There is so much that could and probably will be written about this meeting and the crucial vote that was made. It is almost impossible to know where to begin. It is almost impossible to begin. For living, sentient beings it is an horrendous disaster. The ignorance and stupidity by which compassion is surrounded is no less than it was during the Dark Ages. If you think that we live in an enlightened society, you can put that thought to rest. If you think that you can look into the eyes of an imprisoned and tortured animal, and get inspiration for compassion from those eyes, you are unimaginably mistaken. You can get a plea for freedom, but most are too blind to actually see that. The thrill of looking into a whales eyes through glass is too strong to see the truth contained in those eyes. If you can hear a whale crying and think that he or she is fine, you are absolutely without reason. Whether you are a high school student or a world renowned Ph.D, you are more blind and deaf than one who has no use of visual or auditory receptors. Suffering was voted on at this meeting and it was decided that it is fine.