A Caw to Action

This is 2013. We as a society should have moved well beyond the social injustices and prejudiced axioms of the Jim Crow era. The 21st century is a time when we should not discriminate against any person or animal. The recent slandering and defamation of crows in the State College media is both deplorable and outdated. We should not demonize these majestic birds but instead embrace their presence and consider ourselves lucky that they have chosen to roost in a society such as ours. Animal rights movements have made huge strides toward the just treatment for of all Mother Earths children. Yet the attitude and actions of State College toward our native crow population are, quite frankly, inhumane. Have you ever taken a step back and asked yourself what effect pyrotechnic and laser assaults have on our feathered friends? Or were you too busy vilifying them and labeling them community foes? More lab testing is needed before we blindly continue to physically and emotionally scar these crows with complete disregard for their general well-being. Crows play an integral part in our community and are also an untapped food source for the educated consumer. It is a little known fact that crows eggs are an adequate source of protein (crotein), which is essential to any balanced diet. With recent efforts pushing for healthier foods in our schools, crows eggs should be utilized for their abundance of Omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy fuel capable of driving the minds of our youth. Countries such as China and Iceland are already taking advantage of the numerous benefits offered by crows. Their economic success is proof of this. How long will our elected officials stand aside and allow this opportunity to slip through their fingers? America can soar to great heights on the wings of crows. The negativity doesnt end there. Our society holds certain birds to a higher standard than others. This antiquated caste system in fowl culture is both despicable and morally reprehensible. How can society lambaste crows and at the same time place the bald eagle on a pedestal as the symbol of our nation? Why belittle the crow while we indoctrinate our youth with the gospel of the Mighty Ducks? We continually choose to cast aside certain birds while synonymizing swans with love and storks with procreation. A line must be drawn. It is the time to usher in a new era of understanding and take steps to make amends with the crow in State College. We have no doubt damaged our relationship with the crow; yet if we act quickly the damage can prove reparable. A simple 5point plan can make an immediate and positive impact on human-avian interconnectivity in our community: 1. Immediately cease and desist the use of pyrotechnic and laser harassment. In the event that a crow is in a restricted area, make sure that the means used to relocate it have been adequately tested and deemed humane by an unbiased third party

2. Create a crow committee which works alongside the State College borough to advocate for crows rights 3. Erect a crow memorial to pay homage and remind us of the crows weve lost due to prior injustices 4. Eliminate scarecrows 5. Amend Bird Law to include the legalization of crow marriage. Sheryl Crow only wanted to soak up the sun and share it with everyone. Shouldnt we too? Its time to stop picking and choosing the allocation of rights which should be given by birth and to treat all creatures as equal. If you dont listen to us, listen to Sheryl. -The Crow Crew