Opinion
Obama should just do right thing and forget about the dog
Posted Friday, November 14 2008 at 19:18
According to advice given to the Obamas by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, they need to temper their hopes for a hypoallergenic dog. “There is no truly hypoallergenic dog,” the AAAAI said in a statement.
A purebred poodle — the breed that most Americans are recommending for the White House — is said to be hypoallergenic.
But a recent New York Times article says that “all the safe-breed theories are just wishful thinking”. The safest advice to the Obamas, it says, is “not to get a warm-blooded pet in the first place”.
There is also an ethical issue. Americans spend a staggering $41 billion a year on pets — more than the gross domestic product of most African countries. The amount is seven times more than Kenya collects in taxes. It is nearly 100 times more than the Kenya government spends on health.
Barack Obama, elected on a ticket of “change we can believe in”, may be seen to be encouraging old-style American extravagance on pets. This may not go down well with his supporters in Africa, many of whom cannot afford a decent meal.
Barack Obama, I must say, do the right thing, forget the dog.
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Submitted by ronnsPosted November 16, 2008 02:40 PM
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Submitted by nimankal
I'll tell you why "doing the right thing" has nothing to do with pets... Veterinarians, Petco clerks/trainers/shareholders, breeders, groomers, Alpo, Purina One... Millions of jobs in the pets industry. There is no downside here. Just people doing what they want, and other people making profits from it. It's a beautiful thing.
Posted November 16, 2008 02:37 PM -
Submitted by moraacarol
I think some of the people have not noticed that most presidents in the white house have had dog pets.He iskeeping the tradition.A dog to some people is precious while some people regards dogs as silly animals.Anyway can you guys lay off the american politicians and critique the politicians back home because most of them need to be fired.
Posted November 16, 2008 05:59 AM -
Submitted by Dom Mshindi
The dog story is a fun thing just to lighten things up. Most Americans have no problem with it because there is more to life than the economy, loss of jobs, etc. Americans love pets even for those who don't own any. There are pet store allover selling pet clothes, toys, food, music- and big animal hospitals, and salons for pets grooming. Again it a fun story, so let's keep talking about the dog for Malia and Sasha.
Posted November 16, 2008 02:00 AM -
Submitted by Hillaryio
My guess is that you wanted to come up with a creative piece. First, you need to know that Obama needs the support of Americans more than Africans. How much did the African support impact his campaign? You get it? Please find something else to write about and leave this dog thing alone. It is obvious that you want Americans to understand pets with your African mindset, but you should know better. Lets talk about constructive things and not hippos, cats, birds, dogfeed etc.
Posted November 15, 2008 08:55 AM
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a promise made to your child is like a contract signed with blood. does this guy have kids or what- a dog!