How to be a successful animal advocate

I just watched this debate between renowned animal rights advocate and author of Thanking the Monkey Karen Dawn and a gentleman who appears dead-set on re-introducing captive dolphins into what is apparently (and thankfully) an over-the-hill marine park in Australia.

Dawn comes off so poised, so knowledgeable, so respectful and--most important--totally credible and persuasive. I don't understand how anyone watching the debate could lean toward accepting the keeping of these magnificent creatures in captivity. She also smartly gives a shout out to The Cove. I agree with her that many people who haven't seen the movie may be avoiding it because, frankly, they're frightened. I know I was. But the film is a critical advocacy tool and it was very smart of her to introduce that into the debate to consolidate her position.

Here's a video of Dawn speaking at the 2009 Animal Rights Conference in Los Angeles. She is damn good. And she inspires me to be a more involved advocate. Go Karen!