wow, just wanted to let you know, a massive earth quake just shook New Zealand 6.8 magnitude.. looks like you left just in time..

Hi to everybody on board the Esperanza !
This is what I just found

http://www.bigpond.com/news/national/content/20071220/2123463.asp

So after this year's killing is done they might get stopped ??

Good luck to all of you and thank you so much for your courage !

I feel so proud that we have dedicated people like yourselves who care so much about our environment and what is happening. Keep up the good work!

Are you guys going to take Sea Shepherd up on their offer to share their helicopter with you? Are you ever going to respond to their requests for/offers of cooperation. Or are you afraid that that would cut into your fund raising.

JG Moebus, soon-to-be former monthly contributor to Greenpeace
Montara, CA

Hi all, glad your on your way. Is there any chance of Tweety flying down to meet you? If not then isnt there any chance at all you could take up Sea Shepherds offer of help with their helicopter? I fully understand that you disagree with the way they work but you dont have to get involved in that do you, cant you just share the helicopter and information on the whaling fleet and then stick to your own ways of doing things? Surely that can only do good whereas refusing help from the helicopter and not passing on the fleets co-ordinates may actually do harm to the very thing you are both trying to defend - the whales. Whatever you decide to do i wish you all the very best of luck. Stay safe, you guys are also worth more alive!

I agree with Cath, please take up sea shepherds offer, you guys are there for the same purpose, the whales!!

Please, please, please seriously consider there offer!

Thank you all for commenting!
I will try and answer you in order of appearance :)

Hello Taylor, just heard about the earth quake, scary! Seems nobody got badly hurt at least…

Thanks Julie, all I can see in the article however is a rumour about the Japanese government possibly dropping the 50 humpback whales. That would still leave 935 minkes and 50 fin whales on the menu unfortunately…

Thanks Makere :)

JG Moebus: we are here to save the whales, not to quarrel with Sea Shepherd. I wish them safe sailing, but we do not collaborate for the simple reason that we do not share the same view on what non-violence means. If that prevents you from supporting us, there is not much I can do about that.

Hello Cath and Jason! If we thought that working together with Sea Shepherd would save the whales and win this campaign we would! We need to protect the whales from harpoons, but in addition to this be active where decisions are made, and with the help of our supporters generate public pressure. We need to act in a way that does not move public opinion in Japan in the wrong direction. In brief we need to see the bigger picture.

We have found the fleet in the past without a helicopter, and hopefully we will be able to do so again.

Peter: I think the above answers also your concerns.

I don't find a debate on the relationship between Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd very fruitful - whales are being killed in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary - please let us focus on that instead.

Take care all!

- Iréne

You may not find a debate on the relationship between Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd fruitful, but judging by the postings, your supporters do. Are you suggesting censorship?
There is an old saying:
"my enemies enemy is my friend"

No Phillip, I do not suggest censorship and don't understand how you could possibly read that into my message. If we were for censorship we would avoid having the comments function on our blog in the first place.

I, for one, will begin my financial support and advocacy for Greenpeace when this cooperation with Sea Shepherd begins. Thanks for all your hard work.

Irene, First of all, I am Heath Hanson's mother,(that incredible man on board with you) and second of all, I thank you, and all aboard the Esperanza and Greenpeace for what you are doing. The first thing I do every morning is pop up your web site to view the web cam and read the latest news. Every minute of every day I wish that I could be there helping all of you to do what is needed to save the whales and make the rest of the world aware of the importance of this mission. I'm sorry for those who comment on things they no nothing about. Thank you for your writtings and dedication to the cause. My blessings and wishes for all of you this holiday season. Luck be on your side. Save the ones you can and return home safe. My love to all, Cher

Thanks Irene, glad to hear it!
Brad, I'm with you. I will also begin my financial support of Greenpeace when I see evidence of co-operation with Sea Shepherd. Nothing like a financial incentive, eh?

I am focused on the whales being killed, while GP, evidently, is focused on some sort of ideological purity campaign. If you are indeed there to save whales, then you would cooperate w/ Sea Shepherd. If your refusal to cooperate w/ Sea Shepherd directly or indirectly costs the life of even one whale, then Greenpeace is complicit in that murder, all in the name of some sort of self-proclaimed holier-than-thou "non-violence." I'm not looking for a debate and the only reason I have addressed this matter to you is because your HQ in DC has not deigned to respond to my direct requests to them for answers. Your answering questions and comments about this issue detracts not one whit from Greenpeace's mission. Exactly what do you you to do w/ the ship's navigation or steering?

To all aboard the Esperanza, words cannot describe how proud we are of you all. Stay safe and protect yourselves as well as the beautiful creatures you are there to save. Gods speed and good luck, we are all with you.

The Ward Family Australia

I saw on the news this morning that Japan has called off the hunt of the humpback whales, but will still sadly continue the hunt of the others they intended.

If they are willing to postpone
killing 50 humpbacks its time to attack hard and fast!!!! they know there industry is on the edge and we should exploit this.

So Irene says "I don't find a debate on the relationship between Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd very fruitful - whales are being killed in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary - please let us focus on that instead". (And in bold type at that!)
Well it is exactly because whales are being killed RIGHT NOW that increasingly people are calling for some co-operation between SS & GP. But I have the feeling that since Irene feels it 'not to be fruitful' that further comments about this will disappear from this blog at any moment. I would have thought that at the moment it is the MOST important to discuss and change.

Thankyou Cher - will pass on your regards to the crew! And look after Heath - not that he really needs it - he IS a pretty incredible guy :)

Di and Matt: if you want to do anything in addition straight away, here is a little cyberaction:
If Japan succeeds in building a new whaling factory ship at the cost of millions of dollars of taxpayer's money, whaling could continue for decades. Stop the new build!

- Iréne

Irene, whilst you may think that debate on the relationship between Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd is pointless, obviously the people who actually provide the means for Greenpeace’s existence disagree.

I was a Greenpeace supporter for over 15 years until after last years anti-whaling campaign when I decided that I no longer wanted to financially support an organisation that puts its own distorted ideology ahead of what is clearly in the best interests of the whales - that is to work together to stop the killing.

The only winner whilst Greenpeace refuses to work with Sea Shepherd are the whalers, and in my opinion Greenpeace's refusal voluntarily adds to the senseless carnage.

Instead of you and Greenpeace ignoring this issue, maybe you should act democratically and put it to an online vote of supporters. I think you would be very surprised at the result and then maybe we can all then focus on saving whales TOGETHER.

Irene,
It seems foolish that an operation that is supposedly doing all it can to support and protect the whales is deliberatly denying itself of a strong partner. While Greenpeace is playing these games it is only marginally better then the governments it accuses of playing their political games.

I know that these calls come from above your head, but please dont defend them if you dont think its the right thing to do. The crew on board the Steve Irwin are trying to do the same job as you are and the captain is one of the founders of Greenpeace.

Every moment that you play these silly games is a moment that a whale could possibly be harmed. Please get over your differences and work together.

Other then that, I wish all the crew the best of luck on your journey and the difficult task in locating the whaling fleet

-Matt

Irene,

Think about what you said in your previous post,
"with the help of OUR SUPPORTERS generate public pressure."
Judging by the flurry of posts on this blog, your SUPPORTERS- i.e. the people that pay for the ship you're sailing in now, want your organization to cooperate with the SSCS. I'm sure no one is giving GP money under the condition that absolutely no support is given to the SSCS, but, as you can see above, quite a few, including myself, would only donate conditional to your cooperation with SSCS.

I really don't see what the problem is- the SSCS has a 30 year untarnished streak of non-violence and preaches it just as much as you folks do. I can't see how even just emailing them coordinates would somehow lead to bad PR in Japan...

I hope you relay these messages to your higher officers and wish you all luck on the campaign.

keep up the great work Irene! And the sea shepherds start to piss me off with their "get gp to work with us", campaign. If you change your point of view on non-violence, MAYBE gp will start working with u. SS are also doing a great work tho!

It always amazes me that people constantly feel the need to inflict their personal opinion on organisations or individuals.
Especially if these have a pure motive. In discussions with a local scientist I was told that our efforts as Australians should be focussed at the Murray Darling basin, if we are truly concerned about environmental issues. The fact is the Esperanza and it's supporters are acting on the whaling issue. They have set out their method of operation and have a crew dedicated to put an end to whaling. It would be extremely unfortunate if this 'I want you to do it my way' attitude where to diminish the crew's enthusiasm in any way. I personally hold you people in the highest regard and can only imagine the sacrifices you make, to stand up for your convictions.
From my comfortable armchair, I wish you a fabulous Christmas.

Hi Irene, ...and all,
Hmmm, ...act 92, all of a sudden there's this call from several of you in this blog suggesting withholding contributions from Greenpeace until they co-operate with the Sea Shepherd Group. I'm sorry, but that is too suspicious and obvious, and I think that most of this has been orchestrated by people working for Captain Watson, and likely, as in previous years, by Captain Watson himself. Any of you that have been reading this, or other Greenpeace blogs, should know full well by now why Greenpeace chooses not to work with SSCG.
But if you want a little refresher, ...just a month ago, Captain Watson in a news conference stated that he intends to ram the Japanese vessels, ...and that he's not worried, ...he's brought body armour for his crew and expects to get shot at. Please my friends at Greenpeace, ...and as I mentioned in a blog not long ago, ...I can only urge you to stay far away from this very dangerous man and his personal ambitions. ...And personally, I don't appreciate the spies, lies, and covert tactics you use to try and destroy the credibility and morality of Greenpeace by sending your messengers of violence in here again, ...in this latest, and very transparent ploy to poison the hearts of those who really care.
You're not fooling anyone, ...and shame on you for trying to. If you look at any news clip concerning this, or visit the SSCG website, you will find the continual bashing and rude rhetoric to discredit Greenpeace, ...and of course give a good pat on the back to themselves. That's just not the way to make friends Paul Watson, ...and you should think about that. For me, ...all you've succeeded in doing is having me consider increasing my donations.

