***Thanks to Hot_Bid for putting the title back to the original. And to the mod who changed it before... may you be blessed with infertility***
I was driving home and was about 5 or 6 blocks from my house. I saw a cat dash across the road. I've seen animals run across the road safely before, so I never really expected this. The cat ran under the back tire of the car driving the opposite direction and got flung into the middle of the road. What made it really horrifying is that I saw the cat's face right after it happened. He was meowing and freaking out.
Two people stopped their cars. I did, and the girl driving behind the person who hit the cat did. The person who hit the cat never stopped. The girl ran out of her car with a blanket and picked the cat up. At this point, I know I'm pretty much useless, but I walk up anyway and ask if it's okay. I could see the amount of blood on its head, so I knew the answer. The girl is crying and says "I don't know.. it's probably already gone. Yeah, I think it's gone" She lays the cat on the side of the road as more people start to gather around.
I left after that, because I didn't have anything else to say. I didn't get a good look at the car or anything. What bothered me the most, I think, is that I couldn't do anything. Even if the cat was clinging to life and needed the vet, I don't know where the vet is around here anymore. I wouldn't have known what to do. Ugh, I haven't felt this bummed out in a while.
-Nuke
P.S. Criminy, I didn't know this thread would grow like this. I do appreciate the people who shared their own stories. For the record, I'm not angry at the driver, because there was nothing they could do about the accident. I've slept on it, and I'm feeling better, especially after seeing the reaction to this blog... so thanks, everybody!
So what is the cause of your sadness over the incident? The fact that an animal died, or the fact that the owners will be upset? I realize that witnessing such a thing happening first hand feels different, but you might want to think about the animals that die when you eat meat. Unless you are a vegetarian of course.
Btw, I'm not a vegetarian, I just think it's irrational for people to feel so much pity watching an animal die first hand when millions are butchered for our pleasure every year.
Btw, I'm not a vegetarian, I just think it's irrational for people to feel so much pity watching an animal die first hand when millions are butchered for our pleasure every year.
It is irrational, but so? This isnt Plato's Replublic.
Moni is right though, dont stress too hard. About cats OR college.
On June 23 2010 10:17 AcrossFiveJulys wrote: So what is the cause of your sadness over the incident? The fact that an animal died, or the fact that the owners will be upset? I realize that witnessing such a thing happening first hand feels different, but you might want to think about the animals that die when you eat meat. Unless you are a vegetarian of course.
Btw, I'm not a vegetarian, I just think it's irrational for people to feel so much pity watching an animal die first hand when millions are butchered for our pleasure every year.
Rationality goes out of the window when you see the stuff. Also the roadkill of a cute little cat makes people sadder than fat ugly cows getting shot in the face.
The same way a fat hairy guy getting hit by a car doesn't have the same impact on people as a stroller falling under a train.
I think its psychologically difficult for us to just shrug this off because cats are houshold animals, and well we are more use to them being alive, than being run over on the streets like raccoons or squirrels.
However, its a cat, and its not yours. While your free to sympathize, nothing can be done now.
On June 23 2010 10:17 AcrossFiveJulys wrote: So what is the cause of your sadness over the incident? The fact that an animal died, or the fact that the owners will be upset? I realize that witnessing such a thing happening first hand feels different, but you might want to think about the animals that die when you eat meat. Unless you are a vegetarian of course.
Btw, I'm not a vegetarian, I just think it's irrational for people to feel so much pity watching an animal die first hand when millions are butchered for our pleasure every year.
Eh, I've seen and hit my own fair share of cats, squirrels, possums, groundhogs, chipmunks, birds...etc. and really haven't been affected by them too much. I guess that comes with living in BFO(Bum Fuck Ohio).
I can't say I disagree with the post about meat. I do eat meat, and I see lots of roadkill all the time and only sometimes get sad about it. I don't know why it's so different, but witnessing death just sucks. And don't worry about me too much, because I'm starting to recover my senses here. I'm just surprised how much it affected me. I sat in the drive way with the car running for a minute or so before I could get out.
Its horrible what happened, but you got to believe in the person who hit the cat. I truly believe noone is truly evil, and highly doubt the person who hit the cat would've done so if he had been in an ideal situation. Perhaps he didn't realize he hit the cat, or someone was pregnant, or a situation equally urgent. If he did run it over, I'm sure he feels even worse than you do.
Cheer up, the cats in a better place now. A Much better place.
It is a horrible feeling to see an animal die in such a way, especially one so small and cute that people tend to love (even though I'm not fond of cats).
But you can't really do anything about it. It happens a lot to animals, and could be, in part, the fault of the owners (assuming it had owners) for not paying attention. But you have to live with it, they don't understand the car means danger, and I don't think it's fair to expect people to stop either, especially if they don't even notice or can't get out of the way in time.
Still makes me though, especially when it affects the witnesses too.
A month ago I saw a cat get hit on the freeway. And then it does this crazy flopping and flailing on the road, it was probably the most disturbing thing I've ever seen. But yeah.
we almost ran over a pigeon the other day. it was in the middle of the road and swerved to avoid it. i look back and the bird didn't move, and other cars were trying to avoid it. it's like it was trying to commit suicide.
On June 23 2010 10:34 Pandain wrote: Its horrible what happened, but you got to believe in the person who hit the cat. I truly believe noone is truly evil, and highly doubt the person who hit the cat would've done so if he had been in an ideal situation. Perhaps he didn't realize he hit the cat, or someone was pregnant, or a situation equally urgent. If he did run it over, I'm sure he feels even worse than you do.
Cheer up, the cats in a better place now. A Much better place.
When I was like 8 I saw my cat get run over by a car... He cried for a few seconds and died, my mother got out of the house, picked him up and started crying That was one of the saddest days of my life T_T I loved that cat so much
In theory you're not supposed to stop if you see a cat on the road suddenly, because that could cause accidents resulting in human deaths. It sounds heartless. Sucks for the family of the cat, but I'm not angry at the driver.
Sure, running over a small animal may be distressing, but just as distressing is watching the car in front of you run over the animal, the hit/aftermath. I had PTSR (post traumatic squirrel response) last month when a truck... you know. Equally traumatic was a friend of mine's experience, rolling down a hill at full speed with her bicycle when suddenly "whomp!", ran right over a squirrel. She didn't stop though, just kept on trucking. Too traumatized to look back.
On June 23 2010 10:48 Clow wrote: When I was like 8 I saw my cat get run over by a car... He cried for a few seconds and died, my mother got out of the house, picked him up and started crying That was one of the saddest days of my life T_T I loved that cat so much
Happened to my dog. She grew up with me and died at the age of 14 when she wanted to be free one last time and pulled on the leash and ran to the other side of the 25 MPH street. There was a truck we estimated to be going about 50 MPH and was paying attention to everything else except for the dog and the truck stopped, turned around, and said it was sorry but it was lost and wasn't looking. The truck driver just ran off the direction it came to re trace its steps and I never saw it or its driver again. The license plate was from Florida so that probably explains it but I cried and cried for a few days. Then I watched my brother play SC and was all better. SC always heals my soul. ^^
I knew a guy who died in a car crash that resulted from swerving to avoid a coyote. The passengers were injured too. Just run them over and don't risk your life.
some weeks ago i was in a taxi on the highway and the driver was going around 120km/h and we hit a dog head on.. he just kept on going i told him to stop in the next exit the car was really busted up..we could have died if the driver tried to avoid the dog.. the next time you have a small animal in your way just roll over him if you treasure your life.. dont risk it.. everybody loves kittens but you have a family and friends that care for you..
