=====  A message from the 'makahwhaling' discussion list  =====

(WCCA MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS, PLEASE REPOST TO YOUR MEMBERS)


FROM WASHINGTON CITIZEN'S COASTAL ALLIANCE
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STATEMENT
May 24, 1999

One week ago- May 17, 1999, at 6:54 am, a baby gray whale was harpooned and
shot to death in the waters of Washington state.

At that moment, American citizens rejoined the ranks of the whaling nations
of the world. We ask you to take a moment in rememberance of the sad,
needless death of this baby female whale.

On a personal note, I mourn for my baby daughter, who will never know what
it is like to live in a whaling-free society. Our family's traditions and
culture have been taken away, replaced by those of another people.

We must also take a moment to thank the heroes who sacrificed their
livelihoods, their property and their freedom in a desperate attempt to
protect these whales from a violent death along our coast. Many whales were
able to escape a cruel death because of their actions.

Thank you to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, the Sea Defense
Alliance, the West Coast Anti-Whaling Society, and the World Whale Police
for what you have done. Thank you to the Peninsula Citizens for the
Protection of Whales for your spirited presence and defiance of this
federally-funded slaughter. We will never forget the dedication you have
shown and the sacrifices you have made on behalf of the whales- and the
citizens of Washington state.

We demand that the democratically elected leaders of this nation listen to
those who entrusted them with their office, and ensure that this needless
killing is not repeated. The people of America have spoken, and they
want to no part of this shameful bloodlust. Our hearts are heavy, but they
are strong. We have been forced into battle and we will prevail.

May God have mercy on America for what we have unleashed upon the oceans of
the world.

Dan Spomer
Co-Founder
Washington Citizen's Coastal Alliance


"Rest gently, spirit of a creature called a whale, the betrayal is past and
your suffering over. You swim, safe forever, in the ocean of our tears. Now
you delight the eye and heart of God"

(Sea Defense Alliance)
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