From: unglenie@ford.ecn.purdue.edu (Robert J Unglenieks)
Newsgroups: talk.politics.animals
Subject: Re: PETA and AIDS
Date: 21 Aug 92 05:08:42 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Purdue University Engineering Computer Network

John S. Van Etten writes:
>Robert J Unglenieks writes:
>
>>Robert M. Straubinger writes:
>>>What is the position of 'the AR movement' on "experimentation on animals to
>>>find a cure for AIDS" ?
>
>[lots of stuff deleted]
>
>>And as was said, there is no one answer.  One group I know of is opposed to
>>using animals.  Another group says it is ok provided a master plan is enacted
>>so duplication is not done.  Another group is opposed to primate research.
>>Another group advocates alternate methods......
>
>Rob, a PETA representative recently told me that she spoke for 500,000
>members in New York State :-) :-) :-) (I just can't put enough smileys
>there).  

I'd be surprised by the 500,000 members number. I'd have expected it to be more.
But then again, it is New York state......   :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)  :-)

> Or should we not look to PETA as a good source of the
>average AR opinion (500,000 is a *lot* of people ;-)?  

I personally abhor some of the tactics used by people claiming to represent
PETA.  I wouldn't use PETA as a definitive source of AR opinion.  That is why
there exists many national and local groups devoted to animal issues.

>Why do I get
>the feeling it's more a matter of you folk not wanting to come out and
>say it, rather than a lack of having a majority opinion?

Why do I get the feeling you are looking for a "Great Satan" rather than realize
that many different groups exist that represent a myriad of positions which
are contrary to yours?

>     Could you at least give us ballpark figures on the relative sizes
>of the groups you've mentioned above?  

I'll see what I can find.  What I have seen recently was a listing of the
budgets of various groups.  On that basis, PETA is the largest and I believe
that NAVS was second (maybe it was AAVS).  Good question on the numbers.
It'll keep me busy for awhile.....

>Are the ones that think it's OK
>the same size as PETA, or is that you and two of your friends? :-)
>
>John

I can't think of any of my AR friends who think it is ok.  :-)  Some groups
you can contact are:  Progressive Animal Welfare Society, Legislation in
Support of Animals, Inc., Scientists Center for Animal Welfare,  International
Primate Protection League, American Humane Association, National Anti-
Vivisection Society, Fund for Animals, Intl. Society for Animal Rights, 
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, American Anti-Vivisection 
Society, EarthSave, Medical Research Modernization Committee, EcoVision, 
Feminists for Animal Rights, National Association of Nurses Against Vivisection,
American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, etc.

These and many other groups welcome your support.......

Rob U
--
-       Rob Unglenieks             REAL race cars DON'T wear BOWTIES       -
-     "Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle           -
-      of compassion to embrace all living creatures."                     -
-                           -  Albert Einstein                             -