Friday, December 28, 2012

South Africa' s Jacob Zuma: Pet dogs are part of ' white culture'

Keeping dogs as pets 'is not African'... South Africa's president, Jacob Zuma, has declared having a pet dog is not African, and that black South Africans who buy a dog and take it for walks are copying white culture. Mr Zuma, 70, was speaking at a traditional event in KwaZulu-Natal province, his first public appearance since being re-elected president of the African National Congress a week ago. He described people who love dogs more than humans as "having a lack of humanity", Durban newspaper The Mercury reported. Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/world/keeping-dogs-as-pets-is-not-african-20121228-2bydg.html#ixzz2GMPckC2H
TELL - South African President Jacob Zuma , that his statements are disgusting! CONTACT Links - http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/ http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/pebble.asp?relid=65

41 comments:

  1. SOUTH AFRICAN PRESIDENT ZUMA ..states " Owning a pet is part of ‘white culture’ and people should focus on family welfare instead."
    South Africa' s Jacob Zuma: Pet dogs are part of ' white culture'
    Keeping dogs as pets 'is not African'... South Africa's president, Jacob Zuma, has declared having a pet dog is not African, and that black South Africans who buy a dog and take it for walks are copying white culture. Mr Zuma, 70, was speaking at a traditional event in KwaZulu-Natal province, his first public appearance since being re-elected president of the African National Congress a week ago. He described people who love dogs more than humans as "having a lack of humanity", Durban newspaper The Mercury reported.
    Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/world/keeping-dogs-as-pets-is-not-african-20121228-2bydg.html#ixzz2GMPckC2H
    http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/12/27/jacob-zuma-south-africa-pets/
    http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/africa/south-africa/121227/south-africas-jacob-zuma-says-owning-dog-un-african
    http://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20121227/API/1212270653?
    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/9767644/Jacob-Zuma-says-owning-a-dog-is-not-African.html


    ** TELL - South African President Jacob Zuma , that his statements are ignorant and disgusting! **
    CONTACT Links - http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/ http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/pebble.asp?relid=65

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    1. Actually the very first dog every can be traced to Egypt - the Saluki - which is known as the Royal Dog of Egypt. Many African tribes used Saluki's to hunt in early times. The comments made by South African President Zuma are ignorant and stupid. A wise man said we will be judged by how we treat animals, as will he be judged.

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    2. There is *nothing* disgusting about this statement IMHO. The focus of this statement (appears to me from the words used) to be on those "who love dogs more than humans". I strongly agree with his statement, as I live in a culture where many people spend hundreds of dollars every month on pet care yet still turn away from people begging on the streets, refusing to roll down their car windows & give away pocket change to those desperately in need of help & kindness. Since no harm to animals is advocated, the summary of this statement as somehow opposing animal rights is blatant overreaction based upon hyper-emotional interpretation of meaning not actually present within words used.

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    3. To Unknown: I've given many times to homeless but, only when they had a dog with them b/c I can almost bet that he's a good person and will share the money or food that I give him with the dog. If they don't have an animal many times they use it for cig's or booze and even if they don't how do I know that for sure? Lastly, we have many stupid people in this country USA that voted for Obama twice and their still without jobs or food so I have no sympathy for those people. If they think O is the messiah then so be it.

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    4. The whole damn thing is racist. Black people copying white culture? Seriously? I have a home in the United States for any white wanting to get out of South Africa while there is still time. This isn't about dogs, it's about "Kill Whitey." Bullshit political correctness keep people from stating the truth.

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  2. Frankly, this man has the right to speak his mind. The good news is that he is NOT advocating harm to dogs. My hope is that he will not be viewed as too popular with anyone who actually cares for their dog(s). Africans, in general, do and have worked with dogs for centuries prior to Europeans invading Africa. This is one statement I am willing to sit out and see if it takes on legs in S. Africa. I think he lost millions with the humanity statement, and offended more Africans than American whites with the "...people who love dogs more than humans as "having a lack of humanity".

    This is a man with an ax to grind and until he harms or calls for harm to come to ANY animal, let him talk.

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    1. If he is not advocating harm to dogs, then what is he advocating doing to them?

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    2. He is advocating harm to dogs and he has no idea what the heck he is talking about. There are lots of black people that love and care for their dogs just as there are white people. I know because I am one of them. Loving your pet is not a white thing but an animal lover thing. I hate to see abuse to a dog to any animal and this man is advocating and making it even harder for the poor animals who are already struggling and being abused at enormous rates. And he's making black people look uncaring. I resent this man's statements very much and I wish he'd keep his stupid opinions to himself and stop spreading animal abuse.

