Humane Party 2023 Newsletter – Meeting the Challenge

Brandy Walt Steps Forward: A New Chapter for the Humane Party

In a bold leap towards a future enriched with compassion and progress, the Humane Party has officially announced Brandy Walt as their torchbearer for the 2024 presidential race on World Vegan Day. Embracing a legacy that has been nurturing the seeds of change since 2009, Brandy’s endorsement is a testament to the party’s steadfast dedication to the ideals of veganism and animal liberation. As the country observes, this announcement marks not just a celebration of ethical living but a milestone in American politics, paving the way for an alternative to the traditional bipartisan narrative.

With a history of influential leadership since her start with the party in 2017, Brandy Walt’s presidential bid is rooted in a drive to invigorate the American political landscape with genuine alternatives. Her call to action encourages voters to look beyond the entrenched two-party system, embodying the Humane Party’s core values of Ethics, Service, and Unity. Brandy’s campaign promises a harmonious vision for the nation, championing a diverse society where the rights of all sentient beings are respected and upheld. As the Humane Party rallies around Brandy—a symbol of unity and progressive leadership—her commitment to a humane future stands stronger than ever. Join the movement and explore Brandy’s platform on her new website, as we take a collective stride towards an inclusive America.

As Brandy Walt steps forward to carry the torch for the Humane Party, we must also recognize the broader context in which this journey unfolds. Our party’s vision aligns with a growing desire for political diversity and ethical governance—a pulse we have tapped into and now seek to strengthen.


Tapping Into America’s Political Pulse: An Opportunity for the Humane Party

With Brandy Walt leading the charge, it’s clear that our message resonates in the current political arena. But what does America’s political pulse truly tell us? Recent findings shed light on the immense potential for parties like ours to make a substantial impact. Let’s delve into the numbers and see how the Humane Party can rise to meet the nation’s call for change.

In the current political climate, where disillusionment with the two major parties is palpable, the Humane Party stands at a pivotal juncture. A recent study reveals a striking ambivalence towards the Republican and Democratic parties, with most Americans holding unfavorable views and a significant 25% feeling unrepresented by either party. This sentiment is a clarion call for third parties like ours to step into the breach.

The Humane Party, with its unwavering commitment to ethical principles and scientific reasoning, finds itself in a unique position to address this opportunity. The study underscores a yearning for additional political options, particularly among the youth and those loosely tethered to the major parties, with 37% of adults desiring more choices. Herein lies our cue to reach out and present ourselves as a viable alternative that can resonate with the ideals of an emergent voter base.

However, it’s critical to address the skepticism around the efficacy of additional parties. While only 26% believe that more parties would alleviate the nation’s gridlock, the Humane Party can differentiate itself. By illustrating how our clear platforms and goals align with the interests and values of those feeling marginalized, we can transform skepticism into optimism.

The study indicates a varied perception of the differences between the major parties. While 54% see a great deal of difference, a significant portion perceives only a fair amount or hardly any difference. The Humane Party’s stance as America’s Party of Science and Ethics presents a clear demarcation from the existing dichotomy, promising a refreshingly distinct political narrative.

Moreover, with 71% of Republicans and 85% of Democrats feeling at least somewhat represented by their parties, the Humane Party can target the 25% who don’t feel represented by either. This demographic, critical of the political system and hungry for change, could be our strongest advocates. They are less optimistic about the political system’s future and doubt their voting power, reflecting an opportunity for the Humane Party to restore faith in political efficacy.

Interestingly, those unrepresented by the major parties are also less engaged with government and public affairs. This disengagement isn’t due to apathy but a lack of compelling choices. The Humane Party can ignite this untapped potential by actively engaging these individuals, empathizing with their concerns, and positioning our candidates as their genuine voice.

The appetite for more political parties is most voracious among those feeling disenfranchised by the current duopoly. Approximately half of this group expresses a wish for more parties. This is where the Humane Party can leverage its ethical core to appeal to their sense of civic responsibility and their longing for a party that truly reflects their principles.

To summarize, the Humane Party must harness these insights and channel its efforts into creating robust engagement strategies, voter education campaigns, and candidate profiles that echo the aspirations of the underserved electorate. We stand at the threshold of an opportunity to not just participate in the political process but to elevate it to a plane where science and ethics dictate the national discourse. The Humane Party is not just another choice; it’s the choice for a more representative and principled America.

