Big Gunns answer to a pm from JLC

I(no third person) was asked by JLC what can someone do as far as wildlife conservation goes. The reason for this question was because what I said on the Steve Irwin thread. My answer to that would be to do whatever you can. Obviously everyone can't do what I've been doing, but there is always something you can do if you put your mind to it. Even donating to a worthy cause is something.

I have loved animals all my life and really did decide when Steve Irwin died that I should use my gift(clearly BG is gifted:D) to help them. I really don't care what anyone thinks about it either. Clearly some people are going to be cynical, but I could give a rats you know what what anyone in this business thinks. I have met a lot of good people in my years, but I have met a lot more that could care less about me or the animals they own. This is how most people live their lives. They care about themselves and what's good for them. Obviously I have been guilty of this same thing in my life also. That needed to change.


Scot West's wife from Sea Shepherd had asked me to post a link to the site to make people aware of what is happening in Taiji Japan. I did this on my buddies Steve's forum and will do the same thing here. I don't know why I feel the need to say this BUT.....I'm no "animal rights nut", but some things are just wrong. In some respects I feel a little hypocritical complaining about what another country does, but if you watch what I have filmed, it's just wrong.

So JLC you asked what you can do. Here is just something Big Gunns has been up to the last few years. http://www.seashepherd.org/dolphins/...vember-13.html There a few pics of BG, but a least this one doesn't make us all look like dwarfs because Scot shrunk the pic up to fit the screen.:rage: You can also notice who took the video on that page(it's on the front page of the website also). You'll notice Big Gunns decided to keep the reptile forum name.:D There are more videos on youtube at bigunnsmissions. There is going to be a lot more in the future also.


Everyone has a choice in life how they want to live it. I'm not 100% sure what the future holds for me, but I have a good idea. I'd be willing to bet that quite a lot of animals in the wild would be extinct right now if it wasn't for a few good people. I've decided to try and be one of those few good people.

You can be cynical if you want, and I really don't care. I'll just let Big Gunns actions speak for themselves. My hope with this thread is that maybe I have motivated some of you like Steve Irwin's words motivated me. I'm sure a lot of you thought that Big Gunns was full of it when he said that he had more important things in his life than this "business". Well, maybe now some of you might believe it. This is only one of a few things BG has been up to....and there are more to come. This one(Taiji) is Big Gunns priority right now though. Hopefully we(everyone involved) can make a difference.

The funny thing is Big Gunns is just thinking right now about his true haters. The ones that could never look through the BG bull on the forums. BG is 100% sure they will think that BG spent all his money and time just to try and make himself look good. If any of you bozos actually believe that. Please get some serious professional help. Yeah....if you think BG is talking directly to you. He is.:P:D

Anyway guys and gals. Big Gunns really does hope that maybe you are motivated like he was to try and make a difference in some small way in your life towards something positive. It doesn't need to be animals, but hopefully something. Yeah yeah, BG knows he may sound a leeetle corny right now, but like he said. BG could give a rats you know what.:P:D

Big Gunns will let Mother Teresa speak for him.


Do good anyway...

"In the Final Analysis"

by Mother Teresa

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered...
forgive them anyway


If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives...
be kind anyway


If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies...
succeed anyway


If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you...
be honest and frank anyway


What you may spend years building, someone may destroy overnight...
build anyway


If you find serenity and happiness, people may be jealous...
be happy anyway


The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow...
do good anyway


Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough...
give the world the best you have anyway


You see, in the final analysis, it's all between you and God...
it was never between you and them anyway

It's what was said at 3:04 that changed BG's life.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdFtJbqvpJo

Well now you know more about BG than he usually likes to let out. Not that much of you care since he deserted yah a while back(BG is sure many are mad for more than that also since he knows how people think), but now yah know anyway.:P:D

Big Gunns did see one of the truly good people in the bizz today though. You can think what you think of why BG might be saying this(kissing up....not), but BG knows that everyone knows that Heather is one of the good people in this business and it was good to see her again.

Bigguns a sea shepherd?

All new respect for you man :gj:

Always though they were doing it for a damn good cause

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

Bigguns a sea shepherd?

All new respect for you man :gj:

Always though they were doing it for a damn good cause

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Not exactly(BG has his own submarine:D), but the girl to the left of BG in that pic is Rosie. She will be on the next mission to the Antarctica.

I was always a big fan of the show and have donated money to it also.

My girlfriend love dolphins so we always watched the show and it was one of the things i donated to when i had some extra money.

Its sad what they do to them it really is.

Thank you, Neil. I do not have money to give right now...but I do have time. I'll just have to find a way to give it in the right direction.

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Originally Posted by JLC

Thank you, Neil. I do not have money to give right now...but I do have time. I'll just have to find a way to give it in the right direction.

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Just a idea. Maybe we could do some advertising for them on bp.net?

Not sure if u guys/gals would be up for that?

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Originally Posted by f4n70m

Just a idea. Maybe we could do some advertising for them on bp.net?

Not sure if u guys/gals would be up for that?

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Thank you for the suggestion. The Admin Team will take that under advisement. :)

I cant believe BG has a soft spot. :) Kidding aside, I admire your awareness to current issues concerning wildlife. :gj:

Neil, thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. Mad respect!

Ladies, Ladies your both pretty!!!! now stop fighting. :D

BG what you are doing is great keep up the good work!!

I was wondering where BG went ...
Its good to see people that care, I dont have the time but I do have a few spare ones to donate to those who do have the time. I plan on making a donation as soon as I check with the wife, we planned on taking some money away from each others christmas gifts this year and donating it and I don't see why this wouldn't be perfect.
Yo man dont worry about the haters .... Ive been a BG fan since I joined this website and can honestly say I miss seeing his posts.
Still kinda bitter about the time you saw me at a show in Pa and didn't say whats up but Ill save that for another day.

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Originally Posted by ed4281

Ladies, Ladies your both pretty!!!! now stop fighting. :D

BG what you are doing is great keep up the good work!!

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****clears massive throat***** Get it right. BG is gorgeous.:D

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Originally Posted by PolishPython

I was wondering where BG went ...
Its good to see people that care, I dont have the time but I do have a few spare ones to donate to those who do have the time. I plan on making a donation as soon as I check with the wife, we planned on taking some money away from each others christmas gifts this year and donating it and I don't see why this wouldn't be perfect.
Yo man dont worry about the haters .... Ive been a BG fan since I joined this website and can honestly say I miss seeing his posts.
Still kinda bitter about the time you saw me at a show in Pa and didn't say whats up but Ill save that for another day.

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Most people should realize that without his "haters" BG can't be BG. He loves them more than his fans.:D It's kinda amazing to BG that they don't pick up on that.:D

BG will make sure he says what's up next time he sees yah dude. May he make a suggestion though. Don't bring the wife to a show. She'll never look at you the same again once she's seen Big Gunns in person.:rofl:

BG cares more about bringing attention to the cause than himself actually. He does realize that being Big Gunns can help though(bring attention)....this is why he stayed in "character".;):D Spread the word peeps.

Bah. I consider the sea shepherd group to be little more than petty terrorists, similar to peta/alf/etc. I'll stick to supporting groups that use legal means, rather than a group that uses destruction of property to achieve their goals.

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Originally Posted by Raptor

Bah. I consider the sea shepherd group to be little more than petty terrorists, similar to peta/alf/etc. I'll stick to supporting groups that use legal means, rather than a group that uses destruction of property to achieve their goals.

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Big Guns hears what you're saying, but they're not doing that in Japan(destroying property). What they are doing in Antarctica is different. They are enforcing international law because nobody else will do it. You realize that there is an international ban on whaling right now??? Nobody enforces it though.

Are the "legal means" you are talking about the groups that spend millions of dollars on lobbyists? What groups are you talking about? Do you know where your money really goes? Lobbyists are needed, but BG doesn't want every penny going to them and the people running the groups.

What groups? Maybe BG will support your groups.

What you're claiming they don't do is exactly what they do. It's been shown on national tv. On one of their ships, they even have a tally of ships they've claimed to sink. Sure, whaling is illegal, just sinking ships and possibly killing people isn't the answer. Education is key. What's next? Attacking people people they kill snakes?

I support my local shelters, for one. Salvation Army, NARHA, is another.

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Originally Posted by Raptor

What you're claiming they don't do is exactly what they do. It's been shown on national tv. On one of their ships, they even have a tally of ships they've claimed to sink. Sure, whaling is illegal, just sinking ships and possibly killing people isn't the answer. Education is key. What's next? Attacking people people they kill snakes?

I support my local shelters, for one. Salvation Army, NARHA, is another.

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You're 100% right, but they don't do anything like that in Japan.....only international waters right now. Let me tell yah this. If they didn't sink those ships those ships would be still whaling right now. Don't worry, they'll save the whalers on the sinking ship.:D


BG agrees with you on Education on some issues. It is probably going to be a combination of both that may eventually solve this problem. They can't sink every ship. They are saving whales though that's for sure. Sea Shepherd is hardcore. Their methods are not for everyone, but BG bets the Whales and Dolphins love them.

BG has to ask you though. Are you doing any of this "educating", or are you just doing nothing because you really just don't care? Sorry, but BG has to ask.

International waters or not, they still shouldn't do it. If anything, they're probably damaging chances of putting an end to whaling peacefully.

Sea shepherd is about as hardcore as alf damaging private property. Because that's what they're doing: they're damaging private property. If they did that anywhere besides international waters, they'd get their butts kicked to jail, which is what they deserve.

I only do minor education with reptiles. I'm not wholly knowledgeable about the subject and so I'd rather not do any educating until I learn more about the subject. When it boils down to it, I really don't care. I never have, and I probably never will.

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Originally Posted by Raptor

International waters or not, they still shouldn't do it. If anything, they're probably damaging chances of putting an end to whaling peacefully.

Sea shepherd is about as hardcore as alf damaging private property. Because that's what they're doing: they're damaging private property. If they did that anywhere besides international waters, they'd get their butts kicked to jail, which is what they deserve.

I only do minor education with reptiles. I'm not wholly knowledgeable about the subject and so I'd rather not do any educating until I learn more about the subject. When it boils down to it, I really don't care. I never have, and I probably never will.

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You're forgetting the fact that the whalers are illegally killing whales. What do they "deserve"? Their "butts kicked to jail" maybe???? Lets see. Dead Mammals on one side......sunken boats on the other. Somehow BG sees the dead Mammals as the more evil side, but that's just him.:confused:


It's sad that you don't care, but most people are like you. BG has chose not to be like you. Does this make him better person than you? BG thinks the Mammals probably think so. Hopefully you'll come around and help BG. If not, stick to whatever makes you feel good about yourself...... BG will be just fine without everyone in his corner.

x) Very few people are like me. Most people don't care because they don't want their perfect little world popped. Me? I just don't feel much emotion anymore. I'm quite content floating from one day to the next, as I always have.

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Originally Posted by Raptor

x) Very few people are like me. Most people don't care because they don't want their perfect little world popped. Me? I just don't feel much emotion anymore. I'm quite content floating from one day to the next, as I always have.

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You are like 99.9% of the people on this planet. BG has just decided to try and make some sort of difference before it's his time. Maybe one day you'll have an epiphany like Big Gunns did. BG is hoping you do.

Big Gunns will say this though. His "perfect little world" has been a whole lot better since he had that "epiphany".

..Yeah. You don't understand what I'm saying. No surprise. I'll just leave it at that.

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Originally Posted by Raptor

..Yeah. You don't understand what I'm saying. No surprise. I'll just leave it at that.

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Talk to Doctor Gunns. He's here to help you.:D BG is all ears.What seems to be the problem with this lack of "emotion".

Sorry....the people that don't want "their perfect world popped" are like most people. You seem to have other deeper issues. How can BG assist? BG is being serious even though this will totally hijack his thread.

x) People don't want to see the horrors that happen in the world. Something bad comes on the news, they tune it out, change the channel, or tisk about how wakeful it is. I simply don't feel anything. My emotional range is very limited. It's gotten worse as I've gotten older. When I was younger, show me a picture of an abused animal, I'd be upset. Now I'd simply be "and?".

Plenty of mental illness in my family. No doubt its related to that. So yeah, deeper issues lol.

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Originally Posted by Raptor

x) People don't want to see the horrors that happen in the world. Something bad comes on the news, they tune it out, change the channel, or tisk about how wakeful it is. I simply don't feel anything. My emotional range is very limited. It's gotten worse as I've gotten older. When I was younger, show me a picture of an abused animal, I'd be upset. Now I'd simply be "and?".

Plenty of mental illness in my family. No doubt its related to that. So yeah, deeper issues lol.

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Big Gunns is no professional(he thinks he is), but maybe you should talk to someone about it. Clearly if you don't care about anything you have some "deeper issues". It's better to try and work them out before they get to where you can't function normally. May be suggest trying to make friends with someone with a positive outlook on life.

Something as simple as a sitcom can make you feel better. You do need to work on this Raptor. BG wants you at his side when he's fighting for the Dolphins.

Eh. I've been to professionals. The last one tried to tell me that my issues were because "my family doesn't treat me like I'm an adult". It was in fact her that kept treating me like a child. I can function fine. I can act quite well. I'll survive. I always have.

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Originally Posted by Raptor

Eh. I've been to professionals. The last one tried to tell me that my issues were because "my family doesn't treat me like I'm an adult". It was in fact her that kept treating me like a child. I can function fine. I can act quite well. I'll survive. I always have.

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Well it sure doesn't look like you're enjoying life all that much. Life is great, but it's what you make of it. If you sit around and mope....life sucks. You need to try and make the best of every day. BG needs to follow his own advice sometimes.

To just "survive" is no fun. Life really is great, but it is what you make it. It's really not that hard to make your life much better, but you have to be willing to try.

BG realizes he doesn't know all that's going on in your life, but obviously you're not too happy. Whether you think so or not though. The adults around you probably do know what's best....you just need to trust them. Like BG said though.....he doesn't know all the ins and outs of your life to say.

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Originally Posted by Big Gunns

BG realizes he doesn't know all that's going on in your life, but obviously you're not too happy. Whether you think so or not though. The adults around you probably do know what's best....you just need to trust them. Like BG said though.....he doesn't know all the ins and outs of your life to say.

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Knowing NOTHING you give advice that may well be more than just slightly detrimental to someone you also know NOTHING about.

Did you ponder, even for a moment, that the adults in his life, which he has stated are prone to mental problems, may NOT have his best interests in mind?

Stick to what you know, whatever the heck it is, before you seriously hurt someone.

Not joking.

im not defending the whalers or anything, but the people on the sea shepard and all that's on the tv show = terrorists. i wouldn't doubt 1 little bit they fully support the hsus and peta all the way. and if that's the case, they should in NO way whatsoever be supported. saving the whales and all is great, but as pointed out they themselves call themselves pirates.

sinking ships and being a terrorist isn't excusable under the guise of "enforcing the law". as i recall, they are allowed to collect a certain amount of whales for "scientific research" or whatever anyways. they might be doing it for meat or w/e but until they can prove they aren't doing scientific research, well they cant disprove it either. which just makes them even more eco-terroristic.

in fact im pretty sure i saw hsus posters in the ship on one of the episodes, that alone should be enough for none of us to support them in any way.

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Originally Posted by wilomn

Knowing NOTHING you give advice that may well be more than just slightly detrimental to someone you also know NOTHING about.

Did you ponder, even for a moment, that the adults in his life, which he has stated are prone to mental problems, may NOT have his best interests in mind?

Stick to what you know, whatever the heck it is, before you seriously hurt someone.

Not joking.

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Willy Willy Willy, BG thinks we can all agree that the adults in his life "PROBABLY"(like BG said) do know what's best for him. Notice the word "probably" like BG stated. He said "plenty of mental illness in his family". He didn't say it was the adults. Then maybe you'll notice that BG said he doesn't "know all the ins and outs of his life to say". Keep trying Willy....you didn't get BG this time.:P:D BG is sorry that the adults around you growing up couldn't help you out....maybe you wouldn't have grown up to be such a sourpuss.:rofl:

"Not joking" either.:P

ps. Didn't BG say something about professional help also? So Willy, are you just going to criticize BG for actually caring and trying to help, or can you add something constructive to this thread and maybe help him? BG is just asking.:) It's very easy to criticize someone when you're doing absolutely NOTHING Willy.:P That's OK....it's to be expected from you.

