To Whom It May Concern
… and quite frankly it should concern us all.
I spent 45 years involved at the highest level of the Sea Shepherd organization. For the record: I was always a volunteer and often supplied my own assets toward documentation of campaigns. From day one Sea Shepherd was Paul’s group, although it was built on the shoulders of other very talented and brave individuals who gave it their all. You know who you are. Great people! I was one of the few with a real job, family, and lots to lose. None the less the cause was right, and I have always been the one to do things just because they are the right thing to do…. Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead.
Presently Paul Watson sits in Greenland, awaiting his fate.
Now I do not want any person to go to prison, but it was the SSCS mantra just months ago when they were going against Icelandic whaling. “Do the noble deed, if you are arrested stand trial for the whales”… What has changed?
Paul knew the rules of activism. For 20 years we tried to get to Antarctica to stop whaling. He did it! In the end he had a TV show, international support, and 5 ships to help bring home the message. It was my opinion in 2010 Paul had the Japanese by the balls. My advice then was to take the ships to Tokyo harbor, drop anchor, and get in a zodiac like General MacArthur and reenact the WWII iconic return: “Japan , I am here!” . We could have put whaling on trial once and for all.
I, of course, was over ruled, and it appeared at the time Mr. Watson had lost his heart for martyrdom. He cut and ran away, costing millions of dollars. Dollars meant to save whales, not Mr. Watson. Sea Shepherd sued to shut me up, and used a 2 million dollar legal budget to do so. I didn’t shut up, I moved on.
Jump 14 years ahead and a lot of water has flowed under the bridge. Paul did not stick up for me after 40+ years and I felt totally betrayed. I started working with Doug Tompkins… Within a few years Paul was kicked out of both Sea Shepherd, and Sea Shepherd Global and formed another group…. I can’t even figure the mess out, but the good news is; money poured in. Lots of people and lawyers employed… less money to protect the oceans. My opinion.
Instead of employing better tactics the Paul Watson Foundation heads off after the Japanese again. Better ships, more money, and probably great vegan food… You make noise, you raise money, you make threats, and governments pay attention. It seems only reasonable that some country would pick up Watson on the outstanding warrant. So why to go to Greenland where Danish courts rule? Watson has been hammering the Faeroes, another Danish territory, for years. This was the height of arrogance or stupidity. His advisors should be replaced!
I mean really… He was picked up before in Germany, why not Greenland? And because he skipped out on criminal prosecution before, he is a known flight risk. The Japanese have obviously been waiting. With the election and the world at war, what better time. Think about it.
I am obviously out of touch with the present day corporate eco movement, and Paul Watson seems to have lost his need to be a martyr, and quite frankly this is a lousy time for this to all go down… Let’s face it, the Japanese won this one, either way.
Maybe it is time for the Captain to retire? It is time to focus again on the whales.
I wish my lost friend good luck in whatever outcome he desires. I wish him and his family well. I will continue to focus my energies on the whales, and if he gets sent to Japan, I’ll be there , will you?
One last thing, I am terribly disappointed in many of the individuals we brought into the movement over the last 45 years… where is their loyalty? Other than France and I think Brazil, not one of you big shot loyal Watson lovers have stepped up to the table. No matter what I believe, without Paul you would not be here today. None of you. When I was sued and betrayed by SSCS none of you came to my defense either. God help us if the present generation emulates the past. It’s your world, it’s time for everyone to stand up.
The inspiration of Paul Watson made you all, and it is time for all the sea shepherds to unite, and help the man… screw the minor grudges; full speed ahead!
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