By Greg R. Lawson, Director of Communications, United States Sportsmen’s Alliance
Even with the controversy over the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) president’s recent comments about Michael Vick are raising eyebrows, the animal right’s group is on the verge of getting a quarter of a million dollars from Pepsi!
Many sportsmen will remember the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) alert that Pepsi was about to give $250,000 to HSUS through a monthly online voting contest at www.refresheverything.com.
As of press time, there is still no official announcement of the outcome; however, HSUS remains listed as a “finalist”. Barring something completely unforeseen, it looks very likely to receive a $250,000 grant.
In the meantime, it is important to reflect on what this means. HSUS basically continues to “mainstream” itself and works to sanitize its image.
The clever folks at HSUS know that it is unlikely they could raise millions upon millions of dollars if they are perceived as a big time lobbyist association. But, if they are seen to be “rescuing animals from cruelty in underserved areas,” which is the focus of the Pepsi grant, they will get people to open their wallets.
Will HSUS use the $250K to help rescued animals as their application indicates? Probably.
Of course, with over $150 million in assets, it seems strange that they really needed that $250,000 to do something so obvious to the countless local humane shelters across the nation. Why weren’t they spending that amount before?
It has been the topic of many articles and blogs that HSUS spends a small amount of that huge budget on direct animal care and spends the lion’s share on lobbying and campaigns.
We know that HSUS spent over $250,000 to defeat a pro-hunting constitutional amendment on the ballot in Arizona this November. They also spend many times that on other issues and lobbying efforts harmful to sportsmen.
Those are HSUS’ true colors. By potentially getting this grant, HSUS is merely able to reap the benefits of good PR while keeping their “stock of ammunition” aimed at sportsmen and farmers.
This means that many people will never look beneath the surface at the agenda of HSUS. They won’t pay attention to HSUS’ attacks on responsible dog breeders. They won’t pay attention to their efforts to oppose the delisting of many fully recovered animals from the Endangered Species List. They won’t pay attention to HSUS’ nationwide campaign of attacks on traditional farming practices.
Simply put, HSUS will appear as mainstream an organization as the Red Cross. And that is a danger. It’s a danger sportsmen, farmers and all citizens need to keep banding together to fight.
By the way, for those of you that are interested, it has come to the USSA’s attention that a group with a good cause is in the running for another $250,000 grant from Pepsi. The American Freedom Lodge is looking to buy and refurbish a cabin that will be used to house disabled veterans that the group takes on its annual deer and turkey hunts.