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Originally Posted by BAMReptiles

im not defending the whalers or anything, but the people on the sea shepard and all that's on the tv show = terrorists. i wouldn't doubt 1 little bit they fully support the hsus and peta all the way. and if that's the case, they should in NO way whatsoever be supported. saving the whales and all is great, but as pointed out they themselves call themselves pirates.

sinking ships and being a terrorist isn't excusable under the guise of "enforcing the law". as i recall, they are allowed to collect a certain amount of whales for "scientific research" or whatever anyways. they might be doing it for meat or w/e but until they can prove they aren't doing scientific research, well they cant disprove it either. which just makes them even more eco-terroristic.

in fact im pretty sure i saw hsus posters in the ship on one of the episodes, that alone should be enough for none of us to support them in any way.

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BG can bet that they will support most of what those groups you stated stand for. Big Gunns will also bet 10000000000% that if Sea Shepherd were out in the Ocean saving the swimming Ball Python morph every single one of the members on this forum would support everything they do. Sink ships.....nuclear weapons....whatever it took to stop them. Wait....make that 60000000000000%:D

Don't worry peeps. BG has given a few talks on just what we do to some Sea Shepherd supporters..... and he will continue to do so. It's amazing what people will think if they don't know the facts.

BG is pretty sure you didn't realize this, because BG didn't until recently. Japan only took a few whales for "scientific research" before it became illegal. Now they take hundreds. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the real deal. Just like it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that turtles under 4 inches are not sold for the same reason at shows around the country.

Big Gunns doesn't have to like every single thing someone does to like that person and support some things they do. If that was the case, BG doubts anyone would like anybody.

Wow BG! Good work dude! Don't let people put you down for living your life the way you want and doing what you feel is right!

Personally I think it's kind of crazy how some people can wake up every morning and just not care... Go to work, watch tv, sleep, eat. Then these people who have done absolutely nothing but complain about people who are doing something have children. I guess what I'm getting at is give some thanks. You will get to enjoy having a pet, seeing a whale, seeing a dolphin, seeing whatever it is that is amazing but will your children? Or your childrens children? Oh wait... You don't care.

Well BG I gotta say, if there were more people in this world who cared it would be a much better place :). Thanks BG!

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Originally Posted by wilomn

Knowing NOTHING you give advice that may well be more than just slightly detrimental to someone you also know NOTHING about.

Did you ponder, even for a moment, that the adults in his life, which he has stated are prone to mental problems, may NOT have his best interests in mind?

Stick to what you know, whatever the heck it is, before you seriously hurt someone.

Not joking.

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Originally Posted by Big Gunns

Willy Willy Willy, BG thinks we can all agree that the adults in his life "PROBABLY"(like BG said) do know what's best for him. Notice the word "probably" like BG stated. He said "plenty of mental illness in his family". He didn't say it was the adults. Then maybe you'll notice that BG said he doesn't "know all the ins and outs of his life to say". Keep trying Willy....you didn't get BG this time.:P:D BG is sorry that the adults around you growing up couldn't help you out....maybe you wouldn't have grown up to be such a sourpuss.:rofl:

"Not joking" either.:P

ps. Didn't BG say something about professional help also? So Willy, are you just going to criticize BG for actually caring and trying to help, or can you add something constructive to this thread and maybe help him? BG is just asking.:) It's very easy to criticize someone when you're doing absolutely NOTHING Willy.:P That's OK....it's to be expected from you.

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:colbert: I'm a her, thanks..At least last I checked. Anyways, only one with mental illness in my immediate family is my dad and I don't live with him. I was saying that my family has a lot of mental illness in its history. Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, etc.

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Originally Posted by Jeremy78

Wow BG! Good work dude! Don't let people put you down for living your life the way you want and doing what you feel is right!

Personally I think it's kind of crazy how some people can wake up every morning and just not care... Go to work, watch tv, sleep, eat. Then these people who have done absolutely nothing but complain about people who are doing something have children. I guess what I'm getting at is give some thanks. You will get to enjoy having a pet, seeing a whale, seeing a dolphin, seeing whatever it is that is amazing but will your children? Or your childrens children? Oh wait... You don't care.

Well BG I gotta say, if there were more people in this world who cared it would be a much better place :). Thanks BG!

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Trust BG Jeremy. BG really really doesn't care what some "people" think(BG keeps saying it, but doubts "they" believe it). "They" are not who or what is important to BG right now. In a million years the old BG would never "open up" like this and make himself so vulnerable to attack. ONE MILLION YEARS!!!!!!!

I will tell yah this Jeremy. If it wasn't for a few people in the world who "cared"...there would be no more wild Tigers, Great Apes, Bald Eagles, etc....etc.... I hope one day I can be counted in that small group of "people who cared". I know it sounds corny to some, but that's just how I feel right now about my life. The cynical "naysayers" can think what they want. This is Big Gunns new course in life(has been for a while) and nobody is going to change it.

Whoever first said "actions speak louder than words" was one of the smartest people that ever walked the face of this earth. BG will let his actions speak for him....just like their(cynical naysayers) actions speak for them. Big Gunns was one of them at one time....so at the very least he understands them.

Thatta boy Big Gunns :) Keep it up! :gj::gj:

make no mistake BG, im not hating on you. and i mean forgive me if i dont think we should support the people who want to end our hobby/businesses. just saying.

