Insanity 101: The Mystery Animal Deaths Explained (or: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Fringe Crackpots but Were Afraid to Ask...)

Oh boy. Oh boy. Oh boy. My Blog Pals, take a moment to watch this video if you need a daily dose of pure lunacy. In it, Cindy Jacobs, a religious fanatic, blames the recent rash of mysterious animal deaths on the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell policies. It is well worth the two minutes and eleven seconds it takes to watch it.

Many of us who support animal rights are also avid human rights supporters. I personally rejoiced when the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010 was passed in Congress. Now it appears that the military is heading in a welcome direction, and that gays and lesbians in the armed forces will no longer be forced to go underground when it comes to their personal lives.

Unfortunately, some people disagree. Cindy Jacobs is one.

Fanaticism takes on lots of forms. Sometimes, it comes in the form of ideology. Sometimes, it manifests itself as violence. And here it comes in the form of a nutty little sermon, full of all kinds of loopy observations. It really has to be seen to be believed.

Sometimes I fool myself into thinking that people like this are only a bad figment of my imagination. Turns out they're all too real...

Food for Thought: A fascinating take on veganism from a respected spiritual leader...

Check out this video of Ben Ammi Ben-Israel, the respected spiritual leader of the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem. In this video, Ben Ammi explains why he became a vegan and ties it in with the origins of the human race as outlined in the Bible. It is a very compelling video and Ben Ammi manages - in a short time - to connect a whole lot of dots. Ben Ammi has a fascinating history. Born in Chicago in 1939 to a working-class family, he converted at age 22 to the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem. It's a wonderful group full of people who practice compassion on a daily basis and live in peaceful communities in Israel. As their Website explains:

The African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem are comprised of approximately 2,000 men, women and children residing in three development towns - Dimona, Arad and Mitzpe Ramon - in southern Israel. We maintain a vibrant culture which includes a communal lifestyle, a vegan diet, a system of preventive health care and high moral standards - a holistic approach to life based on righteousness. Our intent is to live according to the laws and prophecies of God.

Ben Ammi embraced the belief that African Americans are the descendants of one of the lost tribes of Biblical Israelites. Along with the other members of his religion, Ben Ammi has embraced nonviolence, social justice, communal living and - yep, you guessed it - veganism. They've been welcomed into Israel, where their communities thrive. In 2008, they were visited by Israeli president Shimon Peres, who began granting Israeli citizenship to the members. In fact, the followers of the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem were pioneering vegans. As their wonderful Website concludes:

After more than 40 years in the Holy Land, the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem have managed inarguable string of achievements: men who are capable, responsible and caring; women who are valued as equals and encouraged to achieve; children who are protected, nurtured and encouraged to grow and appreciate the Creation and respect their role in it; elders who are healthy, vital, revered for their wisdom and knowledge and expected to continue as integral, functioning parts of the community. These are the very tenants that once were the hallmarks of successful, progressive societies. Whatever might be said about the African Hebrew Israelites of Jerusalem, above all, it must be recognized as a tangible, viable and more importantly, righteous, alternative for those who long to see peace, justice, mercy, truth, love. Selah

We would all profit by learning the ways of this wise and peaceful group of people.