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  3. We should not value animals above humans, no, but I have seen pictures of pet dogs and cats on EGYPTIAN wall sculptures. Last time I looked, Egypt was still in Africa! And the cat was first domesticated in Egypt, or didn't you know that?! And Orientals, who are not 'white' either, have also kept pet dogs and cats for millennia! Not to mention the inestimable benefits that accrue to a person owning one or more dogs and/or cats! Why don't you ZUMA into the 21st century and enlighten yourself?!

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  4. Animals should be treasured as gifts from God - ths man is ignorant and if he doesnt want a dog or cat in his life than so be it - somebody like him and so many others that do have animals should not have them - There are so many instances were an animal should be valued more than some of the humans that walk this earth!

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    1. Too right. I can vouch for that. Confucius (or someone like him) once said "It is better to keep one (1) cat than many mice." Our dogs are also early warning systems for us people cowering in our walled, fenced, electrified residences to try and protect ourselves from some of those who don't want to own dogs and who will use stuff like "two step" to poison the dogs who protect the ones they love and who love them. Is that what "White" means and should it be despised? Apparently so according to Zuma.

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  5. TO MARY SINACORE.

    I AGREE 100% WITH YOUR COMMENTS... IN SO MANY CASES NOW ANIMALS HAVE A NICER SIDE TO THEM THAN MANY MANY HUMANS..
    I FIND IT HORRIFIC & VERY SAD THE AMOUNT OF CRUELTY THAT GOES ON IN WHAT SEEMS LIKE A DAILY BASIS, PLUS ALL THE ATROCITIES IN CHINA & ELSEWHERE IN THAT PART OF THE WORLD, SKINNING ALIVE, TORTURE TO BE EATEN..
    YES I AM AN ANIMAL LOVER & ALWAYS WILL BE.. IT IS A FREE WORLD & THAT IS MY CHOICE.. ANIMAL WELFARE !

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    1. Samantha, I so agree with you. B/c of so much cruelty by humans I trust and love animals more than people except those that share my views.

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  6. Compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind.

    Dr. Albert Schweizer

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    1. That's a great quote! It's a shame that he doesn't love animals the way that most of us do. People with animals have lower stress and blood pressure than others. They are wonderful for our physical (walking them keeps us active) and emotional health. By telling his nation they shouldn't care about animals he's denying many stray animals the safety, love, and food they'd enjoy in a human home. It's not a racial issue. Humans have been domesticating dogs and cats for thousands of years because it's mutually beneficial!

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  7. Dear President Zuma, I would like to respectfully reply to your remarks about the keeping of dogs as pets. I admittedly do not know enough about African culture, but I do know that many studies on the benefits of having pets have been done through the years. It has been proven time and again that the health, anti-depression and anti-stress benefits of having a pet are very real. I don't believe that my personal love for my pet dog detracts from my love of my family, but rather enhances it. Compassion is not only for one species, but spills over into all relationships, so I believe that my care for my dog helps my family and my community through my attitudes. Dogs have been a part of human culture for thousands of years in every part of the world. They help us raise farm and ranch animals and protect our homes and children. They teach us unconditional love. Please re-evaluate your position on this issue. The endorsement of our governments toward anything that promotes compassion is needed in this world. Thank you for your time and attention.

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  8. Perhaps HE lacks empathy. I have never met a person who did not like animals who was a nice person. That in its self speaks volumes! I love my dogs. however if my son and my dog were in danger I would try to save my son first. THAT is human. He just has no idea what that must be like. I pity the African's who listen as they will lose what loves them the most.

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  9. His attitude is just an indication of the ignorance centralized around him.
    As for "targetting", are you purposely misspelling it? http://www.dumbtionary.com/word/targetting.shtml

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  10. Somobody tell that zouma that animals are "travellers" of this planet exactly the same like humans , their wright to live is not a matter of negociation, culture or anybody's opinion but it is a matter of coexistance, having wrights, personality and first of all, they are indipentent beings more than SOME who speak about them allthough they don't have the generosity to live WITH them but LIVING BY them.

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  11. I live in a developing county, and the animals here are so lucky to have Americans here. They rescue and donate and help dogs and cats in so many ways. And sadly enough the animals of Americans eat much better than most children here. This is what can cause animosity,when animals eat fresh salmon and quail eggs and fresh ground steak and sometimes the children go hungry. Americans also help the people here as well...

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    1. Why don't you help your own country because unless we are stealing from you what we do with OUR money is OUR business. I have far too often seen first hand the resentment "developing Countries" express towards the USA when we intercede to help. I have also far too often seen the money and resources sent to help wind up in the coffers of corrupt politicians. I have traveled to many third world countries where I was berated because of my nationality.I now spend my time, money and emotions on rescuing animals (mostly dogs and cats) whenever possible.

