am an omnivore* and understand that animals die for my sustenance. That is why I do not begrudge hunters who kill abundant and even over-populated species for food. Especially those who let nothing go to waste. I have relatives who cull wild boar and deer populations and are very generous with the meat they get from the hunts.
But trophy hunting? No, that's pointless, sickening murder. Killing a threatened or endangered species in order to cut off its head or tail or tusks and put it on your wall is vile and disgusting. It's the mark of a psychopath who would really rather be able to murder people and get away with it, but isn't smart enough to avoid getting caught and doesn't want to risk the consequences. It's proof of a character so lacking in any redeeming qualities and a life devoid of any lessons except the feeding of one's ever greedier id, that murdering the planet's most beautiful and majestic living beings is the only way to feel like a real man. Except it only makes them more vile and worthless than they were before.
I would love for you to have 5 minutes alone with those wastes of skin. I think you'd find they aren't tough at all.
*And should anyone chime in saying factory farming is just as bad, I'll add my personal disclaimer...I am an omnivore and I am an animal lover and I hate factory farming. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you do you. I don't think human omnivores are any better or worse than any bear or lion or dog that eats meat. But since our species has found a way to succeed at the expense of our planet and all of its inhabitants, it is our duty to be better stewards. I am careful to purchase my meat from a local farm that lets its animals graze and wander around completely organic pastures. I've visited the farm, and I'm grateful for the work they do and the way they treat their animals and the land.
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