On election day this past Tuesday, voters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts decided, among other things, to ban greyhound racing as a legitimate business practice. The final tally was 56% to 44%.
http://us-elections.suite101.com/article.cfm/question_3_greyhound_racing_ban_approved_in_ma
I must say I am glad not to be the owner of Wonderland Greyhound Park. I have never been to a Greyhound race myself, but this is appalling. I doubt that everyone who voted for this measure knows a ton about greyhound racing, so how can they so casually decide to ban it? I bet the pictures of dogs everywhere with supposedly-inflated statistics swayed quite a few people over on an emotional side, despite that greyhound racing in Massachusetts is reported to be safer than in other states, where many of the pictures the animal rights enthusiasts brandished during the campaign season. Also, in the middle of a poor economic period, is it really a good idea to eliminate an entire industry which many people’s jobs are tied to? Fortunately states are geographically small in New England and some of the enthusiasts for the sport may find a new home in Connecticut, Rhode Island or New Hampshire, states where they need not feel oppressed, which are all just a short ride away.
In a free country, anybody should be able to do anything they want as long as they do not infringe upon others. A. k. a. everyone leaves everyone else alone. Of course that’s not the way everyone sees it. Some may argue that “leaving everyone alone” applies to animals as well and they should be treated just like people. This kind of idea normally hails from the most radical fringe of the animal rights movement, like PETA. South Park made fun of them a few times. Check out the episodes “Douche and Turd” from Season 8 and “Free Willzyk” from Season 9. Hilarious. My props to Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of South Park.
I don’t have a problem with people being vegetarians if that is the diet they prefer but they better not act all pompous or try to preach to me about it. I like my meat and have no qualms about eating it-humans – and animals – have been eating each other since the beginning of time. Even Mowgli approves of it – it’s the “law of the jungle.” I just recently bought a shirt online. I think it pretty much sums it up…check it out:
