December 14, 2011 - Christian Vegetarian Association Update Newsletters


	Update Newsletters

Update Newsletters
December 14, 2011

Annual Appeal

Activist Feedback

Essay: Some Victims Are More Equal Than Others

This Week’s Sermon from Rev. Frank and Mary Hoffman

1. Annual Appeal

Every year the Christian Vegetarian Association distributes over 150,000 booklets at Christian concerts, revivals, and other events. We couldn’t do this, as well as our other ministries (including developing and providing educational materials, managing a web site and discussion group) without member donations. Sustaining members receive the daily Take Heart! e-note and can get discounts on CVA materials.

To become a Sustaining Member, go to our membership page, and fill out the form, which will take you to the dues-paying section. Or, you can send a $25 (or larger) check to CVA,PO Box 201791, Cleveland, OH 44120. Donations to the CVA are tax-deductible.

2. Activist Feedback

Susan, who leafleted with Nili at World Vision/ A Christmas Spectacular in Dallas, TX, writes:

Our leafleting was very successful. Nili and I handed out 3 boxes of booklets [900 booklets]. Two people asked for more local information. One said he had gone vegan, due to health issues - and all his medical problems had cleared up. The other had been looking for information but didn't know there were so many groups and activities in Dallas.

So, it was very successful. We'll keep the extra box of booklets and use them in upcoming tabling.

Thanks!

Upcoming Activist Opportunities

12/19 CA Irvine Benny Hinn Monday Night Service
12/19 WI Manitowoc Kutless Very Merry Christmas Tour
12/27 TN Sevierville Casting Crowns Christian Rock Concert
12/30-31 VA Lynchburg Winterfest 2011
12/31 GA Duluth Gaither’s Jubilate
1/6/2012 WV Charleston Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular
1/6 TN Nashville 2012 World Conf. Morris Cerullo & Benny Hinn
1/7 NC Raleigh Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular
1/8 NC Charlotte Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular
1/12 FL Orlando Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular
1/13 FL Jacksonville Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular
1/14 FL Tampa Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular
1/14-15 AZ Phoenix Rage Music Festival 2012
1/15 GA Atlanta Winter Jam 2012 Tour Spectacular
1/21 OK Yukon The Hoppers Gospel
1/27-28 FL Miami Benny Hinn Miracle Crusade
2/2-3 AZ Phoenix Benny Hinn Miracle Crusade
3/8-9 NC Charlotte Benny Hinn Miracle Crusade
4/28-29 CT Hartford TABLE Connecticut Vegetarian & Healthy
Living Festival
5/20 CA Van Nuys TABLE WorldFest 2012

3. Essay: Some Victims Are More Equal Than Others

In a disturbing development, last month Arnold Christopher Lagergreen’s misdemeanor charge of trespassing was upgraded to a felony count for disrupting an “animal enterprise.” This evidently emanates out of the Animal Enterprises Terrorism Act, which levels far more serious charges against those engaged in civil disobedience targeting companies involved in harming animals. There are at least two major problems with AETA.

First, the Act’s wording includes “intimidation” as a felony offense. Intimidation is subjective and depends on the perspective of the “victim.” It would be easy for Joe the Furrier to claim that he feels “intimidated” if protestors were to shout, “Joe must be stopped!” Second, “animal enterprises” should not receive special status as victims. The only reason that such establishments enjoy greater protection is that AETA is designed to intimidate animal activists from engaging in misdemeanor civil disobedience or from doing anything that might be interpreted as a crime. Thanks to AETA, the law now regards corporate “persons” whose focus is the exploitation and abuse of animals as more valuable than other persons, including living, breathing ones.

In the United States, constitutional rights protect citizens from power-hungry government officials and those acting at the behest of the wealthy and powerful. I think we must all vigorously defend the rights of free speech, association, protest, etc., even when we happen to disagree with the positions of those whose basic freedoms are being challenged. Without these freedoms, all social justice movements – not just animal protectionism – become greatly impaired.

Stephen R. Kaufman, M.D.

4. This Week’s Sermon from Rev. Frank and Mary Hoffman

Experiencing True Joy
http://www.all-creatures.org/sermons97/s11dec88.html

Your question and comments are welcome

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