The Not-So-Great Apes
According to Deborah Durham,
Of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals,
"Great apes have complex mental and emotional lives."
OK. I'll give her the benefit of that doubt,
But I'm not sold on this statement being the basis
For her conclusion that chimps shouldn't be tortured and killed.
After all, if their DNA is, as I've read, somewhere,
98.7% similar to that found in human chromosomes,
It would certainly argue, as I see it,
For continuing to use orangutans, gorillas, bonobos, chimps
As human guinea pigs,
Just the ticket for tricky experiments with lethal side effects.
The goal is to cure lives, isn't it?
And wouldn't you rather have Bonzo bite the dust than us?
We're not a bunch of Dr. Mengeles, you know.
And if this means keeping them caged, irradiating them,
Injecting potentially toxic stuff leading, ultimately,
To new chemotherapy cures for cancers, so be it.
Where I draw the line with Debbie's plea for mercy
Is when she says, of chimpanzees, etc.,
"When taught to use language, they make jokes, tell lies,
"Describe their dreams and even discuss death.
They form rich, long-lasting friendships,
Share cultural traditions and are aware of their own interests."
Come on Bull Durham...I didn't just tumble off the turnip truck!
Don't you think that's taking things too damn far?
If chimps can do all that, then doesn't it make perfect sense
That one of them should be able to get itself elected
As President of the United States?
Hey, wait! Come to think of it,
Isn't that just what happened in Florida's 2000 election?
This, it seems to me, would be the best reason yet
For caging, torturing, and killing the great apes.
07/30/08 - (1)
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