Lasting changes will come in this world, ...when the world wants it to, and not when a few maverick hotshots decide pushing and shoving is the best way, ...like Bush and Cheney have done killing a half a million children. And you'd better watch your butt Paul, the Australian naval vessel isn't going to put up with your one man shows of aggression either. Thank goodness Peter Garrett was once (and in his hearts still is), a part of Greenpeace and knows the difference between them and Sea Shepherd. ...or as Peter would say, "...put down that weapon."

Australia warns deaths possible if Japan whalers, protesters clash
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20071219/sc_afp/australiajapanwhaling_071219093323

p.s. ...sorry, I should have included this link, December 5, 2007, "Watson, who has threatened in the past to ram Japanese whalers, said last week the ship's crew were prepared to be shot at and would wear body armour when on the bridge." - http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/071205/world/australia_japan_whaling

I don't think Watson's there to make friends, "Grateful Child." He's there to save whales.

And is wearing body armour a measure of his or of the whalers' evil intention? Does he have a right to protect himself and his crew? If the whalers don't want to be in a position to have to shoot at him so as to be able to take their harvest of whales, maybe they should stop harvesting whales. Watson has said absolutely nothing about forcing the Japanese to wear body armour because he intends to shoot at them.

And if the only way to save whales is to ram and disable whaling ships, then what do you suggest as an alternative? Go in front of some Japanese restaurant or Toyota car dealershp and threaten to hold your breath until the Japanese stop killing whales?

When SSCS destroyed the Icelandic whaling fleet or sank the pirate whaler, they saved whales. How many whales has GP saved, actually saved, by actually putting any pirate whalers out of operation? Any? Ever?

Japan is bringing allies (none of whom have any business one way or another determining the future of whales on this planet) into, and is thus buying the IWC. Soon, this plan goes, Japan will have enough votes to, with Norway and Iceland, overturn the Moratorium, which they have ignored from the beginning, anyway. And when the Moratorium is lifted, then whale killing will be completely legal. Then what? What's GP's contingency plan for that nightmare? More fund raising?

What happens when China comes in and starts throwing its economic power weight around as part of a new Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere (ever hear of WWII)?

If Australia is so concerned about the possibility of "deaths if the whalers and protesters clash," then they should bar Japanese vessels from trespessing in that portion of the Antartica Whale Sanctuary that comes under Australian jurisdiction. And enforce that bar by placing naval vessels and aircraft, with guns, there, not an un-armed Customs ship and some fly-by weather plane taking pictures. The Aussies are trying to have it both ways: give the new government a "three cheers for caring about whales" feather from their enviro-whacko supporters, on the one hand, and not piss off too much their biggest trading partner, Japan, on the other. While the politicians play their games, whales die. While GP wraps itself in holier-than-thou "non-violence," whales die.

And I would counsel extreme caution before you start accusing anybody of being a spy, or of lying, or of using covert tactics.

My guess is that the whales' only hope this year is that there is a spy on board Esperanza again this year, feeding coordinates to SSCS, just like there was in 2005.

JG Moebus

PS: Why DOESN'T GP organize a TOTAL Boycott of ALL things -- goods and services and money -- Japanese, Icelandic, and Norwegian? Why not a Total Declaration of Economic War on those three Whale Murderers Nations? Why not?
Why not acknowledge this whole thing for exactly what it is: War Against The Whales. A continuation of a War that this country, the U.S. has played a major role in waging. To treat it as anything less is obscene. And a game for little boys and girls.

Or, another alternative for GP to pursue: Raise enough money to BUY the Japanese, Norwegian, and Icelandic whaling fleets. That's right, BUY the damn Fleets. And then scuttle them and turn them into reefs. How much would that cost, I wonder? I wonder if some rich Arab someplace wants to make a name for himself as the New Anti-Ahab? Heh.