Our data-driven understanding of America’s political pulse only emphasizes the urgency of our mission. As we cater to the 25% seeking representation, we must also ensure that our political framework embodies the ethics we stand for. This leads us to a crucial aspect of our platform—the imperative for vegan leadership.


Elevating the Abolitionist Agenda: The Imperative for Vegan Leadership in Political Office

With our fingers firmly on the pulse of America’s political climate, we turn now to an imperative that stands at the core of our party: the elevation of the abolitionist agenda within the political arena. As we seek to inject new perspectives into the conversation, we must also consider the role vegan leadership will play in shaping our future.

The American political landscape is at a critical juncture, with citizens deeply disillusioned by the motivations and integrity of their representatives. In this climate of distrust and dissatisfaction, there is a powerful opportunity for the vegan movement, predicated on the abolition of animal exploitation and the recognition of animal peoplehood, to step forward.

The prevailing sentiment among Americans is one of disenchantment, as suggested by a mere 15% believing that most officials are driven by a genuine desire to serve the public. This underscores the urgency for the vegan movement, led by the Humane Party, to advocate for a new paradigm of political candidates: those who are steadfast in their commitment to abolishing the commodification of animals and promoting their inherent rights.

The Humane Party’s agenda transcends the conventional approach to animal welfare. It’s not merely about improving conditions; it’s about a fundamental transformation of our societal and legal frameworks to acknowledge animals as individuals, not property. The Party’s mission is to infiltrate every level of government with leaders who are unyielding in their pursuit of animal liberation.

To instigate real change, Vegans must be ingrained in the political process from the local to the national level. The focus isn’t limited to fielding a presidential candidate but encompasses a comprehensive strategy that involves electing vegan politicians across all branches of government. These positions serve as crucial battlegrounds for policy-making that can lead to the end of animal exploitation.

The public’s desire for politicians who are motivated by a dedication to addressing critical issues aligns with the Humane Party’s vision. While 48% of Americans believe only some officials ran for office to address key issues, the Humane Party can change this narrative by presenting candidates whose central aim is to challenge and dismantle the systemic use of animals.

The political involvement of Vegans must reflect the movement’s core values—abolishing animal use and securing legal personhood for animals. This reflects a radical departure from the status quo, providing a resonant alternative for the 42% of Americans who feel unrepresented by current candidates.

The Humane Party’s ultimate goal is to transform the political landscape to one where every officeholder is a fierce advocate for animal rights, embodying the vegan principle that rejects animal exploitation in any form. To turn this vision into reality, the Party must inspire Vegans to seek office, to amplify their support, and to cultivate a well-informed electorate on the significance of vegan representation.

In essence, the call for vegan political leadership is a call for justice and moral consistency. It is not enough for a national party to champion the abolitionist cause; Vegans must rise through the ranks, taking the helm to enact laws and policies that protect the rights of all sentient beings.
The Humane Party recognizes that every election is an opportunity to champion a transformative agenda—one that will sow the seeds for an America where animals are recognized as individuals with rights, not resources for human use. The time is now for Vegans to mobilize and lead the charge toward an equitable and just future for all Earth’s inhabitants.

While our commitment to ethical governance and vegan leadership is unwavering, we must confront the narratives that threaten the very fabric of a multiparty democracy. Central to this is dismantling the myth of the ‘spoiler’—a challenge that Brandy Walt and the Humane Party are ready to take head-on.


The Humane Party Doesn’t need to be a Spoiler

The specter of the ‘spoiler’ has long haunted the American political scene, casting third-party efforts like those of the Humane Party in a controversial light. Yet, it is in examining these very narratives that we uncover the deep-seated need for diversity in representation—a need that Brandy Walt embodies.

The debate surrounding third-party candidacies in the U.S. political system is a recurring narrative with significant implications for democracy and voter representation. The recent discussions concerning the potential candidacy of Brandy Walt of the Humane Party highlight a broader issue: the persistent barriers that third parties face in the American political landscape.

Critics often argue that third-party candidates, like Brandy Walt, who stand on platforms deeply rooted in vegan ethics and environmental sustainability, receive negligible media attention. This lack of visibility is compounded by a prevalent ‘spoiler’ narrative, where mainstream parties and media suggest that voting for third-party candidates could inadvertently lead to the election of a less preferred, often polarizing, major party candidate.

This perspective not only undermines the essence of a pluralistic democracy but also stifles the rich discourse necessary for progress. By labeling third-party candidacies as potential ‘spoilers,’ the political establishment effectively walls off meaningful alternatives and diminishes the chances of these parties gaining traction. This creates a self-fulfilling prophecy: third-party platforms like the Humane Party’s, despite being the sole representatives of vegan values in the political arena, struggle to be heard over the din of traditional bipartisan politics.