I once saw a groundhog or something similar get hit on a highway once. It's internal organs literally blew out of it's stomach and ended up being scattered on the road for us to see. :|
It was disgusting.
Oh, and it got hit by the front tire. The driver never slowed down even if the animal was clearly heading towards him...
For the record, I'm not mad at the driver. Like I said, it was the back tire. They couldn't stop it. The fact that they never stopped is a bit disheartening, but it's possible they never realized what happened. There's nobody to blame for this... which makes it suck more. I'd rather be mad at someone than sad about the cat.
On June 23 2010 10:52 Hidden_MotiveS wrote: In theory you're not supposed to stop if you see a cat on the road suddenly, because that could cause accidents resulting in human deaths. It sounds heartless. Sucks for the family of the cat, but I'm not angry at the driver.
This is right.
Screw the damn cat, if you have to hit him, do it. You can stop later, if there is a safe spot, and then verify if the cat is still alive. If it is, take it to a vet, if its 90% dead, finish the job. If its dead and you have time, bury the animal because they stink.
On June 23 2010 10:17 AcrossFiveJulys wrote: So what is the cause of your sadness over the incident? The fact that an animal died, or the fact that the owners will be upset? I realize that witnessing such a thing happening first hand feels different, but you might want to think about the animals that die when you eat meat. Unless you are a vegetarian of course.
Btw, I'm not a vegetarian, I just think it's irrational for people to feel so much pity watching an animal die first hand when millions are butchered for our pleasure every year.
Jesus Christ someone like you ALWAYS has to post. Do you give a lecture to everyone who has an emotion?
I felt a little bit of animosity in your post towards the driver that ran over the cat, and you need to let that go.
Now, I'll preface this by saying that I'm not religious at all, so I don't have this bullshit attitude that human life is worth more than other animals; I view all life on this earth as being equal. However, maybe it's because I'm human, and because we're living in a society that places more emphasis on our intellectual superiority being important, that you have to understand the driver did the right thing.
Back in my driver's ed class years ago, our instructor told us that even though we may be animal-loving PETA monsters, it's not right to make sudden stops. Apparently years earlier, there had been a story in the news about a man driving on a highway where a mother duck, with its little ducklings following close behind, had been crossing. This man, trying to do the 'right' thing, suddenly stopped to avoid crushing any of the ducks. The good news is that no ducks were killed. The bad news is that after coming to a sudden stop, the car behind rear-ended him--crushing his 5 year old daughter in the process.
So yeah, even though that driver didn't really stop, you can't fault him for not screeching to a halt and risking human injury because a dumb cat--that evolution would have weeded out sooner or later--decided to make a run for it.
By the way, I have a cat myself, so I know that that can be a traumatizing experience, especially because we have a natural bias to cute, little furry animals, but I'm sure insects have it worse-- especially the bastards in my room! Don't worry about it too much.
On June 23 2010 11:22 NukeTheStars wrote: For the record, I'm not mad at the driver. Like I said, it was the back tire. They couldn't stop it. The fact that they never stopped is a bit disheartening, but it's possible they never realized what happened. There's nobody to blame for this... which makes it suck more. I'd rather be mad at someone than sad about the cat.
Do you stop for the moths you clip with your side mirrors? What was he supposed to do? Calm down the people who weren't calm because of his and the cat's misfortune?
On June 23 2010 11:22 NukeTheStars wrote: For the record, I'm not mad at the driver. Like I said, it was the back tire. They couldn't stop it. The fact that they never stopped is a bit disheartening, but it's possible they never realized what happened. There's nobody to blame for this... which makes it suck more. I'd rather be mad at someone than sad about the cat.
Do you stop for the moths you clip with your side mirrors? What was he supposed to do? Calm down the people who weren't calm because of his and the cat's misfortune?
Your post is the first one in this thread that's made me angry. A cat is not a moth. And people who hit dogs or cats with their cars, know they hit them, and keep on driving are assholes. It's as simple as that. Not being able to avoid an animal is one thing. Knowing you injured an animal and not having the courage to slow the vehicle, pull over, get out, and see if the animal can be saved is something else entirely.
On June 23 2010 11:22 NukeTheStars wrote: For the record, I'm not mad at the driver. Like I said, it was the back tire. They couldn't stop it. The fact that they never stopped is a bit disheartening, but it's possible they never realized what happened. There's nobody to blame for this... which makes it suck more. I'd rather be mad at someone than sad about the cat.
Do you stop for the moths you clip with your side mirrors? What was he supposed to do? Calm down the people who weren't calm because of his and the cat's misfortune?
Your post is the first one in this thread that's made me angry. A cat is not a moth. And people who hit dogs or cats with their cars, know they hit them, and keep on driving are assholes. It's as simple as that. Not being able to avoid an animal is one thing. Knowing you injured an animal and not having the courage to slow the vehicle, pull over, get out, and see if the animal can be saved is something else entirely.
Don't cry nuke!
You should adopt a kitten from an animal shelter to make up for the lost one. I have a psycho cat that I only picked up because nobody else wanted him .
What's really the difference between a cat and a moth? From what it sounds like, this cat died pretty soon after it go hit. Was the guy who hit it supposed to light a funeral pyre or something?
edit: I'm not condoning his behaviour; if he knows he hit it, the only reason he should have gotten out is for common courtesy for life and for the fact that the animal may be a pet of someone's and could have been taken to a vet.
On June 23 2010 11:45 Masamune wrote: What's really the difference between a cat and a moth? From what it sounds like, this cat died pretty soon after it go hit. Was the guy who hit it supposed to light a funeral pyre or something?
The capacity to suffer, enjoy life, and feel pain? Closeness to humans? Moths aren't social creatures that humans love and keep as pets?
Uhh I just knew there'd be a bunch of assholes in here making ridiculous statements about his emotional response being invalid and what not.
On June 23 2010 11:45 Masamune wrote: What's really the difference between a cat and a moth? From what it sounds like, this cat died pretty soon after it go hit. Was the guy who hit it supposed to light a funeral pyre or something?
If I hit a cat I would probably check if there was any possibility that a vet might be able to save it, maybe see if it obviously belongs to some nearby house etc. I want to think most people wouldn't just keep driving, but you're probably right about that.
On June 23 2010 11:45 Masamune wrote: What's really the difference between a cat and a moth? From what it sounds like, this cat died pretty soon after it go hit. Was the guy who hit it supposed to light a funeral pyre or something?
The capacity to suffer, enjoy life, and feel pain? Closeness to humans? Moths aren't social creatures that humans love and keep as pets?
lol
Are you saying the more social a species is, the more valuable it is, too?
On June 23 2010 11:50 Masamune wrote: There's nothing wrong with his response, but animals are animals. How can you say a mammal is worth more than an arthropod?
Easily?
This is some philosophical haven where intellect is paramount.
It's simple - we grow up all our lives , some with cats as pets, and seeing cats as cute and friendly little guys. Some people don't like them so much. Moths are much more universally loathed, and our culture places little to no value on insects.
