Oh I understand and agree completely. But it is always important to remember and respect that differt cultures can and do have completely different value systems.

And because of our sensitive natures in the USA, a lot of times other cultures will not always be completely truthful with us.

I didn't see how any of the animals got slaughtered for our meals in China, but I do know that many of the items are alive until they are picked out for dinner. I also couldn't eat the chicken as it was quite literally served complete right down to its feet. *** shiver ***

I'm all for humane slaughter and all that, so don't mistake my comments, but I also know that we cannot enforce our opinions on these other countries, and when we do or try to that's when they really get ticked off. We can choose not to buy/import their product ... but in a society that always wants less for more, guess what, the SAVINGS always wins. I'm a MADE in the USA fan, but that is not what you find in Wal-Mart or as you can see even the HIGH END Stores.

Why? Because Labor is CHEAP in Asia. So maybe the stop importing the "faux fur", but their still going to have their merchandise made there regardless of how those countries treat animals that we keep as pets.

Well, I stop now before I get myself in trouble.

Right........ all this is why I advocate voting with our wallets and saying why.

We CAN refuse to buy products because of the way they are produced; we CAN inform tourist bureaus that we won't be bringing our dollars to their tourist spots because of practices we can't support; we CAN speak up and say why we will not be purchasing certain products.

You are right that money talks, and we can speak by withholding our own.

Agreed again ... but if you want to make sure that your meat has been killed in a humane way, then you need to make sure it is KOSHER. The whole basis of KOSHER Meat (besides the blessing of the Rabbi) is that the animal has to be killed humanely, in order to receive the blessing, unless I don't remember my Jewish Law correctly. My understanding is that we don't always do it correctly here either.

I won't watch the videos, but I agree that skinning any animal alive is just not right. But again, that is my belief system.

Okay so can we talk about something pleasant! Like how cute our puppies are?

 Quote: Louanne Manter

Agreed again ... but if you want to make sure that your meat has been killed in a humane way, then you need to make sure it is KOSHER. The whole basis of KOSHER Meat (besides the blessing of the Rabbi) is that the animal has to be killed humanely, in order to receive the blessing, unless I don't remember my Jewish Law correctly. My understanding is that we don't always do it correctly here either.

I won't watch the videos, but I agree that skinning any animal alive is just not right. But again, that is my belief system.

Okay so can we talk about something pleasant! Like how cute our puppies are?

I am very careful about how the meat I feed my dogs has been raised and slaughtered. This country's big ag has some practices I won't support, too.

There are brands of meat that are built around humane slaughter and natural pasture-raising with no antibiotics, no BGH, etc. These brands welcome inspection and are open-door with regard to methods, housing, etc.

Money talks. If we didn't demand this and pay for it, it wouldn't happen.

Louanne ,
This is not about "culture" it is about the mighty dollar, and nothing more.
Also the fact that lies are told for the mighty dollar and our hard earned money going towards abuse we do not support is a BIG PROBLEM for alot of us.The issue is do what is necessary with compassion and give true the fact of the products, not lies.
Let the consumer make the choice on how they want to spend their hard earned money.
If I want to buy a rug made out of Golden Retrievers( no I wouldn't) , let me make that choice but don't tell the people it is something else.

 Quote: angelique cadogan

... This is not about "culture" it is about the mighty dollar,

Exactly. And that's our weapon. Withholding our money and saying why.

After reading your posts I couldn't stomach watching the video. But, the really stupid thing is that garments could be made from dog fur without those cruel and inhumane measures. For example, some Samoyed owners make coat, sweaters, etc. fro their dogs' fur. They use the hair that is shed during grooming.

Louanne, it's my and anyone's perogative to not have to respect a certain culture's belief system or its practices and I have never bought into someone telling me I HAVE to respect this, that or the other. My views aren't just based on "a belief system". If your statement held true (and it should hold true across the board or it isn't TRUTH), you could say you shouldn't judge any different "belief systems", including one that advocates the killing of Americans. Not all "belief systems" are OK or to be tolerated. Barbaric practices against animals or humans are not to be supported or tolerated and I will vote not only with my money but with my mouth, no matter whose belief system I anger, or who I anger. To respect something that is entirely repugnant to you is to not respect and value your own beliefs.

Well said Sandy.