I'm a BIG fan of BG and saving/conserving wildlife....However I'm still on the fence with how I feel about Sea Sheapard (they may be a little too extreme for me). Either way...It seems like you are doing the right thing, so keep up the hard work!

BIg gunns, man all I have to say is thank you.... There are not near enough "Steve Irwins" in the world.... I think its awesome "good on ya"

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Originally Posted by Big Gunns

You're 100% right, but they don't do anything like that in Japan.....only international waters right now. Let me tell yah this. If they didn't sink those ships those ships would be still whaling right now. Don't worry, they'll save the whalers on the sinking ship.:D

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Did you read your response before you sent it to the board? That sounds rediculous. It's okay to sink a million dollar ship and put a few dozen human beings in danger? And for what, your own personal interpretation of "International Law"? When did the Sea Shepherd group become marshalls of the sea? I don't agree with what Japan is doing, but to purposely sink a ship to prove your point is going way too far.

Have you watched that group of imbecils on that ship? They can't do anything without screwing things up. The best was running a 4 inch rope to try to foul the prop of the Japanese ship. However, they attached the rope to about 400 pounds of steel pipe. Did they actually think that the rope running through 400 pounds of steel pipe was going to float long enough to catch a prop?

If this is your idea of memorializing Steve Erwin, you've got a funny way of showing it. He believed in education.

Jim Smith

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Originally Posted by Big Gunns

You're forgetting the fact that the whalers are illegally killing whales. What do they "deserve"? Their "butts kicked to jail" maybe???? Lets see. Dead Mammals on one side......sunken boats on the other. Somehow BG sees the dead Mammals as the more evil side, but that's just him.:confused:.

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How are they "illegally killing whales"? They are mandated to a number of whales they can take. This coming from an international committee that is responsible for whaling. True, they say they are doing it for research, but we know it's not. But with that said, they NEVER harvest more than their quota.

Sound illegal to me...NOT.

Sinking ships because you don't agree with the policy of an internation whaling committee, wrong. Any way you look at it.

Don't get me wrong. I don't agree with Japan's harvest of any whales, but as long as the committee approves of their actions, what can you do? Try to change the voting for next year. If that doesn't work, don't inact your own justice. That's illegal in almost every country.


Jim Smith

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Originally Posted by j_h_smith

How are they "illegally killing whales"? They are mandated to a number of whales they can take. This coming from an international committee that is responsible for whaling. True, they say they are doing it for research, but we know it's not. But with that said, they NEVER harvest more than their quota.

Sound illegal to me...NOT.

Sinking ships because you don't agree with the policy of an internation whaling committee, wrong. Any way you look at it.

Don't get me wrong. I don't agree with Japan's harvest of any whales, but as long as the committee approves of their actions, what can you do? Try to change the voting for next year. If that doesn't work, don't inact your own justice. That's illegal in almost every country.


Jim Smith

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Actually, this is incorrect if I recall correctly. I seem to remember seeing some data about "incidental" kills of whales that were not accounted for in allotments. Fishing net drownings, collisions with boats and, I think, one other weird one that left perfectly usable dead whales who had died is ways that were difficult to prove or disprove and were not accounted for at all.

It was a lot of whales and not just Japan doing it.

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Originally Posted by shescountry89

Thatta boy Big Gunns :) Keep it up! :gj::gj:

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So, let me get this straight, you actually approve of sinking ships that are within their rights to harvest whales? Regardless of your opinion, whether it's wrong or right, do you honestly approve of piracy on the open waters.

All you have to do is look at the Sea shepherd's flag that it flies under. It's a Jolly Roger Flag. A flag that is internationally known to be a flag flown on pirate ships.

They admit to being pirates, but they are doing it for the good of the whale. Well, as long a Japan doesn't take more than their quota, they are doing NOTHING illegal. Immoral yes, big time, but not illegal. So when Neil says Japan is illegally killing whales, he is wrong.

As long as the Internation Whaling Committee approves of the number of whales Japan can harvest, it is a LEGAL action. Even if they say they are doing it all for research, they are within their rights to take that specific number of whales according to the IWC.

I jsut looked it up on the internet, it's actually called the International Whaling Commission.

If you have issues with Japan's whaling, this is where you should be directing your anger.

Jim Smith

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Originally Posted by j_h_smith

Did
you read your response before you sent it to the board? That sounds
rediculous. It's okay to sink a million dollar ship and put a few dozen
human beings in danger? And for what, your own personal interpretation
of "International Law"? When did the Sea Shepherd group become
marshalls of the sea? I don't agree with what Japan is doing, but to
purposely sink a ship to prove your point is going way too far.

Have you watched that group of imbecils on that ship? They can't do
anything without screwing things up. The best was running a 4 inch rope
to try to foul the prop of the Japanese ship. However, they attached
the rope to about 400 pounds of steel pipe. Did they actually think
that the rope running through 400 pounds of steel pipe was going to
float long enough to catch a prop?

If this is your idea of memorializing Steve Erwin, you've got a funny
way of showing it. He believed in education.

Jim Smith

---

Big Gunns will agree with you on the "interpretation" of the law.
However, BG thinks we can all agree they are not taking the whales for
"scientific research". There would be no need to say that if they were
within the "law".

Steve Irwin was going to go on a campaign before his death. BG has no
way of confirming this, but since the ship was named after him with the
blessing of his wife, BG believes this to be true.

As far as the "imbecils" as you put it on the ship. BG will not
criticize people who are risking their life with no real training to
save the whales. Sure most of them are not real sailors, but BG salutes
them for their dedication to a cause they believe in.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by j_h_smith

How are they "illegally killing whales"? They
are mandated to a number of whales they can take. This coming from an
international committee that is responsible for whaling. True, they say
they are doing it for research, but we know it's not. But with that
said, they NEVER harvest more than their quota.

