Fueled by an animal free diet, Dennis Kucinich has taken on every major political figure and every major corporation that threatens our environment and our rights. In 2008, Dennis Kucinich came closer to the U.S. Presidency than any other vegan/animal activist in history. Although he was pressured by his own party to withdrawal his bid for president he was still able to change the tone and the debate in the Democratic party.

His views were seen as extreme until he forced his way into the debates and received more applause than any other candidate. As his popularity grew the Democratic Party and the corporations that fund them such as NBC/General Electric/Lockheed Martin began to exclude him from debates at the 11th hour.

Dennis is vegan hero. He is open about his support for an animal free diet which stems from his concerns about remaining healthy and his dedication to non-violence. Dennis credits veganism with improving his health, and deepening his belief in the sacredness of all species. Dennis is in the Vegan Spotlight this week because he is a voice for the animals in our political system and never backs down from doing what's right.

Joan Jett is a tough vegan badass rocker icon that defies all stereotypes. She burst onto the music scene and proved that women could write, produce, and perform rock music better than most men. She is an advocate for a vegan diet which keeps her strong, healthy, and looking like she hasn't aged a single day since 1980.

In a wonderful interview she gave recently she was asked about people who say that vegans/vegetarians are weak and her response was perfect:

"People who say things like that are the weak ones for eating animals when it is completely unnecessary to do so in order to sustain life. To give [in to] the urge to eat flesh just because you can—now that’s weak! It’s like eating your dog or cat. It may take something like bird flu or mad cow disease to convince people to stop killing animals for food."

TGIF because I couldn't wait to post this week's spotlight of vegan activist/musician Michael Franti. Michael plays music that blends rock, reggae, and rap and has toured with Ziggy Marley and U2 while becoming one of the most influential progressive musicians of the 21st century. He tours the middle east to encourage peace though music with his unforgettable mantra "Power to the Peaceful!"

Michael has been vegan ever since his son showed him the light. This gives us all hope that we can someday convince OUR dads to be this cool.

Michael Franti is renowned for his amazing live concerts (I can personally attest to this). He inspires love and peace in all types of people and he has been able to convince many people to apply that love to the animals they eat by going vegan.

If you've never heard anything by Michael Franti, now is the time. Here is a sample of some of my all-time favorites:

"Yell Fire!"

"Hello Bonjour"

"Rock the Nation"

This week we focus on one of the animal rights movements biggest celebrities, Joaquin Pheonix. Pheonix is a successful vegan actor/activists and the narrator one the most influential animal rights documentaries ever assembled, Earthlings. Rumor has it that Earthings will be one of his final films as he has recently retired from filmmaking.

Pheonix has been extremely active in the movement lending his celebrity to numerous ad campaigns and speaking out all over the world about the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. He has been a vegan since the age of 3 and believes in living his life as a shining example of veganism. He has been nominated for an Oscar twice but barely missed the opportunity to become the first vegan to ever win.

If you don't have the time to see all 95 minutes of the film Earthlings, please watch the first 7 minutes here:

Josh Harper is an animal activist from the Northwest that has been sentenced to 3 years in federal prison for "free speech." Josh spoke out for the animals by talking about a tactic known as "black faxing." Black faxing essentially drains its victim of all the toner in their fax machine. Josh was convicted under the Animal Enterprise Protection Act which can put animal activists away for speaking out against the animal industry.

Josh was never convicted of an illegal act. Josh was convicted for talking about an illegal act. Black faxing used to be thought of as a prank but if your an animal activist, black faxing can be considered terrorism. Animal/environmental activists have been moved to the #1 spot on the domestic terrorist watch list, and are more prominent on the FBI's website than Osama bin Laden.

Josh spoke for those who had no voice and he paid the price. The US has not stifled the problem of vocal animal activists they have only created heroes and martyrs. From what i can tell, Josh used to be the average Joe; now he's a symbol. Josh stood by his belief in what was right and it will serve as inspiration for the movement forever.

I wish I could say this case is unique, but it's not. There are dozens of other activists that have been locked away. Caged like the animals they seek to protect. We understand what you've given for the cause and we will never back down, we will never compromise.

Please take the time to write Josh and the other prisoners and let the know you care.