As I was writing a paper this morning I received an email asking why tears of joy frequently accompany messages of hope, and just as I was responding to this note I saw a brief essay in the New York Times that brought tears to my eyes. Yes, tears can and do flow in many different venues and express deep feelings that can range from stilling sadness and grief to unbounded and contagious joy. I was also sort of watching the news and despite my being a card-carrying and unflinching optimist, as I was making a list of all of the things for which I was thankful and hopeful a nanosecond of doubt pierced my heart. But, just then, I discovered the New York Times piece.
Titled "Retirement Secured for Chimpanzees", I learned that President Obama had signed a bill "removing a cap on spending for federally owned chimpanzees in sanctuaries." His doing so "allows the National Institutes of Health to spend money to support the chimps in retirement that would have been used to support them in research labs."
Bravo! These chimpanzees have suffered far too much and for far too long and deserve their "freedom" and now there is hope that millions of other animals will also be spared being used and abused in research. Just as the Great Ape Project (of which I am a member; see also) began with a (narrow) focus on these magnificent animals, I've always favored a "Great Ape/Animal Project" to resist speciesism and unbounded and needless animal abuse.
We must never give up working for other animals nor abandon our hope and dreams. What a wonderful way to celebrate Thanksgiving. And, what an inspirational and much-needed message of hope. Thank you Mr. President.
Note: And, I've just learned that India has banned elephants in circuses.
Marc Bekoff's latest books are Jasper's story: Saving moon bears (with Jill Robinson; see also), Ignoring nature no more: The case for compassionate conservation (see also), and Why dogs hump and bees get depressed (see also).