The seals of war

Re: “The Children of War,” October 2-8

Roméo Dallaire brings much-needed and appreciated attention to the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, but then derides Paul McCartney for defending the interests of Canada’s seals, calling that “a horrible waste of an enormous amount of influential power.” There’s no reason to demean any activism intended to bring about a more just and enlightened society. How, after all, does empathy towards seals compete with sympathy for children?

Global peace will not occur until respect and consideration are given to all conscious individuals—and not just in the species in which we claim membership. The exploitative mentality itself must be challenged.

Dave Shishkoff, Friends of Animals