Do you live in a vacuum?
Edit :
Also, Nukethestars _never_ held a grudge against the driver. There should be no debate about that part.
On June 23 2010 11:28 Romantic wrote:
Jesus Christ someone like you ALWAYS has to post. Do you give a lecture to everyone who has an emotion?
This too!! Can't we just come together over the OPs stress. LETS JUST FUCKING LOVE EACH OTHER
First day driving (like literally with the guy being taught how to drive) a little kitty ran out in front of the car.... needless to say I swerved that car into the lane of incoming traffic causing the instructor to grab the wheel from me and slam on his veto-brake ^.^ I'm sure it was an accident, no one ever wants to harm innocent animals, that it happens regardless its just a unfortunate fact of life
On June 23 2010 11:50 Masamune wrote: There's nothing wrong with his response, but animals are animals. How can you say a mammal is worth more than an arthropod?
Easily?
This is some philosophical haven where intellect is paramount.
It's simple - we grow up all our lives , some with cats as pets, and seeing cats as cute and friendly little guys. Some people don't like them so much. Moths are much more universally loathed, and our culture places little to no value on insects.
Do you live in a vacuum?
Edit :
Also, Nukethestars _never_ held a grudge against the driver. There should be no debate about that part.
Jesus Christ someone like you ALWAYS has to post. Do you give a lecture to everyone who has an emotion?
This too!! Can't we just come together over the OPs stress. LETS JUST FUCKING LOVE EACH OTHER
lol? I already stated in my earlier post that we have a natural bias towards, cute, fury animals. You could say from an evolutionary standpoint, we may feel more for a mammal because it's more closely related to us genetically. Socially, we do grow up with them, yes. Where the fuck have I said he was wrong for being mad that the cat died?
All I'm trying to get across is that it's a fucking cat. Yes, it died a painful and horrible death. Now why don't you go on some mission to Africa feeding the HUMANS (cause apparently, there is some hierarchy in how much sympathy animals should get) that are suffering from chronic hunger?
@RageOverdose I can't respond back in this thread...I don't know if the OP banned me from it or the mods (this will be my last response in it as I feel I should be able to defend myself fairly) but you need to read the thread over.
I wasn't trying to be malicious or anything. I sympathize with the cat and the sad feelings. I posted the "it's a fucking cat" comment in response to the hypocrisy in this thread regarding the value of life, not in response to the OP. My main gripe with the OP and others in this thread was the collective annoyance towards the driver that did the right thing and whom decided it would be better not to be antagonized by some naive kids. Yeah, if he stopped he could have saved the cat, as demonstrated by our lovely OP. The reaction would have been much worse if he swirved into a toddler instead, trying to avoid the cat. The OP already mentions that he only stopped on his driveway for a few minutes--how long would he have waited if he saw a child crushed?
And no, I'm not going to go to Africa because my family already donates to causes like that. I was merely making a point that people who are outraged over my comments about a moth and a cat, and who seemingly have this magical hierarchy of animal value in their heads, probably flip past World Vision commercials to catch re-runs of Friends, while eating their forest-destroying hamburgers and wearing Nike apparel, made in third-world countries.
I realize my existence has probably lead to much more brutal treatment and death towards all forms of life--and I don't pretend like it doesn't. Life to me is equal. Apparently to the hypocrites in this thread, it is not, and they'd rather cry over a dead cat in comparison to a moth, while at the same time feasting on the flesh of animals who would have wished to be in the place of that cat, as opposed to the hell they call a cage.
@ella_guru Yes, life to me is equal, but that doesn't mean that I care about them equally, and I don't pretend that I do. The OP annoyed me because he mentioned in a later post that he was annoyed the driver didn't stop to check on the cat, because apparently, the driver should have the same values on life that he does.
It's actually kinda ironic that the OP is arguing with me that the cat is superior to the moth, while at the same time, mad at the driver who made the right decision in reducing human harm over the harm to the cat (whether intentional or not).
On June 23 2010 10:57 Durak wrote: Did you get her number? You can't let a pussy go to waste.
I see why you chose 'idiot' for your name.
The unfortunate thing is that however bad it is for you, it is probably worse for the family that owned the cat.
Oh please, far worse stuff have happened where people have made far cruder jokes and I'm pretty sure you laughed at a few. Sucks for Nuke and it is hard to deal, but you need to stop being an appropriate humor nazi and learn to deal.
On June 23 2010 11:58 Masamune wrote: lol? I already stated in my earlier post that we have a natural bias towards, cute, fury animals. You could say from an evolutionary standpoint, we may feel more for a mammal because it's more closely related to us genetically. Socially, we do grow up with them, yes. Where the fuck have I said he was wrong for being mad that the cat died?
All I'm trying to get across is that it's a fucking cat. Yes, it died a painful and horrible death. Now why don't you go on some mission to Africa feeding the HUMANS (cause apparently, there is some hierarchy in how much sympathy animals get) that are suffering from chronic hunger?
Why aren't you there, instead of posting here?
Nuke felt really bad about it, and I don't see anything wrong with people trying to be compassionate towards him and attempting to defend him when you make comments like what's in bold that seemingly contradict your claim that you don't think anything is wrong with his response. Because it looks like you do have a problem with the fact he's upset about a cat dying in front of him. Why would you be posting these things otherwise?
So, you are being very hard to understand because you are seemingly contradicting yourself right after you say something.
One time my brother and I were driving home to our parent's house for spring break and there was a huge traffic jam with helicopters and crushed cars. When I got home I googled what had happened. Some guy had swerved to avoid hitting a dog and wrecked his car, which caused traffic to back up. Then a truck driver not paying attention that traffic was backed up slams into the backed up traffic. 4 people died, including 2 from my school. Moral of the story: just hit the animal and get over it.
On June 23 2010 11:50 Masamune wrote: There's nothing wrong with his response, but animals are animals. How can you say a mammal is worth more than an arthropod?
Easily?
This is some philosophical haven where intellect is paramount.
It's simple - we grow up all our lives , some with cats as pets, and seeing cats as cute and friendly little guys. Some people don't like them so much. Moths are much more universally loathed, and our culture places little to no value on insects.
Do you live in a vacuum?
Edit :
Also, Nukethestars _never_ held a grudge against the driver. There should be no debate about that part.
On June 23 2010 11:28 Romantic wrote:
Jesus Christ someone like you ALWAYS has to post. Do you give a lecture to everyone who has an emotion?
This too!! Can't we just come together over the OPs stress. LETS JUST FUCKING LOVE EACH OTHER
lol? I already stated in my earlier post that we have a natural bias towards, cute, fury animals. You could say from an evolutionary standpoint, we may feel more for a mammal because it's more closely related to us genetically. Socially, we do grow up with them, yes. Where the fuck have I said he was wrong for being mad that the cat died?
All I'm trying to get across is that it's a fucking cat. Yes, it died a painful and horrible death. Now why don't you go on some mission to Africa feeding the HUMANS (cause apparently, there is some hierarchy in how much sympathy animals get) that are suffering from chronic hunger?
Cats blow I agree, it's just this part I was talking about..
How can you say a mammal is worth more than an arthropod?
But masamune my bro, lets not fight. We seem to be on the same page too.
