The Romans’ enjoyed their gladiators, as their society crumbled. Has America come to that?
When the biggest film hit of the year is about teenagers killing each other for the enjoyment of the masses... When kids around the world massacre each other daily online in video games such as Warcraft... Perhaps it is time for the world’s most idealistic and moral movement, the environmental movement to give in. Meet Pete Bethum and his holy warriors!
Backed by a slick media presentation, Pete Bethum and his heavily armed mercenaries seem intent on changing the face of a historically peaceful movement. This “eco-hero”, who first lost his ship on TV, then became a media darling when his foolishness won him time in a Japanese prison. This is our next gun-toting hero?
Have we finally gone mad as a society? Just because the man looks good in a wetsuit, has tattoos, and a high “TV Q” doesn’t mean its ok?
I have been in the eco-business for over thirty years, and have been on the front lines with activists from around the world. “Violence” against humans is and was never condoned. Anyone who has been with the movement knows the responsibility to always keep the moral high ground. Difficult as it might be, those of us involved want to win the war, and the only way to do that is to not become “them”. “Them” kills, whales, dolphins, and humans... whether directly or indirectly. From what I see, Pete Bethum is becoming “them”.
I have no real opinion of Captain Pete Bethum other than his own press. I have never served with him, and I wasn’t involved in the Ady Gil controversy. I have been to Antarctica three years as a SSCS officer, but I was not there when Pete lost his ship.
I only know the facts: Pete’s ship was rammed by a Japanese whaler, and suffered enough damage that it was lost. No one was injured as the captain and crew were on deck waving and taunting the approaching whaler. Why a ship that went 40+ knots was sitting dead in the water during a confrontation initiated by Captain Bethum is a question to be argued, and I don’t care. What I care about is how this glorious record allows this man to speak for the environmental movement. How is he morally allowed to pose and threaten “bad guys” with automatic weapons on behalf of individuals like me? The reason is, because the media loves him. He’ll make great TV!
To hell with the environment. TV means dollars, so get out the way. People love to view train wrecks, and Pete Bethum and his buddies are a giant engine heading down hill. You can bet the same folks that bring you shows glorifying the killing of near extinct species... and other “dangerous catch-type” shows, are the ones Pete is pitching.
I understand that if it “bleeds it leads” in the news, and I know people watch me on Whale Wars hoping to see me get whacked, but let’s remember: REALITY TELEVISION... two words, half is true. It is TV!
So Pete and his buddies should leave the weapons to the authorities who have the training and responsibility to use them. If they still insist on playing navy seals then they should do TV, fiction TV,... you know James Bond. Let’s leave the eco business to those with the passion and courage of their convictions, those who are smart enough to realize that it is the ECO-business, not the EGO-business.
For those catching Animal Planet’s “Viking Shores” imagine who would be more successful? Pete Bethum and his warriors blasting a shore in his war canoe killing whalers in his path, or Sea Shepherd’s Deb with her logic, persistence and charm? I’m sure TV would go with Pete, I hope we as humans are better than that.
When looking at the media, I am afraid we have met the enemy and it is us!