ShepherdSupporter says,
"I agree that he does break international Laws. I also agree that he was not really shot because most people understand that Bullet Proof Vests will not stop a high velocity Rifle Round, and the chance of a anyone hitting him with a pistol form a moving ship with one round is next to impossible.
However, you need to understand that there are a lot of us out here who do not care that he breaks laws, or does/says whatever he needs to drum up attention to illegal Japanese whaling."
It's nice to see a Sea Shepherd supporter admitting the truth for a change. And as a sign of honesty he goes directly to the standard last defense of the SSCS, in a nut shell, "Whatever we do is okay because we care about whales". I know there are a lot of you that feel that what Sea Shepherd does is okay and the right thing to do, but you're wrong. I also know Watson is no idiot or moron, he is a liar and a con-man, a terrorist and a criminal that will say whatever it takes to get your money, and that he considers himself above the law, the very thing he accuses the Japanese of in this interview (did I mention he's a hypocrite?). How anyone could believe anything he says is beyond me. Mr. Supporter, look up the word poacher, it does not describe what the Japanese whalers are doing. Claiming they are poaching is just one more Watson lie. The Japanese Whale openly and do what it takes to work under the current valid laws (Australia has no legitimate claim to an exclusive economic zone off Antarctica, in fact, Australia is in violation of the Antarctic treaty they signed by making the claim), that is not poaching. Please people, do your own research into this complex subject and do not take a known liar and criminal's word for anything. Watson will say anything, play off your love of wildlife and concern for the environment for his own personal gain. He swindled Bob Barker out of 5 million dollars or more telling him, with that, he could end Japanese whaling. News flash Bob, your 5 million could have done a lot of good for wildlife, instead there's another wreck polluting the ocean and whaling continues. Another season of Whale Wars is in the can and the last thing Discovery Comm., Inc. (Animal Planet) or Watson wants is for this cash cow to go away. How many millions will it take to end whaling this year "Captain" Watson? Who will buy their name on the next toy boat? (We got 'em right where we want them Bob, we just need another 5 mil, no, better make it 10!) Stay tuned!
Whale Watcher and Elkster.
I agree that he does break international Laws. I also agree that he was not really shot because most people understand that Bullet Proof Vests will not stop a high velocity Rifle Round, and the chance of a anyone hitting him with a pistol form a moving ship with one round is next to impossible.
However, you need to understand that there are a lot of us out here who do not care that he breaks laws, or does/says whatever he needs to drum up attention to illegal Japanese whaling. While you call it "Entertainment" the show Whale Wars is bringing to light the fact that the Japanese are still killing Whales. Many people did not know that before the series aired, and now the whalers and Japanese Government are seeing more pressure than ever. I would consider him extremely Non Violent with his actions. I guess Violence is a relative term? It is my opinion that there are many people who would like to see increased violence against Japanese Whalers, including myself. We do not care if a Japanese whaler gets hit on the head, or cut from broken glass. In reality they should be treated as poachers in Africa are and shot on the spot when caught in the act of Whaling. However we also understand that if he is TOO violent against the whalers, he will be shut down by government intervention. So Captain Watson walks a fine line and seems to do it well. Six years of anti whaling activity in the southern ocean and no government has stopped him yet!
This is a big world with many opinions. Some of us believe the Whales have more of a right to live than the people trying to kill them. That may differ with yours and others opinions, however you cannot ignore the fact that we feel this way. At the end of the day Captain Watson IS making a difference in reducing the number of Whales killed.
So how is he a Moron and an idiot?
Paul Watson is a modern day hero. A real person who doesn't compromise his standards and his ethical beleifs.
To all those opposed, stuck to your geek cartoons, this is real life.
This man is a complete idiot! He pretended to get shot!!! He is a liar and a complete moron.
Indeed, people need to be educated! Regardless of how one feels about whales or whaling, the fact is Watson is a liar. He has caused injuries and and he breaks numerous laws on virtually every episode of Whale Wars That I've seen. The Japanese have reported numerous injuries caused by his attacks. Intentionally making a workplace unsafe by throwing chemicals on deck to make it slippery (slips and falls are a prime source of injuries on ships at sea) and breaking glass bottles of chemicals all over a ship are indeed criminal acts, as are boarding ships on the high seas without permission, intentionally ramming and damaging ships, attempting to disable ships and disregard of international rules of navigation (all recorded for your entertainment). Because you claim to be on a divine mission to save whales does not make it legal. It's not a fact all commercial fisheries are in a state of collapse, a quick check of NOAA data shows stable and increasing total edible seafood production. Total domestic catch is up, imports are up, exports are up, maybe it's not a good thing but that is not what I call decline. Fishing is not the greatest danger to the health of the worlds oceans. Man made Land sourced pollution and climate change for whatever reason, are the big threats to the balance of life in the oceans (as we know it) and the rest of the world to boot.