I think we can both agree that most people have something like this
People > Animals >People that don't live within 100 KM of us > insects > + Show Spoiler +
On June 23 2010 12:02 BlackJack wrote: One time my brother and I were driving home to our parent's house for spring break and there was a huge traffic jam with helicopters and crushed cars. When I got home I googled what had happened. Some guy had swerved to avoid hitting a dog and wrecked his car, which caused traffic to back up. Then a truck driver not paying attention that traffic was backed up slams into the backed up traffic. 4 people died, including 2 from my school. Moral of the story: just hit the animal and get over it.
I think the real moral is "Pay attention to the traffic". How do you miss something like that? Of course I can't drive, so maybe I'm missing something. At the same time, it is better to just hit a small animal alot of the times especially if your in a traffic area. You should stop of course, but only swerve if your SURE your by yourself.
The people posting about saving lives by hitting the animal.... I appreciate the tips, but none of that really has any relevance to what my post was about -.-
To be honest, reading the scattered troll posts in here has largely taken my mind off the accident.. so, thanks?
On June 23 2010 11:50 Masamune wrote: There's nothing wrong with his response, but animals are animals. How can you say a mammal is worth more than an arthropod?
Easily?
This is some philosophical haven where intellect is paramount.
It's simple - we grow up all our lives , some with cats as pets, and seeing cats as cute and friendly little guys. Some people don't like them so much. Moths are much more universally loathed, and our culture places little to no value on insects.
Do you live in a vacuum?
Edit :
Also, Nukethestars _never_ held a grudge against the driver. There should be no debate about that part.
On June 23 2010 11:28 Romantic wrote:
Jesus Christ someone like you ALWAYS has to post. Do you give a lecture to everyone who has an emotion?
This too!! Can't we just come together over the OPs stress. LETS JUST FUCKING LOVE EACH OTHER
lol? I already stated in my earlier post that we have a natural bias towards, cute, fury animals. You could say from an evolutionary standpoint, we may feel more for a mammal because it's more closely related to us genetically. Socially, we do grow up with them, yes. Where the fuck have I said he was wrong for being mad that the cat died?
All I'm trying to get across is that it's a fucking cat. Yes, it died a painful and horrible death. Now why don't you go on some mission to Africa feeding the HUMANS (cause apparently, there is some hierarchy in how much sympathy animals get) that are suffering from chronic hunger?
People > Animals >People that don't live within 100 KM of us > insects > + Show Spoiler +
I just want to share my story as well. There is one weekend I play computer the whole night. At around 4am I saw dogs sound and cat sound, some kind of quarrel sound. It was so annoying, so I decided to take a look out of the window.
I saw a pack of big dogs fighting with 1 cat. It was so horrible but I thought they are just playing..I mean, I didn't expect it to be fatal....Ah, hard to describe my feelings, it is they are fighting fierce but because I have never seen dog kill cat before so I never expect it to happen.
So I watch, I thought I should do something, but it was late at night so I didn't do anything. Then suddenly the quarrel stopped. And I saw 1 dog biting the neck of the cat. I became so nevous I screamed. Then the dog seems to know they did something bad, they ran in very organised manner to the other side of the road. Some kind of straight line with 1 dog leading.
I looked at the cat, his arms and body still jerk at some interval, I think he is alive and need immediate help. But I don't know what to do..
Usually I don't stay so late playing games, but my roomate wasn't at home that night. So I am alone and feel lost. I wanted to go down to see the cat condition but I am afraid it is very gruesome. I am afraid of blood. I am also afraid the gang of dogs might come back and bite my neck or something.
I tried to forget about it, play computer game. Then I feel so inhumane.. like , death just occured and I can still play game.. Ah..I feel like a bad girl.
It kept troubling me ever since. Now I am trying to me more matured, more understanding, I mean....sensible? I always have a feeling other people would have know what to do during crisis and I am just feeling lost and helpless all the time.
On June 23 2010 10:17 AcrossFiveJulys wrote: So what is the cause of your sadness over the incident? The fact that an animal died, or the fact that the owners will be upset? I realize that witnessing such a thing happening first hand feels different, but you might want to think about the animals that die when you eat meat. Unless you are a vegetarian of course.
Btw, I'm not a vegetarian, I just think it's irrational for people to feel so much pity watching an animal die first hand when millions are butchered for our pleasure every year.
I'm pretty sure there is also a 'you die if you don't eat' aspect to it as well, not just pleasure. I could be mistaken though.
On June 23 2010 10:17 AcrossFiveJulys wrote: So what is the cause of your sadness over the incident? The fact that an animal died, or the fact that the owners will be upset? I realize that witnessing such a thing happening first hand feels different, but you might want to think about the animals that die when you eat meat. Unless you are a vegetarian of course.
Btw, I'm not a vegetarian, I just think it's irrational for people to feel so much pity watching an animal die first hand when millions are butchered for our pleasure every year.
I'm pretty sure there is also a 'you die if you don't eat' aspect to it as well, not just pleasure. I could be mistaken though.
Lemon! You just invited more shit to this already shitty party.
I'm sorry you had to see something like that. It must have been very hard to watch, but don't lose sleep over it. You were in your own car on the opposite side of the road. There's nothing you could have done. Watch some adorable cat videos on the internet. Maybe you'll feel better.
I tried to forget about it, play computer game. Then I feel so inhumane.. like , death just occured and I can still play game.. Ah..I feel like a bad girl.
It kept troubling me ever since. Now I am trying to me more matured, more understanding, I mean....sensible? I always have a feeling other people would have know what to do during crisis and I am just feeling lost and helpless all the time.
Ah, that's horrible If it means anything, I don't think you're a bad person for trying to tune it out. It wasn't your fault the cat got hurt, and that type of thing can be scary to any person at any age. If there ever comes a time when your help is really needed for someone or something, I'm sure you'll heed the call.
On June 23 2010 10:17 AcrossFiveJulys wrote: So what is the cause of your sadness over the incident? The fact that an animal died, or the fact that the owners will be upset?
For me, it would obviously be the fact that the animal was most probably loved by it's owner.
On June 23 2010 11:58 Masamune wrote: All I'm trying to get across is that it's a fucking cat. Yes, it died a painful and horrible death. Now why don't you go on some mission to Africa feeding the HUMANS (cause apparently, there is some hierarchy in how much sympathy animals get) that are suffering from chronic hunger?
Why aren't you there, instead of posting here?
That's irrelevant. The point he makes still stands, plus he isn't the one saddened by the death of a cat more than the death of humans.
On June 23 2010 10:17 AcrossFiveJulys wrote: So what is the cause of your sadness over the incident? The fact that an animal died, or the fact that the owners will be upset?
For me, it would obviously be the fact that the animal was most probably loved by it's owner.
On June 23 2010 11:58 Masamune wrote: All I'm trying to get across is that it's a fucking cat. Yes, it died a painful and horrible death. Now why don't you go on some mission to Africa feeding the HUMANS (cause apparently, there is some hierarchy in how much sympathy animals get) that are suffering from chronic hunger?
Why aren't you there, instead of posting here?
That's irrelevant. The point he makes still stands, plus he isn't the one saddened by the death of a cat more than the death of humans.
