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Health & Fitness

Blog: The Fin Whale and the Fiscal Cliff

How many government agencies does it take move a whale?

How many government agencies does it take move a whale?

The juvenile that was killed last week wasn’t a delinquent. He was a beautiful endangered 40-foot Fin Whale. No one knows how or why he died and washed ashore in Malibu. Many people believe he was hit by a tanker freight in the ocean. We will never know how or why he was killed, but what we do know is that no one seems to be able to give him a peaceful dignified death at sea. Instead, the carcass sits rotting on the beach.

When I saw this majestic beast at the beach on Tuesday, it shook me to my core.  I was able to witness the love and care many local passerby’s displayed. Some touched the whale. Some said prayers. One even did a Hawaiin Hula dance to honor his soul.  

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This morning while buying laundry detergent at Pavillions, I stood in line next to a reporter from CBS who asked me where the whale was. I asked, “Can’t you give the poor animal a little dignity with death.” 

He explained, he was there not to exploit the death, but because no one “in government” will take responsibility for the rotting carcass. He went on, “The city says it’s not responsible. The county says it’s not responsible and the state says it’s not responsible.”  

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I was in shock. Is this a reflection of what is wrong with our government? Why is everyone isn't it taking responsibility and action? Does this whale of a situation a foreshadowing of the fiscal cliff?

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