      Re: Jacob Zuma. He is part of the ANC and is a communist. As such he cares little for human life and of course less for non-human. He has no spirituality and as far as I can tell has no soul...What do you expect from such a man.

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  12. If South African President Zuma really wants to rid South Africa of "white culture," perhaps he should consider returning the $541 million in aid that the US provided to his country in 2009. South Africa is the secnd largest foreign assistance recipient on the continent.

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    1. Well said Mary. He is building himself a huge mansion. Maybe he should go live in a mud hut again. Only problem is that his plenty wives will not accept.

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  13. " The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its ANIMALS are treated" Mahatma Gandhi, Nuff said

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  14. I think Zuma is an idiot. I grew up in South Africa and my beloved Lena loved dogs, and because of her I am an animal lover and advocate.

    When Lena retired my mom and I went to visit her and she a dog who she loved.

    Saying pets are for whites is racist.

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  15. White or black, pink, red or yellow - color doesn't have anything to do with having a pet animal. Having a pet dog or cat has everything to do with having love for another living creature! Let Mr. Zuma take care of all animals in South Africa, where tame lions are being shot in compounds, where rhino's are being killed for their worthless but priceless horns, even the gentle giraffes are being killed as hunting trophies. And Mr. Zuma dares to say anything about the relation between a person and his pet? What would Mandela say to something like this?

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  16. I am disabled and my dog is my "right hand". Without him, my independence would be threatened, I wouldn't be able to live at the level he enables me to do. My kids get 'too busy' but, my dog is always there, willing, ready and able to do what is needed. I think Zuma is way off base here. Maybe he should see how much they help in so many different ways. Look at the cattle industry, they rely on dogs to help, its costs less then hiring somebody and they are more reliable. And they really help the disabled in so many different ways, not just for the blind, they can be trained in so many different ways!! They defiinitly are a gift from God!!!

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  17. JRZGRl1 I agree with you 100%. I don't trust humans unless they have the same view as I have.

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  18. Perhaps he should go back and lives like his ancestors, walking without shoes no car no clothes no nothing because everything he owns come from the WHITE culture even the soap he uses, Perhaps he would like to wash in the river and use a certain grass as soap

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  19. To each their own; after all, not everyone can have children. Additionally, those who have families often find having a pet an asset in teaching children responsibility. I do believe humans should come first, but I also believe having a loving pet can teach a human more about love than some humans can.

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  20. Disgusting? I believe the correct word is 'entertaining'. This guy is funny.

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  21. Maybe I do respect my dogs more than humans. My dogs don't rape babies as the South African witch doctors tell the Africans to do to cure them from aids. My dogs don't burn down schools. My dogs don't rob Banks. My dogs don't come in the night and rob and murder people. My dogs don't hi-jack cars. My dogs are not corrupt and steal State money. My dogs don't litter in the streets and lute shops. To care for a dog is a human thing. Humans that are respectful, take care of animals. So, mr. Zuma, it is time to evolve!

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  22. He also said :
    Pres. Jacob Zuma of South Africa said that if you take a shower after unprotected sex you will not contract HIV.

    No comment. He is a moron !!!!!

    To all of you that bring up caring for animals and not people I will say. Everyone will help child in need but most people will pass an animal. That's why I am concentrating on helping those that don't have voice, not that I wouldn't help person.

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  23. To: The Presidency Republic of South Africa
    Re: President Zuma's remarks about owning a pet being a part of 'white culture' and people should focus on family welfare instead.

    I understand President Zuma’s desire to make family welfare a priority, but I think he misunderstands the relationship between people and animals.

    It is proven that sharing your life with a pet improves health and promotes healing. It gives us strength to endure hardships and reminds us what truly has value in our lives.

    These relationships do not replace or interfere with family welfare, they aid it. Pets teach us how to give and receive unconditional love. They remind us of the importance of the simple things in life.

    Pets become part of our families and the love we share with them knows no limits. In a world that constantly teaches us to keep our guards up, that often makes us feel helpless and victimized, where to survive we must accept loss and to learn to live with pain and suffering, we need all the genuine, unconditional love we can get. Pets can offer us this companionship and teach us to trust again.

    I recently watched Luke Gamble's Vet Adventures when he visited Malawi to volunteer his services. People lined up by the dozens to bring their animals to see him, many of them were children with their dogs. They held their animals and gently reassured them as they waited patiently. It was so moving to see the bond between them.

