Frank,
My ex-husband is a deer hunter. He has not hunted for about three years, but I am afraid it is not due to his concern for the deer. I have had "discussions" with him in the past about deer hunting, and when I mention that hunting is killing animals for fun, I have never received a satisfactory response. His father took him hunting when he was a boy, and I have a feeling masculinity comes into the picture at some level. I have pointed out that deer are gentle, vegetarian creatures, who do no harm to humans, and there is nothing "manly" about shooting them. The major excuse that is brought up by hunters that deer starve in the winter because there is not enough food and too many deer is not supported by the facts. Also, from what I have read about wild-life organizations, they are doing everything BUT protecting the animals and the environment. It seems they cater more to the hunters (who pay hunting fees) and their own individual paychecks than anything else.
There is light at the end of the tunnel, though. I have witnessed my ex-husband recently going vegetarian, after watching a horrific video of the abuse and torture endured by farm animals. I hope and pray this is a permanent life-style change, and he also sees that hunting is evil. There are other people I am attempting to reach with the Christian vegetarian message, and I am seeing signs that they are at least aware of the problem, and contemplating going vegetarian.
The main problem is that, unfortunately, human beings have "choices." This is why psychology has to be studied and utilized in dealing with people. People don't want to hear that they are wrong in their attitudes or practices, even if they are 100 percent wrong. After reading How to Win Friends and Influence People, this is one of the conclusions I have drawn.
Please tell me what you think.
Linda
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