Hi JG...,
...and thanks for asking. I used to be an avid fisherman years ago, and sometimes, ...you know, the hook was deep and you had to pull it out, ...sometimes part of it's stomach would come with it. And I used to notice that many times I caught a fish, it would excrete in my hand. I never really realized it's what humans do too when they are so scared they are going to die. I never saw the creature gasping for breath and the horrific suffering it was going through. Thank God I can see that now. But I'll tell you, ...it wasn't someone, not even God that could force me to see this. As always, ...it had to be my own choice. I think it's like that for all of us really, ...a moment when something special touches us, and we choose to feel the pain for another person or creature, and decide it's very wrong. You know the Japanese are human beings too, and they're not much different than the rest of the human race. Just like it was for you and I, there needs to come a time in their lives, ...and they deserve a chance to find their day in the sun too, ...an educated choice to make, ...and you can certainly help. I ask you, ...and as Greenpeace does, to give them and the rest of the world, a choice of education and Love, ...and never hurtful violence. And you say Love won't work, ...but the suffering of these whales is the one thing these Japanese sailors need to bring home with them. Like you and I, they believe in what they do, and they don't see the suffering as we now do.
But for illustration, ...suppose they too decide that violence is the only answer, and they ram or board the Steve Irwin and try to physically push Captain Watson away from the helm, ...to force him to see their point of view. I mean really, there are far many more of them than there are of you, ...and they've got guns. How do you think that will make Captain Watson feel? Do you think he'll begin to see their point of view? How about if one of those Japanese sailors sneaks into your home at night and throws acid on your carpet, ...just like Captain Watson did last year on the deck and the pride of their 'home'. ...and one of the crewmen did have eye injuries from it. But would that force you to change your point of view? How could you ever expect it to change theirs, ...and finally put a stop to this. You should understand too, that they have limitless resource, ...ships and ambitions all over the world. You have one ship with very limited duration. You're not going to stop their quota, one iota. Save one, and two will take it's place.
Violence is only going to cause more violence, ...pain, anguish, and suffering, just like it always has. If we can't reach people's hearts, ...we've got nothing, ...no lasting solution, and the killing will continue, ...in the Southern Ocean, in Iraq, ...and in the death of 6 million children every year from the violence of starvation, ...because it's got no reason not to.
...and yes Greenpeace has saved whales this year, ...50 of them in fact, ...and that was by the Love in their hearts, and as they documented and expressed it to the conscience of all the nations of the world. Congratulations Greenpeace!!! Love has won the day. ...and really JG, ...don't you want it to?
...and thank you Greenpeace for not bringing along body armour, ...you don't need it, because you are considerate enough, and care enough about your crew, to never compromise them to be in a confrontational situation of life and death, ...and when, as you know, ...there is always a better way.
This is much too long, but I can't help but think of the name of Captain Watson's ship being changed to the Steve Irwin. Especially when you consider it was changed from the Robert Hunter, ...a person Captain Watson once stood shoulder to shoulder with in front of an ice crushing ship that stopped inches from them. Steve Irwin on the other hand led a life of publicity stunts and taking extreme chances with dangerous animals, ...one that killed him, ...and even put his own infant son at risk once - http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/01/02/1072908908393.html
...a new role model to name his ship after? I can only think of his 'infants' on the bridge in their body armour suits thinking they can stop a .50 caliber whale gun. And what kind of a message is that sending to the Japanese seeing them dressed like that, ...break out the heavy weapons and aim for a vital spot?

At Christmas, ...and putting religion aside, ...it reminds me of a man who once told us to Love our enemy. Will we ever understand the implication of that statement, ...and that it happens to be the very key to our personal and corporate survival.

Thought for the day:
Embargos and boycotts hurt and kill poor people and children, and only poor people and children (at the bottom of the food chain).

Merry Christmas to all, ...and to all a good night

Grateful Child,
You really are a fool.

First of all, how dare you call you call me a lying spy. I have no connection other then an interest in their campaign to either captain Watson or the SSCS.

Second of all the link you provided: http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/071205/world/australia_japan_whaling - says nothing about ramming the whaling boats this season just that he has threatened to in the past. There have been times where they have been accused of ramming a whaling boat when really, they were on the recieving end. The link also says that the Japanese whalers have likened them to a Terroist organisation. SCSS simply wants to ensure the saftey of their crew.

With regards to violence, the SSCS did throw acid on the deck of the whaling vessels. This acid was none other then Butyric acid or rancid butter. There is nothing toxic or harmful about this other then its foul stench. The SSCS has also performed operations against other whaling boats that have decommissioned them and stopped the whaling in those areas. No one was killed or injured and they were operating well within the laws of the UN charter for nature and the Law of the Sea. In a war, sometimes you have to fight back.

Greenpeace at the moment is looking like an organisation that is doing this whaling mission for publicity. If they did care about the whales, why dont they join forces with SSCS and help them in their search. Graciously accept the gift of Tweety the helecopter and make this mission, quicker, more successful and more environmentally friendly.

Grateful child, get off your high horse and see the real cause.

Hi Matt...,
...and this is my final entry into this string. We can continue this conversation on my website if you like, ...it's run it's course here and is beginning to be redundant and off the subject of the mission. I'm sorry you don't see the big picture here Matt, and in your anger, you decide to call me a fool and decide that on Christmas day, that violence is your best answer. Good luck to you 'fighting back', and confronting the rich and powerful Japanese nation and their fleet with your one man show and your tiny ship all alone out there. I truly hope no harm comes to anyone over this. ...and if the SSCS wants to post their co-ordinates on their website, I'm sure Greenpeace will find them there. And Greenpeace also makes no secret of the co-ordinates of the Esperanza. So there you have it. ...and I guess this means that if someone throws a foul stentching acid on your rug at home, you'll see their point of view and start hunting whales with them. I mean violence is the only way they can get you to see their point of view right? ...and by the way, I don't own a horse, and if I did, I'd name it Humble Pie, and bringing some sense of Love and peace to this world, and into your own heart is my only 'real cause'. Merry Christmas Matt, ...and if you feel like you want to strike something today, try to think about striking at the root of violence, and bringing Love to the hearts of all men.