That last part is dumb. That is like saying it is wrong to be sadder about the death of your own mother than you are for the death of two complete strangers. This cat died in front of him and he watched it happen, obviously that has an effect on him.
People don't get sad to the same degree over expected deaths such as a cow being slaughtered for food, as opposed to unexpected deaths such as your pet cat being run over by a car.
On June 23 2010 11:50 Masamune wrote: There's nothing wrong with his response, but animals are animals. How can you say a mammal is worth more than an arthropod?
Easily?
This is some philosophical haven where intellect is paramount.
It's simple - we grow up all our lives , some with cats as pets, and seeing cats as cute and friendly little guys. Some people don't like them so much. Moths are much more universally loathed, and our culture places little to no value on insects.
Do you live in a vacuum?
Edit :
Also, Nukethestars _never_ held a grudge against the driver. There should be no debate about that part.
On June 23 2010 11:28 Romantic wrote:
Jesus Christ someone like you ALWAYS has to post. Do you give a lecture to everyone who has an emotion?
This too!! Can't we just come together over the OPs stress. LETS JUST FUCKING LOVE EACH OTHER
lol? I already stated in my earlier post that we have a natural bias towards, cute, fury animals. You could say from an evolutionary standpoint, we may feel more for a mammal because it's more closely related to us genetically. Socially, we do grow up with them, yes. Where the fuck have I said he was wrong for being mad that the cat died?
All I'm trying to get across is that it's a fucking cat. Yes, it died a painful and horrible death. Now why don't you go on some mission to Africa feeding the HUMANS (cause apparently, there is some hierarchy in how much sympathy animals should get) that are suffering from chronic hunger?
@RageOverdose I can't respond back in this thread...I don't know if the OP banned me from it or the mods (this will be my last response in it as I feel I should be able to defend myself fairly) but you need to read the thread over.
I wasn't trying to be malicious or anything. I sympathize with the cat and the sad feelings. I posted the "it's a fucking cat" comment in response to the hypocrisy in this thread regarding the value of life, not in response to the OP. My main gripe with the OP and others in this thread was the collective annoyance towards the driver that did the right thing and whom decided it would be better not to be antagonized by some naive kids. Yeah, if he stopped he could have saved the cat, as demonstrated by our lovely OP. The reaction would have been much worse if he swirved into a toddler instead, trying to avoid the cat. The OP already mentions that he only stopped on his driveway for a few minutes--how long would he have waited if he saw a child crushed?
And no, I'm not going to go to Africa because my family already donates to causes like that. I was merely making a point that people who are outraged over my comments about a moth and a cat, and who seemingly have this magical hierarchy of animal value in their heads, probably flip past World Vision commercials to catch re-runs of Friends, while eating their forest-destroying hamburgers and wearing Nike apparel, made in third-world countries.
I absolutly love the bolded part. He lectures us all about everything that is wrong in the world and then says this. He takes credit for other peoples generosity that he happens to know, and admittedly has done nothing himself.
I realize my existence has probably lead to much more brutal treatment and death towards all forms of life--and I don't pretend like it doesn't. Life to me is equal. Apparently to the hypocrites in this thread, it is not, and they'd rather cry over a dead cat in comparison to a moth, while at the same time feasting on the flesh of animals who would have wished to be in the place of that cat, as opposed to the hell they call a cage.
@ella_guru Yes, life to me is equal, but that doesn't mean that I care about them equally, and I don't pretend that I do.
What The Fuck? That made absolutely no sense.
The OP annoyed me because he mentioned in a later post that he was annoyed the driver didn't stop to check on the cat, because apparently, the driver should have the same values on life that he does.
According to your bullshit all life is equal crap the driver should have reacted the same way as if he had hit a human.... and a moth.
It's actually kinda ironic that the OP is arguing with me that the cat is superior to the moth, while at the same time, mad at the driver who made the right decision in reducing human harm over the harm to the cat (whether intentional or not).
Contradicting yourself again.
Also according to your logic all animals on this earth are equal. How the fuck does that work out? How do you justify eating anything at all? If you eat any meat or any plants what so ever you are going against your belief that all living organisms are equal. Unless you're extremely selfish (like everyone else) and don't care. In whish case you are not in a position to lecture us.
Dying is part of life. It's good that you're so impacted by it's suffering, because it means that you're a good person.
I remember when I was young, maybe 8 or 9, I had a bb gun. There were birds in the cherry tree and my parents wanted me to scare them away, because they were eating the cherries. So I got my BB gun, but for some reason i decided to aim right at the bird. I really didn't think about the consequences. I ended up shooting a bird right in the head and it dropped out of the tree and I was immediately like "what have I done?". I ran over to the bird and I had shot it through the cheek and i held it as it died, I was so sad about this, maybe the saddest and most regretful of anything I have ever done. I cried a lot about it and made a little grave for the bird with a cross, I didn't really know what I was doing but it seemed appropriate. What I did was stupid but I was good to not react callously to this event, and to instead accept my feelings of grief over what had happened and what I had done.
Everything dies my friend, and suffering is temporary. It's ok, don't let it bum you out too much. The universe is balanced and while suffering may not seem appropriate, everything works out in the end. Don't be too distressed by the pain of others it is only a temporary thing.
Believe it or not, it's very healthy to spend time thinking about these things.
On June 23 2010 10:17 AcrossFiveJulys wrote: So what is the cause of your sadness over the incident? The fact that an animal died, or the fact that the owners will be upset? I realize that witnessing such a thing happening first hand feels different, but you might want to think about the animals that die when you eat meat. Unless you are a vegetarian of course.
Btw, I'm not a vegetarian, I just think it's irrational for people to feel so much pity watching an animal die first hand when millions are butchered for our pleasure every year.
I agree with this post. Watching this video really challenges our views on the disparity between how we treat pet animals and how we treat food animals:
On June 23 2010 10:51 semantics wrote: Obv need to teach cats to use the crosswalk or use the wait look and listen.
lol... poor animal, but hey, at least it wasn't a dog I fucking hate cats... (not enough to not feel bad if I saw one get run over, but I don't understand the attraction to owning them as housepets).
Once my wife hit a kangaroo with her car. She had to watch as it desperately tried to hobble off to the side of the road and kept trying to hop with really broken legs. It's a fucking horrible thing to happen. She had to call the police to come and turn it into a corpse by shooting it in the face. Not nice.
Ahh it still amazes me how people can care for animals so much. There are times when I'm sensitive for animals and times when I don't as much. I'm sorry you had to witness a little kitty get killed, and I'm more surprised the person who hit it actually got out to see if it was okay, but really it makes me smile when people actually get to be "nice". You should've gotten her number yo~
You get shaken up over something like this? Usually cats don't die this easily, consider it lucky. I've seen animals get hit quite a few times, one cat kept agonizing for minutes in the middle of the road, nobody wanted to touch him because it looked ugly. He was still running with all of his feet but he was lying on his side, the spinal was broken. Finally he lucked out and some truck squashed him, a bystander dragged him off to a sidewalk. And who in the right mind would try to stop after hitting a cat at full speed? Not like it's going to live.
On June 23 2010 12:20 XiaoJoyce- wrote: Usually I don't stay so late playing games, but my roomate wasn't at home that night. So I am alone and feel lost. I wanted to go down to see the cat condition but I am afraid it is very gruesome. I am afraid of blood. I am also afraid the gang of dogs might come back and bite my neck or something.