Sound illegal to me...NOT.

Sinking ships because you don't agree with the policy of an internation
whaling committee, wrong. Any way you look at it.

Don't get me wrong. I don't agree with Japan's harvest of any whales,
but as long as the committee approves of their actions, what can you do?
Try to change the voting for next year. If that doesn't work, don't
inact your own justice. That's illegal in almost every country.


Jim Smith

---

Like BG stated earlier. Clearly they are bending the law to suit them.
"Scientific research" BG's perfect behind.

Look, BG knows what SS does is a leeetle extreme, but like BG said
earlier. The people on this forum would advocate nuclear weapons if they
were saving Ball Pythons from "scientific research".

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wilomn

Actually, this is incorrect if I recall correctly.
I seem to remember seeing some data about "incidental" kills of whales
that were not accounted for in allotments. Fishing net drownings,
collisions with boats and, I think, one other weird one that left
perfectly usable dead whales who had died is ways that were difficult to
prove or disprove and were not accounted for at all.

It was a lot of whales and not just Japan doing it.

---

Nope it's not just Japan doing it, and SS is going to the Faroe Islands
next to challenge them. Now this could get real ugly.

Well BG has to ask. What would you guys suggest they do and what are you
doing about it? BG can see through what you're really doing here.
Debating with Big Gunns in the hopes of proving him wrong because you don't like Big Gunns. Both of you
could really care less, but keep trying on the BG thing. You may not
realize it, but EVERYONE can see your real motives and they're sad....sad and pathetic.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by j_h_smith

So, let me get this straight, you actually approve of sinking ships that are within their rights to harvest whales? Regardless of your opinion, whether it's wrong or right, do you honestly approve of piracy on the open waters.

All you have to do is look at the Sea shepherd's flag that it flies under. It's a Jolly Roger Flag. A flag that is internationally known to be a flag flown on pirate ships.

They admit to being pirates, but they are doing it for the good of the whale. Well, as long a Japan doesn't take more than their quota, they are doing NOTHING illegal. Immoral yes, big time, but not illegal. So when Neil says Japan is illegally killing whales, he is wrong.

As long as the Internation Whaling Committee approves of the number of whales Japan can harvest, it is a LEGAL action. Even if they say they are doing it all for research, they are within their rights to take that specific number of whales according to the IWC.

I jsut looked it up on the internet, it's actually called the International Whaling Commission.

If you have issues with Japan's whaling, this is where you should be directing your anger.

Jim Smith

---

BG knows all about the IWC. Come on Smitty. You know it's not "scientific research".

One more thing. BG isn't out on that ship. BG is in Japan with the hopes of letting the rest of the world know what they're doing in "The Cove". Now that is perfectly legal in Japan, but BG doesn't approve of it and hopes to have the law in Japan changed. There are many others in Japan that feel the same way and BG is now working with them to help change their law.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by j_h_smith

Neil wouldn't make a blister on Steve Erwin's baby toe. So what, he goes to Japan and keeps an eye on the people killing dolphins. What is that doing other than allowing him to puff his chest, and say what a great job he's doing.


Jim Smith

---

Maybe not, but Big Gunns can spell his name correctly at least.:P:D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by j_h_smith

How are they "illegally killing whales"? They are mandated to a number of whales they can take. This coming from an international committee that is responsible for whaling. True, they say they are doing it for research, but we know it's not. But with that said, they NEVER harvest more than their quota.

Sound illegal to me...NOT.

Sinking ships because you don't agree with the policy of an internation whaling committee, wrong. Any way you look at it.

Don't get me wrong. I don't agree with Japan's harvest of any whales, but as long as the committee approves of their actions, what can you do? Try to change the voting for next year. If that doesn't work, don't inact your own justice. That's illegal in almost every country.


Jim Smith

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wilomn

Actually, this is incorrect if I recall correctly. I seem to remember seeing some data about "incidental" kills of whales that were not accounted for in allotments. Fishing net drownings, collisions with boats and, I think, one other weird one that left perfectly usable dead whales who had died is ways that were difficult to prove or disprove and were not accounted for at all.

It was a lot of whales and not just Japan doing it.

---

All that you have pointed out in your statement is true, however I was talking about the ships the Sea Shepherd allegedly sunk. These ships do not use nets (they are harpoon ships), and collisions with boats happen all over the world which in my opinion are not intentional killings.

The Japanese fleet is not "illegally killing whales" as Neil has been quoted many times. They are immorally killing whales to be sure. But to sink a ship only because you disagree with the International Whaling Commission decision to allow these killing to continue, is wrong.

Deer hunting on Sunday is illegal in many states, but if you are a property owner, you can harvest deer on your property 7 days a week. If you don't agree with this law, should you be allowed to stop the property owner from harvesting deer on any day, becasue you've seen him harvest a deer last Sunday?

Change the law if you disagree, but leave the property owner alone. You don't have the right to take "your interpretation of the law" into your own hands.

Same goes with the Sea Shepherd and it's members.

Jim Smith

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Big Gunns

Big Gunns will agree with you on the "interpretation" of the law.
However, BG thinks we can all agree they are not taking the whales for
"scientific research". There would be no need to say that if they were
within the "law".

