How About a Second Opinion?
By Jackie Robinson

Want a second opinion? Second Opinion Radio show, hosted by Melody Paris and Jean Barnes offers just that. Focused on animal rights, guests and topics will include Vegan chefs, Fernbank Museum, PETA representatives and more. After a year in creation and proposals, the Wednesday evening program has been picked up by Atlanta’s 89.3 WRFG, a station recognized for its progressive content. Immediately following the premiere broadcast on April 5, calls were received at the station with donations slated for the show.

The name “Second Opinion” was selected by Melody and Jean to represent options -- second opinions -- to the information available through mainstream media -- the “first opinion.” Second Opinion gives listeners an opportunity to hear news regarding animal rights that “affects our daily life and very existence.”

Melody and Jean share an extensive history in animal rights activism. Together they volunteer for animal rights, and previously hosted the radio talk show “Tune in to Nature.” What they found was concern for the entire environment, but an absence of the truth regarding horrid treatment of animals. Their joint passion and drive have brought them together in response to a higher calling. With a spirit of warmth and conviction, Melody Paris graciously found time to share with us the motivation behind the show, and potential benefit to listeners.

The message goes beyond concern for the protection of animals. Open your heart; find compassion. “We are all connected, part of the big picture -- we cannot leave one part out; it ultimately hurts ourselves.” Through our spiritual awareness, we broaden love and compassion within our souls. “The amount of energy that flows from becoming involved and being part of the big picture forms the pathway to feeling better of yourself and closer to the Divinity of your spirit. By opening your heart, you open a connection to heaven -- to its messages.”

“The goal of Second Opinion is for people to learn, rise, evolve -- to become something we are not. This brings in a whole new level -- it is the gateway of moving up the ladder of spiritual awareness.” Extending the hand of compassion is easier when it’s someone who is like you, but when you move outside of your comfort zone -- “you feel like you are vibrating at a higher level -- like you are tingling. Things come to you that you cannot imagine.”

When considering your beliefs about animal rights, there are some thoughts to keep in mind. Your spirit resides within your body. When eating meat that has been harvested from animals being slaughtered in pain and suffering, that is dead and decaying in your body -- stop and think -- will this help me to connect…to rise above? According to Melody, “the reason there are not more vegetarians is people can’t see what goes on in the slaughter houses -- there are no glass walls.” It doesn’t matter how you come to an awareness about our animal world, you are accepted where you are. What matters is that people listen, read, watch -- learn.

“Knowledge is power. Second Opinion gives people the opportunity to take the power back for themselves. We get so busy we give up our power. If we have the knowledge, we will be informed to make decisions. Yes it’s sad and controversial, but we have to build strength, build spirit and say ‘yeah, it’s horrible, but I am strong, I will do something about it.’”

For further information on becoming involved, visit the Georgia Animal Rights and Protection website. There is no discrimination -- “everyone comes to this place at a different level.” Monthly meetings are held at a local library, or you can join the email list and simply observe the culture of this community. There is no judgment. “People come with varying interests; come where you are -- everything you do is a positive step. Start wherever you feel comfortable. And most importantly, congratulate yourself for whatever you do. Everything we do every day makes a difference -- and we have a new opportunity to make a difference every day!”

Second Opinion is a radio show that will make you stop and think. How are you treating not only your environment, but all with which you are connected on this earth? “When you are spiritually aware -- it will open your heart -- and you can’t leave animals out.” Animals are sacred, honored as spirit guides and totems, especially by the Native Americans.

There is a link on the Second Opinion Radio website to listen live, or you can tune your radio to 89.3 WRFG Wednesday evenings from 6 – 6:30 pm. Archives will be offered for previous shows as well. Melody and Jean welcome your comments, questions and ideas; you may contact them through their website, and expect a personal response. Bear in mind that “knowledge is power” – and you have only to take the power available to you. Tune in for your Second Opinion -- the one that’s not being broadcast all over the mainstream media.



A freelance writer in the Atlanta area, Jackie Robinson embraces her lifelong passion for writing. She may be reached at 404.915.9811 or jackie@sacred-energy.com.