Were you going to walk on all fours? lol If you were going to do that let the dogs examine your neck area, don't try to fight them. This would determine subordination and you can become a member of a gang.
I'm more of a dog person, what would the world become if a cat could beat a dog? T_T
At least those were some noble dogs, left his body intact instead of tearing it up. That cat died like a warrior, a spartan among cats.
oh jesus, my brother's fiance saw a cat get run over. since me and my brother a big cat lovers, we drove over to see if we could help it. it had his/her head in the air and it was meowing in so much pain and then it just died as soon as we approached it. it was so sad driving it to the humane society with it. we had to do it though so at least they could scan the microchip to tell the owners.
I once saw a car ram over a long "hotdog", I instantly closed my eyes the moment the dog got ram over and I could hear the owner scream loudly in horror, next thing I knew was the dog walking away the ram like nothing happened. Drivers should really stop if they hit an animal though =(
On June 23 2010 15:35 BarneyEX wrote: I once saw a car ram over a long "hotdog", I instantly closed my eyes the moment the dog got ram over and I could hear the owner scream loudly in horror, next thing I knew was the dog walking away the ram like nothing happened. Drivers should really stop if they hit an animal though =(
So they can see it die a horrible death full of suffering and have the image engraved into their memories forever? I don't get this idea at all. Maybe if you got good nerves you can stop and check the mess out, scrape the brain off your bumper etc. But a person with good nerves wouldn't usually care to stop for a roadkill, it's just a natural thing to happen.
Firebathero: You are mistaken if you think you are living. You are currently dying. You're just creeping towards death little by little. Your life is limited by time.
On June 23 2010 11:45 Masamune wrote: What's really the difference between a cat and a moth? From what it sounds like, this cat died pretty soon after it go hit. Was the guy who hit it supposed to light a funeral pyre or something?
That's like saying, what's really the difference between a cat and a human? The human probably died a short while after so what are you supposed to do? Calm down the people who weren't calm?
I wish I could get sad over a dead cat, but the fact is when you've seen far worse happen to real people, its hard mustering up that feeling for a cat.
On June 23 2010 10:17 AcrossFiveJulys wrote: So what is the cause of your sadness over the incident? The fact that an animal died, or the fact that the owners will be upset? I realize that witnessing such a thing happening first hand feels different, but you might want to think about the animals that die when you eat meat. Unless you are a vegetarian of course.
Btw, I'm not a vegetarian, I just think it's irrational for people to feel so much pity watching an animal die first hand when millions are butchered for our pleasure every year.
If you kill animals for their meat then you are killing for a purpose. If an animal dies on the road, it is completely unnecessary. If you respect life in general then you avoid unnecessary killing.
Of course the definition of necessary and unnecessay killing is subject for a lot of discussions.
And even if you are a vegetarian you are killing some animals one way or another. Just no cattle etc.
On June 23 2010 16:50 dogabutila wrote: I feel jaded.
I wish I could get sad over a dead cat, but the fact is when you've seen far worse happen to real people, its hard mustering up that feeling for a cat.
Empathy should be a natural emotion you feel, not something you have to force. I too have seen fucked up things done to people, yet I can still feel compassion for a needless death, because I can realize it was needless.
On June 23 2010 10:17 AcrossFiveJulys wrote: So what is the cause of your sadness over the incident? The fact that an animal died, or the fact that the owners will be upset? I realize that witnessing such a thing happening first hand feels different, but you might want to think about the animals that die when you eat meat. Unless you are a vegetarian of course.
Btw, I'm not a vegetarian, I just think it's irrational for people to feel so much pity watching an animal die first hand when millions are butchered for our pleasure every year.
It's ok. And there is nothing to do. Even if you knew who ddrove over the cat it's not your business. When the cat runs free on the road then you can drive on it and no need to stop. Stupid cat owners sets them free. Fucking don't get a cat if you haven't got enough space for it inside.
I'm sorry to hear about the kitty. It's too bad that it didn't die instantly.
On the subject, I've seen people actually swerve to try and hit cats when they run out into the road. What the hell is wrong with people? That could be some kid's pet and he's going to be crying himself to sleep wondering why kitty didn't come home.
It's kind of gross, but I've long been in the habit of picking up cats that I find dead on the highway (I keep garbage bags and such in my car) and burying them out in the bush. I'm starting my own little Pet Cemetary - can't wait til they start strutting around in zombie form.
On June 23 2010 11:32 konadora wrote: ...poor kitty
saw a run-over squirrel yesterday -__-
Saw a freshly run over cat just outside my block right before my last exam about a month + ago. Some woman was freaking out trying to move the cat off the road. I tried to help her and she became terrified after a while so I left for school. (I ended up being late but got an A- in the end /irrelevant)
Worst I've seen re: roadkill was something the size of a dog but gibbed by heavy vehicles like dumptrucks and mobile cranes, looked like something out of a horror movie/half-life and worst thing was that I was cycling with a friend along that very same road next to speeding heavy trucks. Although I was sad in the abovementioned case when I was cycling here the only thing I felt was pure terror until I cleared that road.
Just for the record, I'm not vegetarian, although I firmly believe in treating animals with care and respect.
On June 23 2010 10:20 mOnion wrote: dude its gonna be okay, its just a cat, don't stress it too much
Someone loved that cat!
Anyway, I was dricing to pick up a friend on my way to the gym. I take a left at an intersection and there are 2 cars stopped in the middle of the road with nothing in front of them, at first I was pissed because I was in a hurry but then I saw a litttttttttllllllleeeeeeeeee deer walk out into the next lane. It was just born and soooooooooo cute :D. The oncoming cars stopped as well and it stood in the road for a few seconds and looked at us while we waited. Eventually it took off into the woods and I realized that I wanted a video or at least a picture but it was too late
On June 24 2010 00:03 Flaccid wrote: It's kind of gross, but I've long been in the habit of picking up cats that I find dead on the highway (I keep garbage bags and such in my car) and burying them out in the bush. I'm starting my own little Pet Cemetary - can't wait til they start strutting around in zombie form.
You need some help. Not even joking.
On June 24 2010 00:27 JFKWT wrote: Worst I've seen re: roadkill was something the size of a dog but gibbed by heavy vehicles like dumptrucks and mobile cranes, looked like something out of a horror movie/half-life and worst thing was that I was cycling with a friend along that very same road next to speeding heavy trucks. Although I was sad in the abovementioned case when I was cycling here the only thing I felt was pure terror until I cleared that road.
I hope you at least tried to run your bike over it and make a few more splashes?
I was in Argentina a few years back and I saw a dog crossing a little street and a slow driving car clipped the dogs head and it flipped the dog around in almost a complete 360, then the dog freaks out and dashes, trying to get off the road, but instead it runs straight into a parked car and falls down, stunned, wondering what just happened. Then it gets up and walks away like nothing happened. When I noticed it was ok I had a good laugh to myself
On June 24 2010 00:03 Flaccid wrote: It's kind of gross, but I've long been in the habit of picking up cats that I find dead on the highway (I keep garbage bags and such in my car) and burying them out in the bush. I'm starting my own little Pet Cemetary - can't wait til they start strutting around in zombie form.
