Les, I have to ask what is the point of this post? It has nothing to do with photography, and the moderators said no more politics. It is not political? Just check the usual lefties'gloating over the loss of human life, just because they disagree with their opinion.
To be clear, I'm not gloating over the loss of a human life. I'm not anti-gun, nor am I a PETA sympathizer. I do not elevate animals over humans. This is not a political issue. In fact, this is a very, very difficult position for me intellectually. I abhor the taking of a human life. I believe it's wrong for an individual to take a life, and I believe it's wrong for the state to take a life. I don't celebrate the loss of the life referenced in the OP, and I believe it's a tragedy for the people who loved Mr. Jelinic.
That said, I find sport hunting cruel, and I think very little of people who find pleasure in ending the life of a living creature for no better reason than to hang a trophy on their walls. We are (we think) unique in the world in that we are able to understand, empathize and alter our actions accordingly. So while, as I said, I do not elevate animals over humans, I DO believe that humans have the ability to rationalize and consider purpose while animals do not, and with that comes a responsibility to empathize. Mr. Jelinic cared not for the fear, pain and suffering caused another creature, and his loss means that another creature my survive to live another day or three.
That pleases me, just as the pain felt by HIS loved ones and the denial of the rest of his natural life saddens me. There's a fairly-easy-to-imagine world in which Mr. Jelinic AND the cats in question would still be alive. That both are gone is a failure. Animals should be shot with lenses, nothing more.
Hopefully this offers a more comprehensive understanding that won't be written of as "leftist gloating."
