Liam Neeson vs. Yao Ming
Opinion
Whether we like it or not, celebrities have the power to influence public opinion in areas that have nothing to do with their careers – gun control, abortion, poverty, disease and, of course, animal rights. Many have used their voices to advance justice for animals; a few have helped to turn back the clock.
Liam Neeson, for example, has campaigned aggressively in support of NYC’s inhumane horse-drawn carriage trade, attempting to convince the public that the horses have good lives. He has used his voice to turn public opinion against the advocacy groups, reversing in a matter of weeks much of the progress made over several years in changing the hearts and minds of New Yorkers. It is moments like these when we wish celebrities would mind their own business.
Then there’s basketball star Yao Ming who is using his voice (and his 7’6 height) to convince Chinese people to stop buying ivory, which has led not only to the decimation of elephant populations but also to untold sorrow and suffering for the hundreds of thousands of elephants who have lost family members. Mr. Ming’s anti-shark finning advocacy has cut shark fin consumption in half in China, and his 30 second public service announcement about elephant orphans could make the same happen with ivory:
I liked Liam Neeson until he came out in favor of the horse carriage industry. He either does not care about the horses or he is totally clueless about how they live when they are not breathing carbon monoxide fumes on NYC streets. With some luck “Lady Karma” will visit Mr. Neeson and he will be the next horse carriage injury/fatality.
Natasha Richardson is probably rolling in her grave over Liam’s stance on NYC horse-drawn carriages. She, her sister Joely, and her Mom Vanessa Redgrave are/were all animal and human rights activists. I hope Mr. Neeson changes his tune. Horses don’t belong on the streets of New York City.
Liam Neeson should stick to acting and advocate for animal freedoms, not animal slavery . He should be ashamed of himself !
Well Neeson is not best known for his animal rights record. Remember this? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2096622/Call-boycott-Liam-Neeson-admits-ate-wolf-stew-prepare-latest-role.html
It is shame about Liam Neeson as I like him as an actor. The funny thing is I don’t even think he lives here. How does he know how the horses are treated? It is great when celebrities use their power for good, but it’s so unpredictable how they’ll behave I wish people would stop listening to what a celebrity has advocated for and instead use their own minds. That would be a nice change.