Objection to Japan’s scientific whaling - Read the political protest issued by 29 nations to Japan

Humpbacks  Spared – For Now….

Under intense international pressure the Japanese government has announced that Japan has abandoned its plans to kill humpback whales in the Southern Ocean this season.   However, under the guise of “scientific research” Japan has resumed hunting endangered fin whales and minke whales and plans to kill 1,000 whales. International protests headed by Australia are mounting.  Shamefully, the United States has refused to participate in the demarche signed by 29 nations including the European Union.

At the International Whaling Commission in May 2007 Australia promised to send observation vessels to monitor the hunts.  They have kept their word.  An Australian icebreaker Oceanic Viking is monitoring Japan's whaling fleet to gather video and photographic evidence for a potential international court case against the annual hunt. Australia's foreign Minister said the mission would be linked with aerial surveillance.

Australia has led a group of 30 nations in lodging a diplomatic protest with the Japanese ambassador to Australia. Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said it was the largest single diplomatic protest yet against Japan's whaling program.  Shamefully, the United States refused to participate in the protest. Here is where we must apply pressure.

It is urgent that the United States government hear from us.  The United States is the current chair of the International Whaling Commission. We hold a pivotal position. We must be clear that we expect the United States to back the whaling protest at the upcoming International Whaling Commission in June 2008.  And to support Australia when it brings Japan before the international courts.

Contact your local representatives in Congress and the House of Representatives.  Contact President Obama.  And continue the pressure on the Japanese government.

We must capitalize on the growing intolerance of Japan’s brutality toward whales and dolphins.  Add your voice and save the whales.

U.S. President Barak H. Obama II
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Phone Numbers:
Comments: 202-456-1111
FAX: 202-456-2461
Email: comments@whitehouse.gov.

United States Senate
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

United States House of Representatives
http://www.house.gov

The Japanese Government
http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/forms/comment.html

The Japanese Embassy, Washington, D.C.
jicc@embjapan.org

If you live outside the U.S., you can find the Japanese Embassy in your country at:
http://www.embassyworld.com/embassy/Japan/Japan1.html

Below is a sample message. Please personalize your own message as you wish. We have found that phone calls and faxes are more effective than emails, but however you protest your voice will count.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I strongly urge you to support Australia and 30 other nations in protesting the killing of whales by Japan.   These animals are far too intelligent and magnificent to be harpooned and turned into meat. I urge you to stop the horrific slaughter of whales.