Regarding the Nov. 18 article "Japan prepares to hunt humpbacks for first time since '63": I live in Hervey Bay, Queensland, which calls itself the "Whale Watching Capital." I am 71 years old and, with my older husband, recently assisted local artist Jorge Pujol and a great many others in arduously assembling an artistic protest installation against commercial and scientific whaling. Five thousand candles were assembled on a field to form the outlines of a mature whale with her living young and another lying in its own blood. Above them were the words "Let Them Be." Local Aborigines opened the ceremony, and we lit the candles from the Aborigines' torch.
This was a heartfelt gesture that expressed the deep grief we feel at the cruel slaughter of these beautiful giants. I did not go to see the whales this year because the sadness was unbearable -- knowing that they had nursed their young in the shelter of the bay only to head south to drawn-out agony and death.
I have always loved Japan. My adult life was largely dedicated to the antinuclear movement. I love Japanese writing, painting, films and music. I can't believe that the majority of Japanese people support the brutal and outdated practice of whaling. My own ancestors were whalers. None of their descendants continues with that profession.
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