by Helen Heifer
SAUGERTIES, NY
September 25, 2008
Jubilant crowds were gathered this afternoon between the
rabbit and chicken yards at Catskill Animal Sanctuary as Green Pastures Party
candidate Nutmeg Hen and her running mate, Malibu the bunny, made an official
statement.
“It is our great pleasure to inform the animals of CAS that the Green Pastures Party candidates have been included in the upcoming Sanctuary Presidential debates,” Nutmeg clucked.
Supporters thumped their hind feet, flapped their wings, and generally made a triumphant clamor in response to this much awaited announcement.
“I didn't think they'd have the guts to do it!” honked Skylar, a large white goose who lives in the nearby pond. “I mean, the Veggie-Crats and the Barnyard Republic barely even acknowledge that other parties exist! It must mean that the Greenies have finally got enough support to be a threat. It's exciting!”
Still, not all gathered were energized. “It was a close race to begin with. Sure, the Green Pastures Party has some good ideas, but all they'll do is be spoilers this election. You wait and see,” commented Jangles the pig, a spectator. When pressed to elaborate, he added, “Maybe I am just mad because I thought there would be cake. It's a political party, you know? Parties have cake.”
“My running mate and I are eager to participate in a debate that is sure to be a turning point for many undecided voters. We will show our true colors, and they are green, green, green!” Nutmeg squawked to more applause.
She then read aloud, a chapter from Where The Blind Horse Sings, authored by Kathy Stevens, founder of Catskill Animal Sanctuary. The chapter chronicled events in the life of one of her heroes, and dear departed friend, Paulie the rooster. She was visibly moved during the reading.
“I am so grateful that this book is available to the public, as it shares much of what is beautiful about CAS. It's just one of the many items available at the sanctuary's online store, where each dollar spent helps the animals,” she added.
“This is a great day for all the sanctuary animals!” vice-presidential candidate Malibu Bunny chimed in. “More and more, our voices is being heard—and it’s not so easy to hear a rabbit! This last year we pushed for green, environmentally-friendly solutions at the sanctuary, and look what happened! Imagine what we could achieve with a new administration headed by the visionary leader Nutmeg!”
When pressed for examples on the party’s influence, Malibu cited several. “I hardly know where to begin! We have solar panels atop the barn that currently replace 35% of our conventional electricity. We successfully lobbied the director to apply for grants to convert to 100% solar usage by the end of 2009. We recycle fanatically to limit landfill waste. We use green cleaning products and natural alternatives to pest control, such as the distribution of fly-eating insect eggs. And in addition to urging humans to go vegetarian for compassionate reasons, we educate visitors as to the damage that meat production does to the environment. As all of us are well aware, agribusiness contributes to green house gases, polluted water, species extinction, topsoil erosion and so much more! We are making a difference through education.”
Nutmeg was quick to add, “Many educational materials are available at the sanctuary's Welcome Hut during the tour season, which runs on weekends through the end of October. Loads of information on the perils of factory farming and its connection to global warming and other hazards is available on site. You can also stay in touch with what's going on at the sanctuary, and animal issues in general as well, by signing up for Animail. You get it all in your email box!”
“Where Hearts Can Sing is a wonderful film shown to sanctuary visitors that expresses what we do here at the sanctuary. You can even watch it online now!” Malibu added.
“There's lots of fun and educational opportunities ahead too, like the upcoming Farm Fest event on October 25th! It's a kid friendly day for visiting us animals, and there's even going to be a play to watch!” Nutmeg said.
Nutmeg remained perky in front of the crowd, visibly straining to overcome her reputation of being reclusive and antisocial with other chickens. It was however, the Vice Presidential candidate who was taunted by an irate horse. The unnamed white pony with brown spots directed vulgar references to recycling and the consumption of feces at Malibu bunny. Malibu overcame her initial shock, but responded with composure.
“I am a rabbit, a member of a great species found on every continent except Antarctica. Though your reference was crude and meant to be insulting, yes it is true, I do sometimes chew my own droppings. All rabbits do. And you know what? I'm proud of who I am.”
Aside from scattered attempts by the rabbits present to raise applause, the crowd was uncomfortably silent. Nutmeg chose to usher Malibu into the chicken coop for a private conference.