As for ramming ships, here's some additional reading material for you and a link to the article with statements by Captain Watson:
“We’re not a protest organization, we’re a policing organization,” Paul Watson has said of his Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS). A pirate organization is more like it. Sporting the skull and crossbones, his black or battleship-gray ships sail menacingly through the waves. They are painted with the names of the boats Watson has rammed and sunk.
The ships are fitted with water cannons, a concrete-filled bow made for ramming, and an attachment dubbed the “can opener” that can tear open a boat’s hull. In his book Earth Warrior, David Morris writes that Watson wears a long bowie knife at his side and carries AK-47s on board. He blasts Richard Wagner’s rousing “Ride of the Valkyries” to herald his arrival and terrify his victims
SSCS’s mission is to stop fishing of which it disapproves. Its preferred methods? Ramming and sinking fishing ships, throwing butyric acid on their decks, and firing machine guns. Watson argues that United Nations resolutions authorize him to commit violent acts. But he regularly interferes with fisherman and hunters who are committing no crime. He serves as judge, jury, and executioner -- while enjoying the same tax-exempt status as universities and churches.

Some of the animal-rights movement’s most notorious terrorists got their start with SSCS. One of them, convicted arsonist Rodney Coronado, had Watson’s approval to plan and execute an attack on Iceland’s whaling industry. Please read on, ...this just gets more interesting.

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/01/02/1072908908393.html

whoops, ...sorry about that. That was the same link I sent earlier. This is the one I meant to send - http://www.activistcash.com/organization_overview.cfm/oid/347

I think, Grateful Child, that if a Japanese whaler were to kill somebody on the Sea Shepherd vessel, for whatever reason, that that would be the end of commercial whaling for a long, long time. Unless of course, they sunk the SSCS vessel and there were no survivors and no distress call could be issued before everybody was dead. They know this, and Watson and his crew know this. Now you know it.

And please, do not give Greenpeace total credit for Japan's decision to call off the taking of humpbacks, at least for this year. Does Sea Shepherd not get at least as much credit? Aren't they just as "There" as GP is? I've seen no top-level government document from Japan explaining the process by which they came to the decision to not take the humpers. I don't know that GP's or SSCS' presence had ANYTHING to do with that decision. And neither do you.

And, by the way, how do we know that they haven't or won't? If they took a humpback (or 50) and nobody from GP or SSCS or the Australian gvt was there to see them do it, who would know? Do you think the Japanese would tell the world? Do you trust them to tell the the truth? On what basis? Because they are genuine and sincere in their desire to kill whales?

As a practicing Buddhist, I wish the Japanese whalers (as I wish everybody who is venturing into the Southern Whale Sanctuary at this moment) to be peaceful, happy, and well. But, I also wish them to be whaleless. Even if it means they make no money whatever this season.

Paul Watson was once asked by a Japanese whaler with whom he was in negotiations: if a situation arose and he (Watson) had to choose between saving a Japanese whaler who had fallen overboard, or a whale that that overboard sailor's ship was about to kill, what would he do? His answer was very straightforward: He was there to save whales, not whalers. And, you know something, the Japanese whalers understood that (at least at the time). Something to do with their Samauri heritage or some such thing, as I recall.

I think Watson (and those who sail with him and support his efforts) has arrived at the conclusion that whales are more important to the future of this planet than humans. And, he (and his crew) has also made the decision to put his body where his mouth is. Hence he does what he does, and they do it with him.

Which do you think is more important to the future of this Planet, Gratefull Child? Whales? Or humans?

May all suffering and sorrow be done. For each, and all, and every one.

JP Moebus
S/V WayFinder

I agree that, in an ideal world, people should be allowed to find the goodness in their hearts at their own time, but the simple reality is that time is rapidly running out. We can't wait around hoping every Japanese whaler will have a change of heart- by the time they do, every whale in the ocean will be dead. We need to physically intervene or the whalers will simply continue to take advantage of our goodwill and wait until there's no business left in the sea for their change of heart.. (this logic can be applied to pretty much any other environmental issue these days too)

Grateful Child,

Do you know the true situation of Steve Irwin the man, husband, father, and conservationist? How dare you write something you know nothing about!!! His son was never in jeopardy and if you go to the Sunshine Coast newspaper you will see this for yourself. If you go to the Australia Zoo link you will see he would and has never put his children in jeopardy. Before you accuse get the facts! About GP and SSCS I feel as long as the whales are saved is all that matters. As the SSCS taken any lives? Yet the whalers take the whales lives. Are you saying that this senseless killing is fine? Think about this-The whalers are not asking the whales whether they want to live or die are they? They are hunting them and killing them and they do all they can to accomplish their killing of the whales so as I see it, the SCSS is not taking any lives like they are so why is everyone condeming them? Put yourself in the whales place-if you had someone chasing you to kill you and you saw GP and SCSS there wouldn't you want them to do whatever possible to save you from being KILLED????

We really should move this conversation elsewhere, but I do want to answer you.

First don't you think it's highly unusual for all this anti Greenpeace/pro SSCS talk to be occuring in a Greenpeace blog? Personally I resent that, and the inconsideration of the crew and their families at home, who believe it or not, ...are very proud of what their children are doing and the sacrifices they make. I know I am, and that's why I'm here.