On June 24 2010 00:27 JFKWT wrote: Worst I've seen re: roadkill was something the size of a dog but gibbed by heavy vehicles like dumptrucks and mobile cranes, looked like something out of a horror movie/half-life and worst thing was that I was cycling with a friend along that very same road next to speeding heavy trucks. Although I was sad in the abovementioned case when I was cycling here the only thing I felt was pure terror until I cleared that road.
I hope you at least tried to run your bike over it and make a few more splashes?
So how is what you just said any less sick than what Flaccid said...
I ran over a dog once, quite a big one. He started to cross the road, it was a quite a long straight line. He stopped right in the middle of the lane I was in.
So I went to the other lane (which was actually going the other direction) and as I was nearing the dog he decided to go back the way he came. I hit the brake hards and as I started to lose control of the car I lifted my foot off the brakes and braced for impact.
I looked in the mirror window and saw the dog stay motionless as he hit the floor. That haunted me for about two weeks, but I tried everything. Oh, I'm a vegetarian btw, so it was even harder for me. I have tears in my eyes as I post this.
On June 24 2010 02:07 GreEny K wrote: So how is what you just said any less sick than what Flaccid said...
One makes fun of the "gore" mess in someones story while another goes around with a plastic bag looking for dead animals that he drags to his own "pet cemetery" to give them a proper burial. Pretty similar I guess.
On June 23 2010 23:11 Piste wrote: It's ok. And there is nothing to do. Even if you knew who ddrove over the cat it's not your business. When the cat runs free on the road then you can drive on it and no need to stop. Stupid cat owners sets them free. Fucking don't get a cat if you haven't got enough space for it inside.
We can imagine all we want, but no human died, and the cat died. Also, it is my business if someone kills an animal, especially with a collar, I'd chase the driver and flag him down.
Also, because a cat is on the road you're allowed to drive over it? You need some help, mental help, thats not how things work.
Also, leaving a cat inside? Lol, you're way too cruel. Cats are freaking awesome, they know their owners and they know how to get around, let them be outside.
LMAO only in piste's twisted world is letting your pet play outside an inhumane thing to do. Damn, all those people who let their kids outside where there are rapists and pedophiles and they might play in the street need to get bigger houses!!
On June 24 2010 03:13 Romantic wrote: LMAO only in piste's twisted world is letting your pet play outside an inhumane thing to do. Damn, all those people who let their kids outside where there are rapists and pedophiles and they might play in the street need to get bigger houses!!
On June 23 2010 11:50 Masamune wrote: There's nothing wrong with his response, but animals are animals. How can you say a mammal is worth more than an arthropod?
Easily?
This is some philosophical haven where intellect is paramount.
It's simple - we grow up all our lives , some with cats as pets, and seeing cats as cute and friendly little guys. Some people don't like them so much. Moths are much more universally loathed, and our culture places little to no value on insects.
Do you live in a vacuum?
Edit :
Also, Nukethestars _never_ held a grudge against the driver. There should be no debate about that part.
On June 23 2010 11:28 Romantic wrote:
Jesus Christ someone like you ALWAYS has to post. Do you give a lecture to everyone who has an emotion?
This too!! Can't we just come together over the OPs stress. LETS JUST FUCKING LOVE EACH OTHER
lol? I already stated in my earlier post that we have a natural bias towards, cute, fury animals. You could say from an evolutionary standpoint, we may feel more for a mammal because it's more closely related to us genetically. Socially, we do grow up with them, yes. Where the fuck have I said he was wrong for being mad that the cat died?
All I'm trying to get across is that it's a fucking cat. Yes, it died a painful and horrible death. Now why don't you go on some mission to Africa feeding the HUMANS (cause apparently, there is some hierarchy in how much sympathy animals get) that are suffering from chronic hunger?
People > Animals >People that don't live within 100 KM of us > insects > + Show Spoiler +
On June 24 2010 02:37 ThePassingShadow wrote: Reading this thread gets me all emotional, and yet I continue to read it...
Whyy..?!
Humans hate death but care for those who lose friends and loved ones. It is of the human nature to continue reading. I was just lurking for a few pages until now. I think I might lurk for a few more.
edit: today was my last day of school (WOOT) and when I was walking home I saw 3 dead squirrels on the sidewalk with their guts being shown and two with eyes that clearly said they were rabid. Was spooky.
I found a dead squirrel once. It was behind my school. I went around school shoving it in everyone's faces and watching them scream. Then I sanitized my hands.
Very strange that you should post about this incident when you did.
Just 2 days ago, on my way home from work, I actually hit a cat. It was the first time that I had ever hit an animal while driving. It was about 9:00 P.M., and it just RAN straight into the middle of the road from some bushes on the side. I hit it going about 40 MPH. I had no chance to react, and it had no chance to live. I just heard and felt a suprisingly loud THUMP on my car, and I just kept going. I didn't really think to turn back to check up on it, I figured what was there I could do? The only thing I could have done at that point was gone back to feel sorry for it. Heaven forbid that it would have still been alive if I had turned around. For the next few minutes, I was actually quite perplexed as to how I "should" have felt about it. I didn't really feel bad, becuse there was nothing that I could have done, but I still felt like a bit of an a-hole for not at least stopping to check up on it, even though it just would have wasted time and been awkward.
A long time ago, when I was maybe 12 or 13, I was camping in Yosemite and I found a squirrel. I decided, being a young and ignorant boy, to try throwing a rock at it. I picked up a fairly large rock, and threw it HARD at the squirrel, fully expecting for it to run out of way, like a fly does when you try to hit it. Instead though, I hit the poor squirrel DEAD on, right in the center of its head. I couldn't have hit it more perfectly. To my horror, not only did I hit it, but I saw that its face was literally smashed in (it almost looked as flat as a piece of paper), and even worse, it was still very much alive. I could see it running around on the ground in a big circle, panicked and probably suffering profusely. I felt horrible after this, and have never intentionally hurt an animal since. I never found out what happened to that squirrel, though i'm sure it suffered and died soon after.
What's weird is that I felt/feel much worse about that poor squirrel than I do about the cat. I'm not too sure why.
About 4 years ago I hit a possum and killed it. I too was bummed for quite a while whenever I though about it, but in the end there was nothing I could do and now its just a memory...
You'll get over it soon enough.
In the mean time, think of it as a good thing that you are bummed - compassion and empathy are worthy traits imo.
The only time I hit an animal was coming back from a burger king drive thru at night where I ordered their brand new steakhouse burger. Kind of lost my appetite. I still ate it but I didn't enjoy it that much.
Lol I dig the tittle change. XD Sucks to see a pretty itty bitty kitty bite the dust. Happens all the the time thogh. I once saw a bird on the side of the highway that was just slightly thicker than a piece of paper. Pretty gross. Stuff dies every day, if you actually feel bad about it than maybe you should stop eating them.
On June 23 2010 11:50 Masamune wrote: There's nothing wrong with his response, but animals are animals. How can you say a mammal is worth more than an arthropod?
Easily?
This is some philosophical haven where intellect is paramount.
It's simple - we grow up all our lives , some with cats as pets, and seeing cats as cute and friendly little guys. Some people don't like them so much. Moths are much more universally loathed, and our culture places little to no value on insects.
