With this new prosecution, corrupt actors within the government are trying to spread fear through the movement of rescuers. Fifty-one people, many of whom have no criminal history and literally would not hurt a fly, will face serious felony charges for trying to save puppies from criminal torture or death. Even when we irrefutably demonstrate that the powerful are targeting the powerless with violent and criminal acts, the authorities refuse to stop them. And if you challenge this corruption, the powerful will target you, too. The message this is sending, on behalf of the criminal enterprises that the District Attorney represents, is rule by fear: ‘You will comply, or you will pay.’ It is truly a terrifying state of affairs.
WAYNE HSIUNG: On Independence Day, the Dane County authorities are defending tyranny… District Attorney Ismael Ozanne filed felony burglary charges against 47 additional people—teachers and firefighters, parents and lawyers—for the Ridglan rescue on March 15, bringing the total to 51 defendants. The timing was deeply ironic. Two-hundred and fifty years ago on this day, the founders of this nation dreamed in their Declaration of Independence of a nation that defended “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” Today, those who hold power will spend millions to defend a criminal industry that kills and cages desperate dogs. The distinguished philosopher Peter Singer called it a tyranny 50 years ago. And he was right. From the use of chemical weapons to the deadly force-feeding of laundry detergent, human beings rule these animals by fear.
Now, with this new prosecution, corrupt actors within the government are trying to spread this fear through the movement of rescuers. Fifty-one people, many of whom have no criminal history and literally would not hurt a fly, will face serious felony charges for trying to save puppies from criminal torture or death. We begged Ozanne to enforce the law and protect the dogs. He promised to look into things; to review our evidence; or even just to return our calls. And over and over, he broke his promise—then decided to target us when we acted within our rights to save the dogs. The message Ozanne is sending, on behalf of the criminal enterprises that he represents1, is rule by fear: “You will comply, or you will pay.”
It is truly a terrifying state of affairs — and one that has, for the last 20 years, radicalized my views on American government. We do not live in a functioning democracy. We do not even really live in a functioning state, at least when it comes to animals; that requires a state to follow its own rules. Even when we irrefutably demonstrate that the powerful are targeting the powerless with violent and criminal acts, the authorities refuse to stop them. And if you challenge this corruption, the powerful will target you, too. SOURCE
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