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| Greens Still Say 'NO' to Hunting Michigan's Bird of Peace. |
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Green Party of Michigan June 10, 2004 The Green Party of Michigan (GPMI) is calling on Governor Jennifer Granholm to honor a 2001 campaign promise and veto House Bill 5029, which would open a hunting season on the mourning dove -- recognized by the state House as the Michigan Bird of Peace. The party issued a public statement back in November which cites that legislative declaration -- in House Resolution 244 of 1998, adopted March 25 of that year -- and the traditional public regard for the dove as the symbol of peace. Granholm made the promise in a February 2001 response to a candidate survey by HumaneUSA. The survey asked, "If the legislature finally did pass a dove hunting bill, would you veto such a bill?" Granholm answered "yes". She also said she would veto a bill that would take authority for moving animals on and off the state game list from the legislature and give it to the appointed Natural Resources Commission. In discussing the dove-hunting issue last fall, Greens acknowledged that hunting is "an important activity to many Michigan residents", and has contributed to the preservation of habitat for some wild animals. But the party does not believe hunting doves, "the traditionally- and legally-recognized bird of peace[,] is a vital part of anyone's way of life or subsistence." GPMI has maintained its stand on principle. By contrast, Granholm is reportedly "intrigued" about the possibility of a limited hunt in counties on Michigan's southern border. John La Pietra of Marshall, GPMI's Calhoun County co-ordinator, opposes dove-hunting. So, consistently, do 2/3 of Michigan citizens polled. "HB5029 is not only unpopular, unnecessary, and dangerous -- it's *wrong*," La Pietra wrote in a letter urging Granholm to keep her promise and veto the bill. "Whatever one's feelings about hunting in general, if any bird should *not* be a target of hunting, it is the dove . . . which was officially recognized in 1998 as the Michigan Bird of Peace. And that recognition, building on one of our civilization's oldest traditions, came from the same state House which yielded the latest hunting bill." The text of House Resolution 244 and the HumaneUSA questions are shown below. For more information on the issue, visit the Songbird Protection Alliance Web site at: For more information about the Green Party of Michigan as it prepares to send a delegation to the GPUS national nominating convention in Milwaukee June 23-28, please visit the GPMI Web site: ------------------------------------------------------------------------- GPMI Statement Opposing HB5029 and Dove-Hunting (November 2003) The Green Party of Michigan (GPMI) opposes House Bill 5029, and any other measure to promote hunting of the mourning dove -- recognized throughout the state as Michigan's official bird of peace, in accordance with House Resolution 244 of 1998 (adopted March 25, 1998). GPMI recognizes that hunting is an important activity to many Michigan residents. However, we reject the idea that hunting of the traditionally- and legally-recognized bird of peace is a vital part of anyone's way of life or subsistence. Accordingly, GPMI calls on all members of the Michigan Senate to reject HB5029 and any other dove-hunting measure, and we urge all Michigan citizens with a respect for peace to contact their State Senators and tell them to oppose dove-hunting. For more information, visit: House Resolution 244 of 1998 -- Text and Deliberations (from House Journal 30, Page 538) Reps. Profit, Kukuk, LaForge, Raczkowski, Hale, Prusi, Cherry, Scott, Kelly, Murphy, Wojno, Voorhees, Vaughn, Anthony, Godchaux, Schroer, Brater, Parks, Jansen, Wallace and Varge offered the following resolution: A resolution recognizing the mourning dove, Zenaida Macroura, as the Michigan Bird of Peace. Whereas, The mourning dove is an American bird known for its sad, cooing call. Its grayish-brown feathers and long tapering tail are widely recognized in Michigan, as is its soft and mournful sound. The mourning dove, or Zenaida Macroura as it is known in the scientific realm, is a peaceful songbird; and Whereas, The day of the mourning dove begins early in the morning when it begins to look for food and water. The doves then rest during part of the afternoon, seek more food and water, and before nightfall, return to their nests built loosely of twigs in a tree or bush or on the ground. Many scientists believe that a male and female mourning dove mate with each other for life. Bird watchers will note that mourning doves are often found in pairs and, as parents, the doves are both responsible for feeding the young, called squabs, which are born blind and almost featherless; and Whereas, The dove has traditionally symbolized peace. It is often depicted with an olive branch in its beak. Mourning doves do not eat olive branches, but do, however, feed on weed seeds and insects. It is a peaceful bird which will swiftly fly from conflict on strong wings that make a whistling sound as they move through the air. The mourning dove plays a quiet, but vital role in the fragile and beautiful ecosystem that is the Michigan water wonderland; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the mourning dove, Zenaida Macroura, be known throughout the state as the Michigan Bird of Peace. Pending the reference of the resolution to a committee, Rep. Gagliardi moved that Rule 77 be suspended and the resolution be considered at this time. The motion prevailed, 3/5 of the members present voting therefor. The question being on the adoption of the resolution, The resolution was adopted, a majority of the members serving voting therefor. --------------------------------------------------------------------
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