Article in SF Chronicle

Brummie said:

Boy!There's a lot of venom in some of those comment's.
I can never understand people who have this distaste for animal's. It seem's like they would prefer to live in a sterile enviroment. Take all animal's away, and they would see what a sad and pathetic creature man is! Just my opinion.

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The Internet is a wonderful thing; but it has its negative aspects.

One of the negatives is the fact that it gives an unfettered outlet to some grouchy people whose screeds, in the past, would have had to get past a reasonable editor; or past some other vetting process.

A lot of the people who say nasty things to others on the Internet would be too timid to ever say them to one’s face; they only do it here because it’s easy and largely anonymous. We should always ignore that stuff, and – [upcoming bird reference!] – let it roll off our backs like water off a duck.

And, let's face it: there’s a lot of ignorance out there when it comes to pigeons. It seems to me that PT, and people like Elizabethy, are trying to change that and inform the public.

On the plus-side: most natural, good-natured human-types have instincts that inform them as to what the real truth is about the various things that are presented to them. I’m sure that most who read the article will realize the goodness in what Elizbethy is trying to do.

I think it has always been that the "news" usually gets things at least partly wrong. But in recent years, that has seemed to be getting worse. Folks are becoming cynical and suspicious with regard to the news media; and instances like this just escalate that state of affairs.

-Aggie

I commented what is typed below .... as well as emailed the writer a personal letter.

floridaluv4/22/2009 10:02:55 AM

Isn't the whole point of committing to write about such a situation, as in a Rescue (of any kind), to help educate the public about the situation? This organization has devoted countless hours and money into saving the lives of their rescued birds. What saddens me the most, is that it was undermined so much so, that not even a mention of it was made.
You are right in the fact that, the majority of people may only look at pigeons as pests, but that is where the education comes in. Education, that when done correctly, could possibly change the readers perspective of a situation. Education, that when a person hears the countless stories and good will of people across the Nation learning about the conservation and education of pigeons, they then in return decide to take part in it. Personally I am very thankful to the many rescues that make the commitment, to a wide collection of animals around the world. They ALL deserve a standing ovation for their hard work and dedication!