---

But they are within their rights to harvest a certain number of whales. This is mandated by the IWC. Regardless of what they are doing with the whales, they are allowed a certain number of whales to be harvested. If you can understand my meaning here, they are NOT breaking any laws prescribed by nations around thw world. But just because a small group thinks they should be stopped, does not mean they are harvesting illegally. Regardless what SS believes, as long as the IWC allows them to do research on the whales, then use them for food, no laws are being broken. Regardless of what a few SS members believe.

Quote:

---

Steve Irwin was going to go on a campaign before his death. BG has no
way of confirming this, but since the ship was named after him with the
blessing of his wife, BG believes this to be true.

---

If it can't be proven, then why did you mention it? Sound like you're trying to legitimize your beliefs again.

Quote:

---

As far as the "imbecils" as you put it on the ship. BG will not
criticize people who are risking their life with no real training to
save the whales. Sure most of them are not real sailors, but BG salutes
them for their dedication to a cause they believe in.

---

There's no denying they are breaking the law but they do it in the name of the whales. So, who's acting upon illegal grounds here?

Quote:

---

Like BG stated earlier. Clearly they are bending the law to suit them.
"Scientific research" BG's perfect behind.

---

The IWC allows Japan to harvest these whales after the research is completed. I know, it's a veiled attempt to make things look better. But if the IWC would say that upon the end of the research, the whales have to be returned to the sea, there would no issues because we all know that Japan would not be doing this research if they weren't allowed to harvest the whale meat. So, why isn't the SS going after the IWC? This wouold seem like this is where the problems lie.

Quote:

---

Look, BG knows what SS does is a leeetle extreme, but like BG said
earlier. The people on this forum would advocate nuclear weapons if they
were saving Ball Pythons from "scientific research".

---

Not at all, at least for me. Unlike most here, my snakes are just animals to me. Growing up on a farm gives you a unique view on animals. We ate many of our "pets". these pets where cattle and chickens.

If ball pythons were found to have the ability to cure cancer in all human beings, I'd be the first in line to give up my snakes. No big deal. At least not for me.

Quote:

---

Nope it's not just Japan doing it, and SS is going to the Faroe Islands
next to challenge them. Now this could get real ugly.

Well BG has to ask. What would you guys suggest they do and what are you
doing about it? BG can see through what you're really doing here.
Debating with Big Gunns in the hopes of proving him wrong. Both of you
could really care less, but keep trying on the BG thing. You may not
realize it, but EVERYONE can see your real motives and they're sad....sad and pathetic.

---

What are you doing about the betterment of the human race? Do you support any groups that feed the hungry? Do you support any groups that help children with deformations? Do you even help the United States Servicemen when they come home and need medical treatment? What have you done for the human race?

You want me to be mad (to the point of breaking the law) to help save whales when we as a race can't seem to help each other. I've got my hands full helpiing where I can make changes and you want us to believe your fight is more important than mine? I'll take my punches for the human race, thank you!

Quote:

---

BG knows all about the IWC. Come on Smitty. You know it's not "scientific research".

---

Again, regardless of their reason, the governing body says they can kill a predetermined number of whales. I know, it's wrong, but it's not illegal.

Quote:

---

One more thing. BG isn't out on that ship. BG is in Japan with the hopes of letting the rest of the world know what they're doing in "The Cove". Now that is perfectly legal in Japan, but BG doesn't approve of it and hopes to have the law in Japan changed. There are many others in Japan that feel the same way and BG is now working with them to help change their law.

---

Again, it's not illegal. The "Cove" is a cultural issue. As long as the Japanese culture accepts the consumption of whale and dolphin meat, what do you expect to change. Sure, take videos and send it across the globe. Take it to the masses. But you know what? The Japanese culture is as old or possibly older than most and they are a proud people. They probably won't take kindly to someone in the US or Europe telling them their culture must be changed.

Quote:

---

Maybe not, but Big Gunns can spell his name correctly at least.:P:D

---

Yeah, there's where you want to take this discussion. At least I know what the word illegal means. Piracy is another good word too. If this is all you've got, you've been in salt water a little too long.

BTW, do you even give blood to the Red Cross to help your fellow man? If so, then maybe there is hope for you.

Jim Smith

BG, Do everything you can to save any and all animals, they need all the help they can get. Once we killed to live. Now some live to kill.

Wow crazy crazy respect for what you are doing!!! That is amazing!! I have to say ...I did not watch the video...can't do it...sorry. Long story maybe someday when I meet you in person I will tell you about it.
I think what you are doing is amazing and very unselfish thing to do.

Koneecheewa

Big Gunns forgot the "cultural" argument. They have not been killing Dolphins for hundreds of years...whales yes...but not Dolphins. It's a dumb argument(not to them BG knows that) really. So what if they've been doing it for millions of years. Should the world sit by and let a country wipe out all the Dolphins and Whales because it's part of their "culture"?

You could probably consider having slaves as part of the white mans "culture" at one time also, but that day has come and gone. BG will agree that they can make the argument that it's part of Taiji's "culture" to kill Whales, but not Dolphins. If you go to the Taiji Whale museum you can see an old whaling ship with a pic on the wall of the whalers killing a Right Whale. They don't kill them anymore though because they don't see any. HMMMM...wonder why.:confused: If they don't change their "culture" soon it's going to be changed for them, because there won't be any Cetaceans for them to have a "cultural" experience with.:taz:

No they are not at all happy about foreigners being in their country trying to tell them to stop what they're doing. Who would be? BG knows you wouldn't be happy if some Japanese told you they wanted you to stop shooting every animal that steps foot on your property Smitty. BG is sure of that, but that doesn't mean we can't try and stop the killing. BG suspects that some of you assume that he could care less about the people of Taiji. That's the farthest thing from the truth. BG is not going to go into this more right now, but he will in the future. Big Gunns always has a plan.:)

Smitty, you have already stated that you could really care less about animals, so why waste your breath here? There's really only one motive that BG can see....and so can everyone with a brain. You are obviously motivated to help the Vets and other humans and BG applauds you for it. Big Gunns may be one great human, but he can't do everything. He will leave that mission up to you for now. BG hopes you can handle it.

