For the Birds

"I find it hard to believe that anyone would fire a weapon in a neighborhood not to mention with intent to kill an animal like a peregrine falcon." --Glenn Stewart, director of Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group.

Today the San Mateo Times incorporated this quote into their article exploring the tragedy of two falcons shot by pellet guns in Oakland, CA. The birds are recuperating at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum's hospital. Falcon lovers throughout the bay area have created a reward in hopes of attracting informants.

As of Sunday, 51 homicides have occurred in Oakland, CA. Obviously, this well-intentioned gentleman does not live in Oakland if he finds it hard to believe a weapon would be fired in the neighborhood. I have no idea how many shots have been fired thus far this year, but nearly two people a week are found dead.

The speaker paused only long enough to contemplate the horrors of someone intending to kill an animal. Ummm...what about the horrors of killing another human being?

Ironically the homicides occur so regularly that they don't even make the news. The falcons made the news. Now, don't get me wrong I admire the falcon too, and I am not a proponent of shooting at them; however, for me, there is something critically wrong in a world where the injury of birds in one of the most violent communities in the country provokes comments like this.

Until value in human life is restored, society will be out of balance. (along with their budget)