Animal Defenders of Westchester (ADOW) is proud to endorse George Latimer for Congress.Mr Latimer has worked hard to cut taxes and fight for civil rights and racial equality. As a state representative, Latimer passed an assault weapons ban and universal background checks, sponsored legislation on housing, invested hundreds of millions in our communities and infrastructure plus rebuilding our roads and bridges and the community’s decades-neglected Memorial Field, making it ‘the Jewel of Mt. Vernon.’ He created thousands of new units of affordable housing, and made the County Bus system free during the summers and holidays. Latimer has taken executive action to lower property taxes, strengthen healthcare, worked to protect reproductive rights for women, and for marriage equality.
But despite his busy schedule meeting the needs of his constituents, he always found a moment to help the most profoundly voiceless residents as well.Most notably, Latimer introduced a bill curtailing the blatantly pro-slaughter actions of the NYSDEC – a unfair, wildly discriminatory ‘environmental’ agency established almost 100 years ago, staffed solely with hunters by law, specifically barring non-hunters – creating a biased pro-slaughter agenda.
Instead, Latimer’s bill, called the Right to Know bill, calls for prior notice to the public before DEC wildlife slaughters, public meetings, and providing information on humane alternatives. Latimer also was a leading voice for clean waterways, stopping animal-user circuses and facilitating adoptions from animal shelters.Sadly, Rep. Bowman chose to ignore our simple request for his position on humane treatment for animals. We just weren’t important enough for him to respond – even though in 2024 worldwide governments are now addressing the issue of decent treatment for sentient, intelligent beings who are horribly mistreated due to greed, ignorance and apathy; they realize animals have the same pain-producing nervous system as us, they love their babies as we love ours. Great leaders don’t only respond to special interest groups and favored causes. Great leaders stand up to all injustice – even to the most helpless, least powerful residents, even the ones who can’t vote. But we can vote for them.
Animal advocates are everywhere, in every country on earth. We are changing the world.We lobby government officials, we run for office, we are game changers and policy makers; we’ve passed state laws: We are a force to be reckoned with. This is not a new effort; creating humane legislation began centuries ago.We have heroes speaking for animals: “We must fight against the spirit of unconscious cruelty with which we treat the animals. Animals suffer as much as we do. True humanity does not allow us to impose such sufferings on them.” ~Albert Schweitzer
“Heaven is by favor; if it were by merit your dog would go in and you would stay out.” ~ Mark Twain
“Never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the wellbeing of a person or animal is at stake.’ ~ Dr. Martin Luther King
“We cannot have peace among men whose hearts find delight in killing any living creature. By every act that glorifies or even tolerates such moronic delight in killing, we set back the progress of humanity.” ~ Rachel Carson
Those of us who help animals frequently help ‘people’ causes; we have compassion for suffering no matter who is the recipient. A caring heart is a caring heart – it does not discriminate. Intelligent politicians help all unfortunate inhabitants – not just the ones who can vote for them.
Politicians need to understand that we are an enduring movement and a voting bloc. Change takes time: It took women almost 100 yrs to get the vote in this country…but the right course is in front of us.
For Rep. Bowman, or any persons seeking public office, we suggest that if someone asks you a humane question – or any reasonable question – you should answer; it’s what great leaders do. There’s a Biblical phrase about not forgetting to “acknowledge strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” It’s just a matter of showing people respect.
George Latimer has served this state honorably as a champion for its quality of life. He works hard to make this a welcoming, decent place for all its residents – even the littlest. In addition to the multitude of endorsements he’s already received, we humbly and heartfeltly add our own.
Kiley Blackman,
FounderAnimal Defenders of Westchester
