Paul, until the last century no one bothered too much about the enslavement and/or extermination of a race of people. For example, the Aboriginals of Australia or the Indians of North America. It was considered a legitimate practice to wipe these people off the face of the Earth in the name of 'civilisation.' Indeed, this practice was considered legitimate on an international level for thousands of years. The fact that it was acceptable behaviour for so long is no justification. Similarly, the abuse of the sentient creatures of the sea is also unjustifiable.
No one is railroading you into a single way of thinking. You can think for yourself.
Once there were many humans who considered human flesh vital to their existence. In todays world it is not neccesary to inflict unneccesary suffering on humans or whales for food.
Paul, if you have spent time in the amazing natural beauty of this planet and you are unsure of whales being special then you are not in good health.