Anyone who supports PETA is as diluted as they are.. live respectfully and youll be in the right people. I commend Obama personally.
Today, June 23, 2009, as my 8 year old Nephew, my Mother, and myself, were sitting in Mothers home, a fly was becoming very pesty. My mother reached for the Fly Swatter (appropriately named) and Swatted the Fly, dead upon Swatt! We are all very pleased to know that our Mother, at age nearly 71, can still pack a Mean Swatt! My nephew and I cheered her on, so she would feel proud of her Kill.
Oh please. These nuts who get upset that a freakin’ fly is squashed need to shut the hell up. They care more about a stupid insect than whether or not a human baby has its brains sucked out and butchered in the womb.
I’m glad to know Peta was asked for a response, instead of a knee jerk reaction. I was bewildered at the media attention over this.
The CIA should provide our president with a specially designed solar charged li-ion battery powered miniature fly vacuum pump, so flies can be quickly captured and safely released into their new organic garden, where they will eat decaying materials and turn them into compost, which is what flies were born to do.