Nobody said this fight was going to be easy, but just because it's hard doesn't mean that people shouldn't try. The obstacles here are HUGE. BG has met very many dedicated people that are determined to win this for the Whales and Dolphins though. They are not going to give up and neither is Big Gunns.

Now can BG please get back to learning Japanese? This is really messing up the BG study plan.:rage::rage:

Sayounara;)

I kind of understand where Jim is coming from though I think temper/frustration got in the way of translation. I do believe Jim supports the idea of what you are doing....just not in the way you are doing it. I can appreciate his point of view on that. I also think he is someone out there helping someone or something....just in a different way. I certainly do not want to take sides here....and I am not trying to. I can just see both sides of the coin. I have a respect for Jim as I have gotten to know him on the forum. I as well have a high respect for you as you have always given others great advice. (not to mention the fact that you often crack me up).:P

Personally ....I don't care what it takes to save the animals.....just do it! (but that is me and it goes back to that story I would have to tell you over drinks...:rolleyes:) However with that being said.....everyone is entitled to think that some measures are too extreme and we should respect their beliefs and agree to disagree on how far you take conservation measures.

I think we could all remember to have a little respect for everyone feelings/beliefs and be a little more courteous to each other. (thats the Michelle speaking...not the moderator speaking). Holy crap I sound quite liberal there huh.....:rofl:

Big Gunns' message is simple...

DO SOMETHING.

That's really it.

How he does it and how you do it may be different, but arguing over the "how" in this thread dulled the message.

I understand what Big Gunns is saying. I've been saying it too. Coming from the Philippines, it is really amazing the "luxuries" people enjoy over in the US, so much so that you see a lot of people more "internalized" - that is, more self-centered (I don't mean to use that word as an insult, I don't know what word to use in place of it to convey what I'm trying to say).

That is, more people are worried about themselves and their inner circle - the house, the car, the TV, football, etc. etc. and getting depressed so that they have to take medication to function. In the Philippines, it is very rare to see medicated psychological problems. You see people who go to the sea to fish in the morning for their day's meal - they catch a fish, they eat, they don't catch a fish, they starve, better luck tomorrow. These people are one of the happiest people I've met. They are social people - they help each other. Their challenges are so great that they don't sweat the small stuff - no need for zolopf there! I've seen a fisherman catch 2 fish - one for lunch, one for dinner. I walk by with my fishing pole empty (I'm a city woman) and the guy invites me to eat with his family. I'm wearing Nike shoes, a Lacoste shirt, a Tag Heuer watch - items that are probably worth more than the house the guy lives in. Yet he has no problem asking me to share his 2 fish with his family as he sees my empty fishing pole.

Experiencing that and living in America shaped my outlook in life. This world is not about me. This is about all of us - humans, animals, plants, everything. I'm just a speck of dust in the scheme of things. But, I know that as human beings, we are the only ones that have the capacity to reason... and CHANGE something.

So yeah, helping each other is a great cause. Everybody should do it. And helping wildlife is just as great - because we are the only ones that can affect change there.

So, the message is clear - GET OUT THERE AND DO SOMETHING.

THANK YOU BIG GUNNS for bringing a spotlight to this message on this forum.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by anatess

Big Gunns' message is simple...

DO SOMETHING.

That's really it.

How he does it and how you do it may be different, but arguing over the "how" in this thread dulled the message.

I understand what Big Gunns is saying. I've been saying it too. Coming from the Philippines, it is really amazing the "luxuries" people enjoy over in the US, so much so that you see a lot of people more "internalized" - that is, more self-centered (I don't mean to use that word as an insult, I don't know what word to use in place of it to convey what I'm trying to say).

That is, more people are worried about themselves and their inner circle - the house, the car, the TV, football, etc. etc. and getting depressed so that they have to take medication to function. In the Philippines, it is very rare to see medicated psychological problems. You see people who go to the sea to fish in the morning for their day's meal - they catch a fish, they eat, they don't catch a fish, they starve, better luck tomorrow. These people are one of the happiest people I've met. They are social people - they help each other. Their challenges are so great that they don't sweat the small stuff - no need for zolopf there! I've seen a fisherman catch 2 fish - one for lunch, one for dinner. I walk by with my fishing pole empty (I'm a city woman) and the guy invites me to eat with his family. I'm wearing Nike shoes, a Lacoste shirt, a Tag Heuer watch - items that are probably worth more than the house the guy lives in. Yet he has no problem asking me to share his 2 fish with his family as he sees my empty fishing pole.

Experiencing that and living in America shaped my outlook in life. This world is not about me. This is about all of us - humans, animals, plants, everything. I'm just a speck of dust in the scheme of things. But, I know that as human beings, we are the only ones that have the capacity to reason... and CHANGE something.

So yeah, helping each other is a great cause. Everybody should do it. And helping wildlife is just as great - because we are the only ones that can affect change there.

So, the message is clear - GET OUT THERE AND DO SOMETHING.

THANK YOU BIG GUNNS for bringing a spotlight to this message on this forum.

---

Quite frankly one of the BEST posts I've read online in a very long time. Thank you!!