Thank you for writing this insightful well done article. I sincerely want to Thank Paul Watson, Peter Bethune and all members of Sea Shepherd for their efforts and dedication in saving OUR planet.
Note to Paladin: It's frustrating trying to educate the people, but it needs to be done anyway. You never know who's life you might touch that will make a difference.
You go Paul!
Anyone that thinks he is self serving, hypocritical, or an ego maniac just doesn't get it and I don't have the time or inclination to try to educate them.
Go Sea Shepherd!
Watson has done and is doing so much to help save our planet. the Japanese are the terrorists trying to fool the world with there bogus "research" and by murdering these innocent animals they are destroying our world with out a single care for the long term consequences.
Happy Earth Day Paul! Keep up the great work and thank you.
I watch "WHALE WARS" religiously. You go, Paul. There should be more like you.
What a self serving, hypocritical, ego maniac. Watson should be in prison along with the rest of his gang of terrorists. Anyone that supports this arrogant windbag should be ashamed of themselves.
...im so excited to see my hero today...i will probably cry...
Paul Watson is a hero, what a great interview!
i haved lived here for 27yrs and as a young child i have grown up seeing and knowing about these statues, i have now a 9yr old son and to have the neighbors complain of some amazing art work, what happens to the history here in colorado springs about these statues and for our childeren to learn and know about them to carry on. for the neighbors who state that its a problem then move these have been here forever and its part of colorado springs the sculptures shouldn't move.
i haved lived here for 27yrs and as a young child i have grown up seeing and knowing about these statues, i have now a 9yr old son and to have the neighbors complain of some amazing art work, what happens to the history here in colorado springs about these statues and for our childeren to learn and know about them to carry on. for the neighbors who state that its a problem then move these have been here forever and its part of colorado springs the sculptures shouldn't move.
Nice, how about an article on New Zealand born artist Valerie Unwin? - I believe Mary Allen can very likely put you in touch with this excellent artist, as she has always had a wish to show off the wild and wonderful West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, a beautiful, spiritual and mysterious place wonderfully captured in her work.
Xenu01,
I forwarded your question to Daisy McConnell at the I.D.E.A. Space, who sent it on to Lynn Warshafsky, the executive director of Venice Arts, who writes:
"Funds have gone both to the women (directly) and to Reecontro to benefit the kids. They've also helped equip a small photo program in Mozambique, which we continue to support, as able, through a portion of funds raised through print sales. The balance goes to support future projects.
That being said, we generally see the project as more akin to photojournalism -- that is, to telling untold stories and raising awareness.
This is an interesting issue (and sometimes controversial, related to image ethics, money, meaningful contribution, etc.) and, hopefully one that a student will raise during our presentation."
To clarify, Reencontro is the orphanage that cares for the children in Mozambique. McConnell adds that this information is on display at the exhibit.
Thanks for your question,
Edie Adelstein
Just one thing bothers me: Are these women and children getting real (name and $$) credit for their work?
Re: “Whale Wars' Captain Paul Watson talks about his 'clients' and combatants”
As well-meaning as Sea Shepherd may be, its actions are seen as part of an imperialistic assault on the Japanese culture, and ironically, in saving the lives of 500 whales this season, it has further entrenched the Japanese government’s support for whaling. Brave but divisive acts on the high seas, or bluster and bombast on the safe side of the shore have failed to stop whaling. The only way to get Japan, Iceland, and Norway, to stop this brutal practice is to reach out to the ordinary citizens of these countries and get them to work against whaling from within their own society. Louis Psihoyos’ Academy Award-winning film, The Cove, is making slow but steady progress toward that goal. However, changing a culture takes a very long time and the proposed agreement that the IWC will consider in June at least puts forth a reasonable compromise that puts stricter controls on whaling while setting an end point to this barbaric practice. Attacking the whalers may save some whales in the short term but it will lead to continued slaughter over the longer term. Unless someone has a better way to put an end to whaling, this agreement should be seriously considered. Please visit my blog: http://whaleanddolphintalk.blogspot.com/