JG:
humans of course, ...and no, I don't thnk whales are more important than human survival. I think humans have the power to change the world, so that all creatures could live and flourish, if we could only get beyond our violent past. If I found a human being dying on the street, and another animal of any kind dying next to him/her, ...there is no doubt in my mind I would try to save the human first, ...and then the animal. But that's not to say humans should behave like animals ripping other creatures apart for their flesh.
And yes it was Greenpeace in the eyes of the peaceful nations of the world, and not the SSCS that made the difference in saving 50 whales this year. Every industrialized country in the world has condemned the SSCS for their violence. As you may know, Japan is building a new hunter ship now, I feel that's thanks to the SSCS's threats, and maybe next time they'll take a destroyer with them to protect it. Then let's see what Captain Watson does with his bowie knife

Julian:
I'm simply trying to apply some logic, and logistics to this. As I said, Japan is a mighty and powerful nation, and they will take as many whales as they please that won't put them in international condemnation, ...and think about that for a moment. One ship or ten ships will have no effect on how many whales the Japanese take worldwide if they have their mind made up to do that. You can save one, and they'll take two, or ten, or a hundred more. Greenpeace and/or Sea Shepherd combined cannot stop the entire and insideously powerful Japanese nation by force if that's what they intended to do. We'd be fooling ourselves if we thought otherwise. Japan can have a hundred ships in a hundred different locations if they choose to. One or two ships cannnot provide a violent solution to stop a world-wide armada with an unlimited budget, ...even if it was right to do that, ...and it's not. So our only weapon is to strike at the root, ...at the hearts of men if we want to make a permanent change. Simply put, ...we have to make people want to stop whaling, or obviously it never will.

Stacey:
...and gee, I thought it was pretty obvious I've been in here for years now doing what I can to defend the whales, ...and all creatures on our planet. And I'm sorry Stacey, but I've seen the photos and the video clip of Steve Irwin in front of an aggitated and hungry crocodile. ...and did that do the world any good? Can you tell me what the noble reason for that was, ...teasing a crocodile with a piece of some hapless creature's flesh and a child in his arms? And it certainly was a publicity stunt. He alerted the press to what he was going to do. It was a photo op. Not to say he didn't do a lot of good in the world, ...but he took too many chances in front of a camera, ...and then he died, and can't help anyone in this world anymore.

Can we move on to supporting Greenpeace in this blog, and their real and Loving effort to bring an end to this through dialog, education, documentation, and by peaceful and considerate means? You know these guys and gals on the Espy are putting their lives on the line too in front of the harpoon. This is the reflection and the ideal of personal courage and Love people need to see, and never reducing ouselves to the same level of the hunters so many of you seem to despise. Supporting violence makes us no different than them. Make a difference. It's easy to be violent when you've got a gun in your hand. It takes a real man to turn the other cheek and stand weaponless in the face of naked aggression and immorality, as our Warriors of the Rainbow will be doing in the weeks to come. When the trade towers fell, most every nation was by our side to support us and the loss of humanity we suffered. ...and now for our aggression, you can clearly see the results of what the world thinks of us now. ...and this time, the results of that aggression, is is a sea of tears, and 500,000 children that will never see the Light of day again.

I'll say it again, 'Love your enemy', and soon you will find your enemy will be seeing inside your heart too. In fact, it's the only way they ever will.

Grateful Child,

I do support Greenpeace and will continue to do so. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and you know what they say about that! As for Steve Irwin he has been doing this for more years than you and would never put his child in jeopardy and in fact the crocodile he was with had already eaten enough. Even the media made a statement that with the angle it looked like this, but in fact they both were never in jeopardy. Yes, he called the media because he was introducing his son. Yes, he also apologized for people thinking this was a propoganda stunt when it wasn't. You do not say what he had already stated. You saw the newspaper and left it at that. You didn't challenge what you read. You only used that one source for you information. All I say is please read the article and do not condemn a man you know nothing about. Do you know anything about crocodiles? Do you know their behavior? Steve Irwin has done so much for animals and even whales. He has written papers and was going to be honored with being a teacher at the college in Queensland. He has been called upon for numerous rescues for animals. Can you say you have achieved this much? He is a conservationist and does a lot just like both Greenpeace and Seashepherd. Greenpeace is passionate about saving the whales and what they are doing is something I admire and can only dream of being able to do one day. They are making so many sacrifices and for people to stop supporting them is outrageous. The Seashepherd does things one way and that is their choice and Greenpeace does not agree and that is there choice. No one should try to persuade them to anything less than what they believe and use money to bribe them with it. My kids are on both site because they are becoming passionate about this and their passion was ignited by Steve Irwin and is continuing with Greenpeace and the crew that is on it now. They have told me they would love to meet them to (I cracked up with this) shake their hands. My kids can be somewhat dramatic. Well Grateful Child good-bye and good luck.