The ‘spoiler’ argument also overlooks the discontent many voters feel towards the binary options presented by the current system. The assertion that the building is on fire, implying an urgency that discounts the need for diverse leadership, neglects the importance of foundational change. It dismisses the potential for candidates like Brandy Walt to address the root causes of societal and environmental issues rather than merely fighting their symptoms.

Indeed, the real ‘fire’ may not just be the immediate political crises but the persistent neglect of long-term issues like animal rights, climate change, and health—all central to the vegan movement and the Humane Party’s platform. By painting third-party efforts as futile, the political discourse does a disservice to voters seeking alternatives aligned with their values and to the democratic process itself.

The true democratization of American politics will remain elusive unless the voices of third-party candidates are given equitable consideration. While the system currently favors the major parties, the growth of movements like veganism and the increasing concern for animal rights suggest a growing portion of the electorate is searching for representatives who align more closely with their ethical convictions. It is through the persistent efforts of parties like the Humane Party, despite the odds, that a broader spectrum of values and policies can one day gain the prominence they deserve in the political dialogue.

Even as critics label third-party candidacies as ‘spoilers,’ we see glimmers of hope that dismantle these barriers. A case in point is the recent legal victory in Texas, a testament to the resilience of the democratic spirit and a beacon for parties like ours.


A Bright spot in Texas

In the heart of Texas, a bright spot emerges, challenging the status quo and affirming the Humane Party’s right to stand beside major contenders. This judicial win not only vindicates our position but also paves the way for a more equitable political playing field nationwide.

A recent court ruling represents a significant victory for independent and minor political parties in Texas, including those like the Humane Party, which often face formidable barriers in their efforts to secure a spot on the ballot. The decision by United States District Judge Robert Pitman acknowledges the disproportionate challenges that paper nomination petitions pose to these parties, highlighting the need for modernization and fairness in the electoral process.

For advocates of political diversity and representation, this case underscores a broader movement seeking to dismantle the entrenched two-party system that dominates American politics. It also serves as a reminder that the judiciary can play a pivotal role in ensuring that the rights of all political actors are protected, fostering a more inclusive democratic process.

This legal success story illustrates that while the two major parties may attempt to marginalize third parties, there are constitutional safeguards in place to prevent such exclusionary tactics from going unchallenged. It emphasizes that, despite systemic biases, the fight for electoral equity is ongoing and can yield positive results. Moreover, it offers hope to other third parties and independent candidates across the nation who might be facing similar hurdles.
By leveraging such legal precedents, organizations like the Humane Party can gain inspiration and tactical insight into how to navigate and contest the legal and procedural blockades put in place by traditional political forces. This not only bolsters their efforts but also aligns with a broader push for reform that can lead to more representative political outcomes, resonating with a wider spectrum of voter values and beliefs.

This legal milestone in Texas exemplifies the change we can enact when we harness our collective power. It serves as a catalyst, propelling us forward and reminding us of the importance of solidarity in our journey towards political recognition and reform.


Harnessing Our Collective Power for Change Tipping Point

The Humane Party’s journey is akin to threading a needle in the vast tapestry of American politics, where each thread is a crucial part of a larger design for change. This collective power has now reached a tipping point, demonstrating that the time for incremental shifts has passed and a more significant transformation lies ahead of us. We, the Humane Party, are weaving a vibrant strand representing compassion, ethics, and science. The electoral challenges before us are steep, indeed. We are under no illusion about the daunting path to having Brandy Walt elected as president. The systemic roadblocks in place for third parties to merely appear on ballots across states are a testament to that.

Yet, our vision transcends the immediate horizon of a single election cycle. Our true triumph lies in uniting the vegan community, demonstrating our solidarity, and ensuring our collective voice resonates in the halls of power. While the political goliaths may sideline our values, assuming our numbers are too scant to sway outcomes, we stand to prove otherwise. Our enduring presence in political discourse underscores a critical reality — the vegan constituency is a force in its own right, one that can no longer be ignored.

The Humane Party offers more than a political platform; it is a sanctuary for the voices of those who advocate for a life free from cruelty. By engaging in political action, by championing leaders like Brandy Walt, we showcase a steadfast commitment to our ideals. It is a clarion call to all parties that veganism is not a fringe element but a significant and growing movement that must be recognized and respected.

