For Shame Shamu

Shamu, or one of his species held in captivity for our amusement, lived up to the name killer whale today. At Florida Sea World, a massive beast who had previously been involved in the death of two people in separate incidents dating back to the early nineties, killed its trainer. Whales are animals that the left goes out of the way to praise, protect by attacking whalers, and even save with ubiquitous bumper stickers because the animals supposedly possess preternatural aspects of character and immense intellect. This beast was not as smart as most family dogs who know enough not to bite the hand that feeds them. All I have to offer is the hope that this beast who has a propensity to take human lives is placed in a position where it can do no further damage. Shame on you, people who venerate animals beyond all else- like the idiot who earned late night appearances on Letterman and/or Leno before his bear companions devoured him. Shame on you, Shamu- bad whale.