1. The only reason I'm talking about GP's refusal to cooperate w/ SSCS on this blogsite is because three e-letters to GP HQ in DC requesting information and explanation on this matter have gone unanswered, even tho I am a dues-paying member. Perhaps GP HQ is trying to pretend that this is not an issue. Well, obviously by the response found here, it IS an issue, and a very serious issue that will not go away by pretending that it doesn't exist. I'll stop using this blog site to discuss this matter when GP HQ responds to my letters.

2. Show me an official statement from ONE government that said that GreenPeace (or Sea Shepherd) was the reason it put pressure on Japan to not take humpbacks (or that even mentioned GP). Better yet, show me the statement against Japan by even one government besides the U.S. who didn't stand to have its very lucrative whale watching industry negatively impacted by an Southern Pacific humpback slaughter, regardless of GP's or SSCS's presence in the area. Please do not underestimate the power of potentially lost revenue to stir even the most uncaring-about-whales government to action.

3. Japan is building up its whaling fleet because it anticipates soon being able to scuttle the Moratorium by loading the IWC with bought and paid-for allied nations who will help it vote to overturn the Moratorium, not because of some perceived or real threat from SSCS. Please...an occassional reality check really would be helpful.

4. What about my proposal to BUY the Japanese (Norwegian and Icelandic) whaling fleets? These people are in business not to kill whales but to make money. If they can make as much money w/o killing whales, my guess is that they probably would.

5. If the crew of ESPERANZA get distracted or upset by words on some internet blog, then they either have too much time on their hands, or else they are on the wrong ship in the wrong place at the wrong time, in the wrong business.

6. And finally, can you tell me, Grateful Child, exactly Why you believe that "Humans of course" are more important to the survival of this planet than whales? It is humans, Grateful Child, who are destroying this planet. It is not whales. And it will not be humans that cease and desist from destroying this planet and thus save it; it will be The Planet (when it eliminates humans - or more precisely, the increasingly fatally toxic impact of humans on the biosphere) that will save this planet. And The Whales. Humans aren't going to do that. There's no money in it. Or power.

What you fail to understand is that WHALE is the seat of the superior intelligence on this planet, and not humans. But how could you understand that? After all, you honestly and sincerely believe that Humans are more important. If all humans suddenly disappeared tomorrow, who or what -- with the possible exception of an occassional domesticated animal and plant -- would miss us? Actually, really, ECOLOGICALLY miss us?

JG Moebus
Montara, CA
S/V WayFinder

JG,

This is a quote from another poster regarding to the protest to stop whaling. It is from BlueVoice.org."BV PROTESTS BARRAGE JAPANESE EMBASSIES
Your phone calls and faxes protesting Japan's dolphin hunt sent a strong message to Japanese embassies around the world. Faxes and phone calls force them to pay attention. Thanks for the reports you sent us of your interactions with embassy officials. Your voices were heard.

From BlueVoice.org

Posted by: echo | December 19, 2007 10:06 PM"

Your idea about buying the whaling fleet is a good one, but is it realistic? It takes money and it is only if they want to sell the fleet.
For # I believe that both humans and animals have an impact on earth and its survival. I think you need to say "with the exception of some humans" since not everyone is for killing and polluting this earth whether for money or power or not. : ) If this would be the case then we wouldn't have GP or Seashepherd or all the other organziations out there bringing attention to the destruction of Earth. Take care. Oh and GP has made numerous statements regarding not coorperating with Seashepherd. Also, and this is just a question so no offense, aren't you trying to control their decisions based on financial gain? Shouldn't they have the right to decide how they proceed or not -just like you have the right to support them or not? They are still people making sacrifices for this cause whether you agree how they do or don't do it and deserve that much for trying don't you think? : )

Hi Stacey, ...JG,

Stacey:
...all I can say is I hope we can agree to disagree as to Steve Irwin's intentions in that news clip. ...and you have a right to feel as you do. But I didn't condemn the man, what I said was, "Not to say he didn't do a lot of good in the world, ...but he took too many chances in front of a camera, ...and then he died, and can't help anyone in this world anymore."
But I do think we should try to reach the other side. We all feel the same way, we don't want whales to die. But if I feel something is causing more harm than good, it is my responsibility to try and reach a common point of understanding with people that don't feel the way I do, ...that peaceful means are the only way to really save whales, ...and that violent solutions will only aggrivate the situation, and actually is hurting what Greenpeace is trying to do. I don't want anyone hurt, not the whales, not the crew of the Esperanza, not the crew of the Steve Irwin, or Paul Watson, ...or the Japanese whalers either. I feel I should try hard to convince people no-one should be hurt or die. I feel you are here because you know killing whales is so wrong, and you try to show this to your friends, and try to change their minds if they feel otherwise. I can only hope we reach into the hearts of those who know no Love, and bring this gift of life to them.
...and thank you in your consideration Stacey, for mentioning people that blog in here suggesting bribing and holding back money from Greenpeace is really not a very nice thing to do. What can someone care about whales when holding back money will be the most detrimental thing possible to save them. ...and good-bye and good luck to you too Stacey, ...GC

