Every year the people of Japan look forward to the flowering of cherry blossoms. Parties are held as people flock to view this glorious natural event. Their spirits are lifted and they gain a deeper appreciation of the world in which they live.
Every year the people of Australia look forward to the annual migration of humpback whales along our coastline. Pregnant females give birth in sheltered bays, then nurse and protect their calves. Males compete for the favors of the females with long, complex songs and spectacular leaps into the air. On hearing of whales frolicking close to shore, Australians rush to observe them. Whale-watching boat tours are crowded with eager tourists and local spectators. Their spirits are lifted and they gain a deeper appreciation of the world in which we live.
Japan plans to kill 50 humpbacks in Southern waters next year. The Japanese do not understand how we can allow kangaroo shooting while wanting the whales protected. For us, the whales are the equivalent of the cherry blossom festival, and killing the whales is the same as bulldozing cherry trees.
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