    These people have so little, so what they do have means so much. These animals really mean the world to them. Such beautiful relationships are so valuable and they should be encouraged. Perhaps the compassion we learn from sharing our lives and our homes with animals will be the common ground on which all people can meet.

    “Love of animals is a universal impulse, a common ground on which all of us may meet. By loving and understanding animals, perhaps we humans shall come to understand eachother” Lois J. Camuti


    Sincerely,

    Jaime Noddings

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  24. Dogs have been interacting with "humans" for over 10,000 years. They have aided "humans" in hunting, farming, guard work, military work, cart/sled pulling, police work and are now aiding "humans" in the medical field (better than the expensive equipment us "humans" designed), being the arms and eyes and ears for physically impaired "humans" as well as giving unconditional love and support as companions to "humans" in their daily lives. Being in the company of dogs teach our "human" children the important lessons of birth and death and responsibility. Dogs are wonderful reminders to us "humans" that objects and possessions come and go and really have no impact on our souls and bettering us as individuals. Dogs are honest and simple thinkers that enjoy life and love to play and keep many "humans" company to ease them from feeling so alone and unloved to the point where they don't want to carry on. Dogs are beautiful animals that "humans" selectively breed from wolves to help us evolve and understand the world around us from a more natural perspective. All animals, dogs, cats, horses, sheep, chipmunks, birds, goats, bears, elephants, lions etc all share this beautiful planet with us "humans" that are ruining this planet slowly to the point that soon none of us will be able to live on it. Us "humans" are lucky to be able to share our space with these amazing creatures that understand balance and freedom. Us "humans" have a lot to learn from them! It's a shame that President Zuma's comment is so uneducated. It makes him smaller. It is possible to love "humans" and dogs. And to respect ALL life around us. It would also be nice for all individuals to share our cultures with one another. Especially the brilliant race (I believe it was the Egyptians) that be-friended the wolves to give us these wonderful animals to teach and remind us how to keep it real... dogs.

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  25. Why do the two have to be mutually exclusive? Why is it (apparently to President Zuma) "White" to own and care for an animal? Can I not love humans AND animals? I can have a child of my own and my heart is "full" of love toward it, but then I can have another child, and I will love both with the fullness of my heart, not half as much for each. It is the wonderful thing about Love, it can expand exponentially.

    Dogs were bred with a purpose by cultures other than, and independently of 'white culture'. What might have been more accurate for him to say would have been 'modern culture'.
    In reference to his comment "black South Africans who buy a dog and take it for walks are copying white culture", I would say, why? Because they exercise their animal? As I said dogs were mostly bred for a purpose, but whether that was Hunting, Retrieving, Ratting, Sledding, Shepherding, etc.... they have all had one thing in common for millennia, companionship. In 'modern culture' often a dogs only purpose is companionship. Therefore, if they are not out chasing cattle/sheep, or protecting herds, they will need exercise.
    As for saying "people who love dogs more than humans have a lack of humanity", maybe, but that is a pretty broad statement that I am sure would not apply to many people. I Love my dogs more than a lot of people, does that mean I wouldn't help someone in need? Certainly not. Animals give us unconditional love, even a mistreated animal craves the affection of it's owner, and will often still give that love and affection even when it has been treated horrendously. I can't say that I would do the same. I'm not Mother Theresa, or a dog.

    President Zuma is an ignorant, uneducated, racist, misinformed, ridiculous fool. Just look into other things he has said, and believes.
    I would remind President Zuma of a favourite quote of mine that has been attributed to different people but nevertheless very much applies to him: "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt."

    President Zuma.......I have absolutely no doubt, that you, are a fool.

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  26. I said that when Nelson Mandela came to power , South Africa and the ANC in particular would have 10-15 years to get 4 main issues sorted out . Decent Roads, Health System, Utilities and Governance.

    Unfortunately the ANC have done none of these things. An abject failure of Leadership and Ability. So in the end all Zuma has left are the thoughts of a fool.

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  27. Mr Zuma put on your goat skin cause that suit is part of "white culture" ... while you at it go live in a hut cause that house is also "white culture" Maybe you should go back to school and learn about the History of Africa ... "The Basenji Dog Breed, originating on the continent of Africa, basenji-like dogs have lived with humans for thousands of years. Dogs resembling modern Basenjis can be seen on stelae in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs, sitting at the feet of their masters." I'm part of the white South African culture but I think I'm more African than you.

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  28. Como sempre zuma fala sem pensar revelando o seu carater ignorante e estupido , como no caso do estrupo de uma mulher soropositivo que ao ser questionado por comete-lo o mesmo disse não haver problemas pois havia tomado banho apos a relação , o que esperar de uma criatura dessas .

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