One long string of random thoughts...

Thursday, May 8, 2008

March for Babies




Also by demand, though I won't say "popular" since it was only requested by one person, comes the post on the infamous March for Babies. Two weeks ago we walked to give premature babies a chance. In fact, there were many moments during this walk that were highly unexpected. I will list a few.

1. Miss La Mesa (complete with sash and beauty queen wave) cheering on runners at the first turn. I'm not sure why only La Mesa sent its beauty queen because we were downtown. Apparently Hillcrest does not have its own pageant.
2. Random high school cheerleaders racking up the community service points by standing along the sidelines cheering, "Babies!" Now you know why I'm embarrassed for all you ex-cheerers.
3. PETA representatives disguised as pro-March of Dimes passing out pamphlets. The topic of the pamphlet: "March of Dimes performs cruel animal research." I ask you, what is more cruel, babies dying or bunnies dying? So weird. I'm sorry but a pamphlet with kittens in a cage cannot hold a candle to the large poster 5 feet away about a 24 week preemie who is now Citizen of the Month in his kindergarten class. When Bryan found out what was going on he wanted to go back and tell them he kills animals every day for science. I encouraged him not to.
4. A Mariachi band near the middle of the race. All 5 members. And some cracked out lady sitting on a bench next to them doing erratic hand movements in rhythm with the tunes.
5. Jenn drinking a lot of "vitamin water" which she later found out was chock full of caffeine. That wasn't the kind of vitamin she was looking for but she sure got a lot done that day.
6. Our team represented with a grand total of 6 walkers. 2 of whom are not employees but were dragged out by employees. We like to exercise at my work.
7. Last but not least, the Liberty Mutual team. Spearheaded by this guy sitting at the finish line. Need I say more. Please note he has brought his WALKER to a 5k walk. I'm pretty sure he didn't do the race. Most teams just had t-shirts made but I appreciate their spirit. Also it was a very hot morning for crushed velvet.

And so we learn our lesson. Anything can happen in a 5k walk.

(credit for the post must be attributed to Jenn as she catalogued all the goings on)

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

In reference to your comment about animal research: There is no doubt that the suffering of premature babies is a horrible reality to encounter, and it is admirable that you would want to participate in an event that benefits these poor children.

However, the answer to your question "What is more cruel, babies dying or bunnies dying?" would depend on who you are asking. I guarantee that the animals who suffer endlessly in these labs would reply that the agony they experience is more cruel.

I fully acknowledge that both preemies AND animals undergo horrific experiences in these scenarios. But your total disregard for the anguish these animals are subjected to is appalling. Life is valuable in any form. Animals are utterly innocent and at our mercy. Do you really think that the Lord rejoices in the torment that these animals are forced to endure?

It is honorable that you contributed to an endeavor that will help premature babies. However, the apparent pride that your boyfriend Bryan feels about killing animals on a daily basis is disgusting. To think that he actually delights in ending the lives of helpless and faultless animals enough to brag to PETA representatives...well, you should be proud. He sounds like a real winner.

Maren said...

I wish I knew who Stephanie was. I think the winner here is children who live. And in response to her questions, yes I'm sure animals do not enjoy dying for research. But the alternative is either the use of unproven medications and procedures in treatment of sick humans OR the use of humans as research subjects. If you or your family has ever benefitted from a medication then you have no room to dispute the use of animals in research. The FDA doesn't allow untested meds on the market. I continue to disagree with PETA.

Maren said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Maren said...

You go Maren! Thanks for walking for the sick babies. Hey Stephanie, write back when you have a baby that is born prematurely and the medicines that could keep her or him alive were tested on animals. Better tell those docs not to use them, cuz your baby is not as important as lab rats! I can tell you it's not nearly as painful to bury the family pet as it is to bury your own baby. Janna

The Woodlands said...

Nothing to offende the un-offend-able (aka the Woodland Family!) In fact, I was just thinking you had a pretty normal afternoon out in Downtown San Diego, right?

Designing Woman said...

This incident very much reminds me of "kittens, kittens, kittens"....I can't wait til i have my own random commenter....really?!?!

Unknown said...

GET A GRIP, Stephanie! Come back and post a comment when you have a premature baby who is blind and deaf, or have terminal cancer or have ALS which slowly kills you and you need a researcher like Bryan to save you. And you know what, at that time, Bryan will forgive your senseless comment and cure your cancer because he is that awesome. SAVE THE BABIES!!!