For those who may be wondering why I advocate fighting hsus and not peta, here is why.
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IMO -- Voter referendums are where those opposed to hunting can do the most damage. The hsus has successfully pushed at least 11 measures restricting or banning hunting and trapping practices in recent times.
1) During the two most recent voter referendum campaigns against hunting ( Maine 2004, Michigan 2006 ), the hsus*** was responsible for appx. ninety percent of the financial support for both of these efforts.
You can review the Maine reports here. Click the reports and search schedule A for the info
http://www.mainecampaignfinance.com/public/report_list.asp?TYPE=PAC&ID=1389&LIMIT=&YEAR=2004
The Michigan report appears to be unavailable at this time. Also it is enormous as, ( unlike in Maine where donations of $50 or less were consolidated ), it lists everyone that donated at least one dollar.
In both situations you will likely not find any official contributions listed from peta. This does not mean that them or their followers weren't supportive of these efforts to ban hunting practices.
*** In 2004 the hsus and fund for animals were separate entities, but merged shortly after their 2004 campaign. Thus the 90% that I previously referenced above includes both groups.
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2) While peta often engages in outrageous publicity stunts which attract attention, the hsus is much more covert about how they appear in the public eye. While Ingrid Newkirk may cover herself with fake blood and writhe around on the floor of a department store which sells fur as part of a protest, Wayne Pacelle is more likely to be found in a business suit bringing his case against a particular hunting practice in front of a legislative committee. In essence, the blue collar criminal (peta) is in a ski mask and sticks out while the white collar criminal (hsus) is in a business suit and blends in. Both however are still criminals.
The following web link paints IMO a very accurate comparison between hsus and peta.
http://www.arbreptiles.com/extremists.shtml
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3) Since 2004, the hsus has "absorbed" several smaller groups including the fund for animals and Doris Day animal league. Their finances are much greater than peta's and can spend much more money financing campaigns against hunting.
Remember this ...
http://www.ussportsmen.org/Read1.cfm?ID=1435&programdocs=AH
and this
http://www.ussportsmen.org/Read1.cfm?ID=1849&programdocs=AH
and this
http://www.ussportsmen.org/Read1.cfm?ID=2158&programdocs=AH
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While peta is politically active in Europe, in the U.S. the amount of time and money they spend on political campaigns is pale in comparison to what the hsus will spend.
Much of peta's money that is donated goes to its foreign operations, or to its slush fund known as the foundation to support animal protection.
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If you go to ...
http://www.guidestar.org
...and search peta, Humane Society of the United States, you can find tax reports on where their money goes. You will have to register to view the reports, but it should be free.
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In essence peta is a decoy while the hsus does the real dirty work against hunting here in the states.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that peta should be totally ignored, but when the busty bimbo in the skimpy outfit is wiggling her assets (peta) you might just discover afterwards when it's too late that you've been pickpocketed by someone (hsus). When you are aware of the deception you can better expose it.