JG:
I don't know what else to say to you bro, except that Japan didn't want to loose face, and there certainly was International statements made by very many governments, including Australia and New Zealand that condemned them last February - http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21221441-953,00.html. No-one calls Greenpeace a terrorist organization, and that's why they get listened to. They offer something called respect instead of physical and aggressive confrontation.
But even though they certainly have feelings of fear and joy, pain, and possibly even hope, ...I do want more out of life than swimming around the ocean and consuming vast quantities of krill and a little sex once in a while. We on the other hand, have a chance to reach the stars, ...and I feel they are waiting there for us, if we can only learn to care about each other. And as you feel, this planet should be in our care, instead of our lust. The whales will never reach the stars unless they come out of that ocean and start walking. We have the unique chance of any creature on this earth to build, create, write music and poetry, explore, grow, and to determine our own destiny, ...if we can only get over our selfish ways.
I think it is not an accident, or by chance, and there is a reason for the Light in your eyes, and it is reason itself which is unique to humans. We have our chance and our moment in time to do and feel the right things, and to make responsible choices, or inevitably we will go the way of the dinosaurs, and then the whales won't have anything to worry about. I don't know about you, ...but I want my chance, ...a chance for my children, and a chance for our civilization, ...to learn and Love, ...make promises and grow. I think that's why we humans are here.

Of course I am trying to impact GP's decision by using money, Stacey. What other leverage do I have?

As a dues-paying member, I am entitled to that, am I not? If I am not, then I will stop giving GP my money and give it to somebody whose decisions I CAN influence and support, like SSCS. Why would I continue to give money to an organization with whose way of doing business I disagree?

And like I said, show me one GOVERNMENT (I said Governments, not individual citizen or group or NGO protesters; AND I was talking about the whale hunt, not the "dolphin hunt," as your "BlueVoice" blurb seems to address???) that protested Japan's intent to take S Hempisphere humpbacks that isn't making money from whalewatching.

Do you really think that the Japanese Government cares what YOU or any NGO or anybody outside of the American Government - or any other Government, for that matter - thinks about anything? On what basis do you make that determination? Can you offer any evidence to support that assertion? Of course not, because there is none.

And finally, if they are offered ENOUGH money, they will sell the Fleet. They're businessmen. Everything is for sale. For the right price. The US government could probably buy the fleet for what it is spending on its so-called "War" Against so-called "Terrorism" in a week, or certainly in a month.

PS to Grateful Child: your link says nothing about anybody condemning Japan for its whale hunt; that link was about SSCS's ramming a Japanese whaling vessel.

This so-called "civilization" of yours has had its chance, GC, and been found wanting. By the Planet. Planetary Ecology and Physiology make a joke of all your New Age visions of Homo Sapiens as somehow critical to the successful unfolding of the Universe. The Humans have had their opportunity as Dominant Specie here, and have blown it. And if somehow they did manage to get to your "stars," the first thing they'd do is declare domination and dominion and control over mineral and water rights, build an army base, and started putting up billboards and web-blogs.

JG Moebus
S/V WayFinder
Montara, CA

Well said JG!

JG,

All I can say is there was a reason in the first place for you to start contributing to them. Hopefully you don't forget to see the whole picture. Yes, it would be nice to see them working together, but as for ramming a ship and possibly causing more injuries is not what will fix this. When I said earlier about "whales hoping doing whatever it takes" ( I reread it and want to clarify) I did not mean to take lives. I know JG it is frustrating because ultimately we all want the same thing.

Grateful Child I went on your website and well it is interesting.

JG:
You have to understand, when people start blackmailing others, or to make demands by holding money back, it's not leverage or impact you're asking for, ...it's control.

...and buy the whaler's ships? Sure they'll sell for the right price, and then they'll go out and build newer and more modern vessels with that money.

I'm sorry you and Julian have so little respect for yourselves, ...after all, you're human too, ...just like the rest of us. But you know something, I've met and know some really excellent humans in my lifetime, that give me a whole lot of hope, ...and if you want to look, there's a whole boatload of them in this blog that have shown me that our opportunity is not over. ...and when I look at my children, I think so help me God, ...it's far from over. I don't think the human race has run it's course, ...and I promise I will always try to make a better world for my children, and for you, ...no matter how you may feel about me. I wish you Love and Light

Thanks Stacey, ...I'm trying

JG, Stacey and Grateful Child:
I suggest that you continue your discussion by creating a thread in the forum:

http://forum.greenpeace.org/int/

Cheers

Irene,

Sorry if this offended you or bothered you or anyone eles. I just think that you guys are helping the whales the way you believe you should. I don't think people should come in and be critical of the methods you use. They are not the ones on the ship making the sacrifice for these whales and so many other causes. Just because you may not agree with something doesn't mean it is not right. You are not harming the whales or anyone else you are doing something you believe in and it is not hurting anyone or anything in the process. I do apologize again if you were offended or anyone else was. I do not want to take the focus off of the whales and it isn't and was not my intentions.

Hello Stacey
I am not offended at all, I appreciate your passion and interest in this issue. I just felt that this long discussion would be more suitable for the forum.

Take care

THANK you so much everybody, you are wonderful people!! XXX