The Pivotal TIPPING POINT Provision

The introduction of the Humane Party’s Tipping Point Provision marked a revolutionary step in American politics. It addresses the long-standing ‘spoiler’ anxiety that has deterred voters from casting their ballots in line with their beliefs. With this provision, we lay to rest the notion that a vote for a third party is a vote wasted.

Here is our solemn pledge:

If a candidate from any other party meets the comprehensive ethical and policy commitments as detailed in our Tipping Point Provision, including the advocacy of veganism and a suite of humanitarian reforms, the Humane Party will step aside in the presidential race. Furthermore, we will throw our full weight behind this candidate, showcasing a unity of purpose over party allegiance.

This pledge is more than a strategic maneuver; it is a testament to our unwavering dedication to the values we champion. It’s a declaration that our end goal is not the mere accumulation of political power but the realization of a world that aligns with humane principles.

In forging ahead, we invite you, our readers and supporters, to continue this journey with us. Your voice, your vote, and your activism are the lifeblood of this movement. Together, let’s shape a future that honors the rights of all sentient beings, champions environmental stewardship, and fosters a compassionate society.


I Am Someone 

Leeza Coleman signed her oath in 2017 and has supported the national party and the abolitionist movement with her heart and soul. Leeza resigned from active party participation in June of this year due to personal reasons, but prior to her leaving, she shared some writings in 2021 that we could share here. We were trying to get a newsletter together last year, but as an all-volunteer party, we can only work with the time people are able to give. You can see the passion that Leeza brought to her work with the Humane Party and the passion we appreciate in our volunteers.

If you find you have a similar passion, the Humane Party can be a great place to use that in a way that drives change. The abolitionist movement requires a wide variety of points of view to work. We can’t be successful if those of us in the Humane Party only see our challenges from the same direction. We need more volunteers to drive diversity of thought in the party.

By Leeza Coleman

=-=-=-

I Am Someone

Animal rights. Animals’ rights. When we talk about the rights of other-than-human animals (hereafter “animals”), we are talking about the rights of the majority of the population of Planet Earth.

A proponent of the liberation of animals and of the abolition of their enslavement will acknowledge the following: 

  • Each animal is a unique individual.
  • Animals feel pain, fear, and pleasure—in the same measure as the human animal. 
  • Animals intuit with an accuracy that may exceed our own capabilities.
  • Bravely, they stand their ground when they are threatened and fight with the weapons given to them by nature to save their lives and homes.
  • Animals are endowed with personalities; they are persons. 

Dictionaries are updated to reflect the growth and advance in ideas and knowledge: a language that does not grow dies. When we enhance the definition of “person,” we are given the opportunity to open the way for the broadening of other words: “misogyny,” “holocaust,” “genocide,” “slavery,” and “abolition.” I am a Jew who believes that the horror of the Holocaust is magnified by the demonstration of its infinite perpetuation.

Does including animals in social justice diminish its value when applied to humans? Seriously?

Doesn’t the act of broadening the inclusiveness make social justice more vital, more precious? 

(Jane Smith, “Is Speciesism a Social Justice Issue?,” Sentient Media, May 6, 2021)

The routine torture of animals is deeply ingrained in the day-to-day practices we take for granted, abetted by relentless, seductive, deceitful advertising.


I have heard the following from friends:

  • “I am sorry if some (sic) animals suffer, but..” 
  • “Because I eat a hamburger, does that make me a bad person?” 
  • “I’m sorry, but I cannot live without my cheese.” 
  • “My daughter is a vegan, and we eat turkey on Thanksgiving right in front of her.” 

The defensive denial in these people suggests that they are not sure that they are on the ethical side of this issue.

On the other fence, facing animal rights supporters, also claiming to care about animals, sit animal welfare advocates, who believe that you make life “better” for an animal prior to—and maybe even during—slaughter. The aim is to stop abuse in the slaughterhouse.
(The Humane Farming Association)

(Humane-Certified Products – Fight Farm Animal Cruelty – ASPCA)

The issues now in critical status on center stage:

Climate change. (Sailesh Rao, “Animal agriculture is the leading cause of climate change.” Climate Healers)

The animal-agriculture industry tortures and kills at a vast level (2021 Animal Kill Clock) and damages the planet’s waters, air, and earth. The health of its human and other inhabitants (Jeff McMahon, “Animal Agriculture Costs More In Health Damage Than It Contributes To The Economy,” Forbes)

Toxic capitalism, with its attendant cronyism.