Do you live in a vacuum?
Edit :
Also, Nukethestars _never_ held a grudge against the driver. There should be no debate about that part.
On June 23 2010 11:28 Romantic wrote:
Jesus Christ someone like you ALWAYS has to post. Do you give a lecture to everyone who has an emotion?
This too!! Can't we just come together over the OPs stress. LETS JUST FUCKING LOVE EACH OTHER
lol? I already stated in my earlier post that we have a natural bias towards, cute, fury animals. You could say from an evolutionary standpoint, we may feel more for a mammal because it's more closely related to us genetically. Socially, we do grow up with them, yes. Where the fuck have I said he was wrong for being mad that the cat died?
All I'm trying to get across is that it's a fucking cat. Yes, it died a painful and horrible death. Now why don't you go on some mission to Africa feeding the HUMANS (cause apparently, there is some hierarchy in how much sympathy animals get) that are suffering from chronic hunger?
People > Animals >People that don't live within 100 KM of us > insects > + Show Spoiler +
Ahahahaha. Animals are insects? I laugh at your pitiful attempt at political correctness douchery.
User was temp banned for this post.
He/she is correct. In biology, insects and mammals are part of the Animalia kingdom that seperates those organisms from plants, fungi and other autotrophs.
The OP inspired me to stop lurking, register and reply- partly cos I've been a Nuke fan for several months, and partly because this is a really interesting topic. It's a litmus for all kinds of attitudes about life itself and our response to tragedy.
A sudden fearful death is a hard thing to see, and trauma increases proportionally to how cute and familiar the victim is. It's not surprising that people respond more to the plights of those animals we'd typically consider petworthy than insects, with other wildlife falling somewhere in the middle. I'm sorry you had to see that, Nuke; I'd be shakey afterwards, too.
(rant) It seems to me that the "it's natural, just get over it" posts miss a crucial point: there is nothing natural about a car, let alone our human-specific system of traffic. Somehow, we like to pretend pets and even wild animals know enough to use the crosswalks and look both ways, so it's all up to them to be safe pedestrians. I've heard of a few instances of animals figuring this out (e.g. crows using traffic light timing to place shelled nuts on the street for cars to crack open, retrieving the nut at the next light), but they're clearly the exception rather than the norm.
Those who posted to the effect that one should run into an animal rather than risk an accident by slamming on the brakes are going out of their way to accommodate a population of routinely unsafe drivers. There's this little detail discussed in drivers' ed called "safe following distance", a two-second count was the normal minimum when I took the class years ago. You should be able to put on your brakes in an emergency without concern for what the car behind you will do, and the person who rear-ends in such a situation is almost always 100% liable for damages. It is the sole responsibility of a following driver not to tailgate, and that means leaving enough room that you can react to what the car in front of you does. It's scary, but not surprising, that some folks posting here may be driving around unaware of this simple fact.
Whether the obstruction is a cat or a baby duck or a baby human or a water buffalo or a fallen log or a huge sinkhole suddenly opening in the road, if the driver of the car in front of you decides to stop, you darn well better be able to react in the time you've allotted yourself, or be solely responsible for the consequences. Saying a driver should just plow through regardless is foolish, IMHO. I've seen cars totalled from hitting deer; it's not a given that you're going to "win" such an engagement. Safe following distance is the solution and tailgaters are the real problem; please don't be blaming the obstacle or the driver who stops to avoid it. (/rant)
On June 26 2010 03:28 0rganism wrote: Those who posted to the effect that one should run into an animal rather than risk an accident by slamming on the brakes are going out of their way to accommodate a population of routinely unsafe drivers.
Generally, we are talking about a situation where braking would do nothing to avoid the accident, as cars need 100+ feet to come to a complete stop. We are not worried about tailgaters, but swerving to avoid the accident. If something suddenly appears 10-20 feet in front of your car, you are going to hit it, unless you swerve out of the way, which is infinitely more dangerous than a simple rear-ender.
I cannot help myself but to say that changing the title was a big douche move. Is it funny ? Who's laughing ? The guy shares a sad story and this is what a mod does... fuck me.
On June 27 2010 05:43 Sharkified wrote: I cannot help myself but to say that changing the title was a big douche move. Is it funny ? Who's laughing ? The guy shares a sad story and this is what a mod does... fuck me.
god bless tl.net
The best part is that the change was anonymous so that those like myself cannot even direct our outrage toward the proper culprit.
It was me. It was a spur of the moment thing. Didn't read the thread just saw it in the sidebar and forgot about it immediately. I am sorry that I offended people. Please PM any outrage to me and leave the thread on topic from now on.
Anyways sad the cat got hit, but either ppl need to drive slower (not gonna happen), stop driving (again not gonna happen), or stop letting their cats roam around.
As far as i'm concerned other animals aren't sentient to the point of equals to a person although we may reflect our feeling on the animal doesn't necessarily mean they do the same with the same meaning.
It's always sad to loose a pet or see something die but shit happens.
I've hit three things in my life: A cat, another car, and a rock (don't ask about the rock).
When I hit the rock, I just thought "dammit, I'm dumb." When I hit the other car, I felt bad for a little while, until the asshole in the other car decided to sue me for "soft tissue damage" when in reality I had hit her car at under 15 mph so there was no way I could have done serious damage. That made me feel a lot less bad.
The cat still wakes me up at night sometimes. I was driving out along one of the roads in West Marin (for those of you who don't live here, they're long winding roads that go up and down hills, usually single lane, nobody's ever on them, so perfect for driving fast and testing out your car and your driving abilities). I had a few friends in the car, we were going to the beach, and because we wanted to get there quickly, and because I wanted to show off to the girls in the car, I was driving about 20 mph over the speed limit. I was going around a curve when a cat ran out across the road in front of me.
I reacted pretty much instantly, but there was no reaction really to do. If I swerved, there was a very high chance we would end up going off the road, which at the speed I was going could be fatal to us, so I elected to just drive straight and hope to god my wheels missed the cat. Sadly, that didn't really happen. I will still remember that thud for the rest of my life as the poor cat got hit by my front right tire.
We stopped as quickly as possible and went back to see if there was anything to do. My tire had hit the cat right in the middle of it's body, and the worst thing was that it was still alive. The only thing I could do (and the hardest thing I've ever had to do) was pull out the tire iron and put it out of it's misery, then move it off the road and continue on.
I don't know why this still affects me. It was a split second thing that happened. The cat had no tags, so I assume it must have been a stray. At the time, I had to decide whether I wanted to put my life and the life of my friends above the cat (and I'm serious, I really think if I'd swerved going around a curve at that speed I would have lost control), and I chose the humans over the cat. It's absolutely my fault, I'm not trying to dodge blame here, I really shouldn't have been driving that fast... but it happened almost 2 years ago, and it still affects me really strongly.
Just saying, guys, don't hate on the driver too too much - he probably feels awful about it too. And that is a shitty thing to happen to anyone, nuke - just consider yourself blessed that you are blameless in the situation. And let my story be a warning to everyone - speeding can be fun, but its actually one of the dumbest things humans do on a daily basis.
EPT
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I fucking hate cats... (not enough to not feel bad if I saw one get run over, but I don't understand the attraction to owning them as housepets). 
