A POLITICAL MANIFESTO IN FAVOR OF AN EMERGING IDEOLOGY THAT WILL DEFINE THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY For most, the term "animal welfare" refers to a benevolent and somewhat quirky lifestyle. It is presented as an excessive emotional attachment to animals, usually to pets, kittens, and puppies. Political Animal Welfare goes beyond this well-meaning behavior. Our fundamental position is that now the human attitude towards animals will determine all major political issues. The protection of animals, their welfare, and their liberation from human bondage will ultimately decide whether we have war or peace, democracy or authoritarianism, prosperity or poverty. This claim certainly seems exaggerated. It does not rest on any of our experiences. We do not easily accept that the relationship between humans and animals is significant for politics. We have relegated animals to the sidelines, as fluffy comforts, sacks of raw materials, and attractions. This may be the world we inherited. But it is not the one we will deliver. Whoever condemns violence condemns both war and the torture of animals. Whoever fights for justice fights not only for human rights but also for animal rights. Whoever cares about the salvation of our planet must also desire the salvation of animals. From the preface by ROBERT GABEL It is the fate of every truth to be ridiculed before it is recognized. Once, the thought that people of color are real humans and deserve humane treatment was considered foolishness. This "foolishness" is now self-evident truth. Today, the view that every living creature—even the simplest form of life—has moral standing is considered excessive. But the time will come when people will be astonished that humanity took so long to recognize that it is not possible to consider "moral" the reckless harm against any form of life. ALBERT SCHWEITZER