(Pew Research Center, 2. Janna Anderson, Lee Rainie and Emily A. Vogels, “Experts Say the ‘New Normal’ in 2025 Will Be Far More Tech-Driven, Presenting More Big Challenges”)

(Craig Collins, “Can We Exist This Road to Ruin?,” February 2021)

The liberal left is now poised to address these problems with the aggressiveness they demand. This is a propitious moment for abolitionists to get to work politically. Solutions will be achieved by the voters if we take hold of this power.

As we become “green” with sustainably sourced resources, renewable energy, activities that acknowledge our planet’s supply limits, use of recycled materials, and organic plant farming, this leaves the animals standing around waiting.

What are we going to do about them? We will have to do something.

Since they are persons, they need to be liberated and given the rights humans take for granted. (Donny Moss, “Their Turn, The Social Justice Movement of Our Time”)

Animal liberation, turning factory concentration camps into crop farms, will heal our nation and mean that no one goes hungry (Climate Healers, “Could Veganism End World Hunger?,” Sentient Media, February 17, 2021)

Abolition Amendment | Final Draft | December 6, 2016 (Abolition Amendment | Final Draft | December 6, 2016)

All life is one family. Our family includes all humans, animals, birds, fish, and insects.

We don’t hurt members of our family but treat them with kindness and compassion.

Dr. Sailesh Rao

Climate HealersFounder

I am someone.


New Developments from the Humane Party’s New York Chapter

By Tracy Lall

In our previous update, we celebrated the launch of our dedicated New York City website, a critical step in promoting vegan political action and initiating a robust framework for change. Today, we are thrilled to share the strides we’ve made since that pivotal moment.

A Stronger Online Presence for Change

Our website https://www.humane.nyc has become more than a digital footprint; it’s a rallying point for political candidates passionate about animal rights and veganism. Its purpose has evolved, encouraging and guiding spirited individuals to stand as candidates for city council elections.

Grassroots Mobilization

The outreach has expanded significantly. By partnering with local animal rights organizations, we’ve tapped into a network of potential candidates who are not only advocates but also ready to step into the political arena.

Making a Stand in Elections

The energy of our movement was evident in the gathering of petition signatures for HP candidate Tracey Lall for the 2022 NY City Council elections. This milestone not only showcased community support but also marked our active participation in the city’s political landscape.

Collaborative Resource Development

In our quest to empower candidates, we’ve coordinated with like-minded animal parties, both locally and internationally. Through this collaboration, we’ve begun creating compelling materials to motivate and educate. The knowledge sharing with the UK-based animal welfare party has led to insightful recordings that are proving invaluable.

A Library of Political Empowerment

Looking ahead, we are in the planning stages for a comprehensive library of resources. This curated collection, which will include written and video materials, aims to provide a thorough understanding of the NYC-specific ballot access and financial reporting activities—key knowledge for any prospective local HP candidate in NYC City Council elections.

Join Us on This Journey

With these updates, the New York chapter of the Humane Party continues to pave the way for compassionate governance. We are deeply grateful for the community’s support and invite you to engage with these new developments.


Financials Update

By Rick Rodriguez, Treasurer

2023 Period to date (10/31/2023)

  • Starting Balance: $3,555.66
  • Total Contributions: $393.80
  • Total Expenses: $70.00
  • Closing Balance (10/31/2023): $3,879.46

Join Our Movement: Be the Change with the Humane Party

The Humane Party, challenging the two-party norm, proudly presented Brandy Walt as our 2024 presidential candidate on World Vegan Day—signaling a bold step toward ethical governance. Facing a political climate where many, especially the youth, yearn for alternatives, our commitment to ethics, science, and animal rights offers a distinct choice for the 25% of Americans disillusioned with the status quo.

Amidst widespread distrust in traditional political figures, our platform stands unique—advocating for vegan values and the abolition of animal exploitation, answering the public’s demand for integrity-driven politicians. Our mission extends to embedding vegan leaders at every governmental level, reshaping the political narrative to focus on service and animal personhood rights.

The Humane Party’s vision transcends the 2024 campaign, championing a more inclusive America that honors the rights of all sentient beings. We call on volunteers and candidates to join a movement that’s not just about political change but about fostering a humane future.

Consider your role in this transformative journey. Your voice can echo in council chambers or bolster our cause through active support. The Humane Party embodies collective action and passion—join us and let your voice amplify our chorus for change.