© Jeannette Louise Smith   As a young girl, I developed a love for all animals. My parents always encouraged my appreciation, tenderness, and responsibility for animals. They supported learning about the many species that grace our earth. I still watch nature and animal-related documentaries to improve my knowledge. However, as a child, I clearly remember covering my eyes in fear, not comprehending  scenes that depicted natural predation and the brutality that exists in nature. As an adult, I accept and understand the duality of Nature’s brutality and beauty. What is unnatural and unacceptable are the numerous ways humans control animals, inflict horrific and senseless cruelty, exploit, kill, and destroy habitats. An enormous diversity of people worldwide oppose violence. I advocate for peace among people. Equally, I oppose violence against animals and champion peaceful coexistence. I have been vocal about my opposition to sharpshooting deer in Arlington, Virginia ...