Thank you to The Star for supporting Kansas Senate Bill 238, which will make cockfighting in Kansas a felony (2/13, Opinion).
Every state surrounding Kansas treats this brutal activity as a felony. As long as cockfighting is only a misdemeanor in Kansas, we are a magnet for it and for all the gambling, illegal drug use and violence that accompanies this already-illegal activity.
Animal fighting, and all cruelty to animals, desensitizes people to suffering. In tough times we need to be more sensitive to each others’ suffering, especially those who cannot speak for themselves. Violence begets violence, and compassion begets compassion. Let’s get this right and make our state a better place for all of us.
Crystal Swann Blackdeer
Tonganoxie
The Star’s editorial in support of classifying cockfighting as a felony instead of a misdemeanor rings hollow. The Star reasons that the misdemeanor classification “means penalties are light and the risk of prison time is low.”
Many low-level felonies provide for the presumption of probation because the prisons are full. Prison has not proved useful in deterring drug use, with half of the inmates in federal and state prisons serving time for drug violations. Increasingly, thoughtful individuals are questioning the utility of relying on prison as a vehicle to effect societal reform.
Just as we embrace community corrections as an alternative to prison, we must effect reform of society by means other than filling prisons with low level, nonviolent offenders.
Cockfighting, drug use and a host of other deeply offensive activities must be remedied, but prison has not proved to be effective in reforming society. The vexing problems facing society today are not so easily solved by the closing of an iron door.
Michael Lee Kobe
Kansas City, Kan.
Felonies for animal abuse are a blunt instrument and the humane societies abuse their power continuously. There's a woman who allegedly starved her dogs who is serving 12 years and a man who actually killed another human being who is serving 5 years. That's more than enough already.
Posted by: Tom K | February 22, 2009 at 02:24 PM
solomon
I said nothing at all about how Colonial rule was established. What I did say was that it was not necessary to resort to violence to eliminate it. I also said that in many places where it was eliminated the people are now worse off in material matters than they were under Colonial rule. As a whole they also seem to be less safe.
Posted by: Engineer | February 21, 2009 at 11:56 PM
“we must effect reform of society by means other than filling prisons with low level, nonviolent offenders”
Non-violent cockfighting is an oxymoron.
Tina, I know several people who have concealed carry licenses, and they’re a diverse group, ranging from a young IT person to a feisty 70-year-old grandmother. All of them would be offended by being compared to people who run puppy mills or hold cockfights. The grandma would definitely express displeasure . . . using unprintable language, not with force. Like the rest of the group, she is a responsible person.
Posted by: Kate | February 21, 2009 at 11:19 AM
good morning TinaMcG,
What is your opposition to concealed carry, as it has nothing to do with criminals carrying guns?
Posted by: solomon | February 21, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Well Tina the B I itch, if you don't like concealed carry and allowing folks the ability to defend themselves I suggest you go somewhere where there are really tough gun laws like,D.C. ,New York, and Detroit...you should be safe then, moron.
Do a llttle reading before you spout off, might I suggest, "More Guns Less Crime", by Dr. John Lott as a basic primer?
Posted by: BudRog | February 21, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Responding to Mr. Kobe's letter, I think the idea of being a convicted felon is pretty unattractive, even for the scumbags who see cockfighting as sport. What in the world is up with Kansas anyway? Puppymills. Cockfighting. Lowest minimum wage in the country. And don't get me started on concealed carry. Yeesh.
Posted by: TinaMcG | February 21, 2009 at 09:45 AM
"As long as cockfighting is only a misdemeanor in Kansas, we are a magnet for it and for all the gambling, illegal drug use and violence that accompanies this already-illegal activity."
While I dont support cockfighting, this line is a bunch of hyterical, inaccurate sensationalizing that is all to often used to make policy. More policy based on lies. I have lived in KS all my life and I know of no cock fights ever. When was there a recent bust in KS? This is legilsation that benefits the bill sponsors and political limelight.
Posted by: Stifled Freedom | February 21, 2009 at 09:41 AM
Engineer,
Please post your response to mine under yesterdays Stimulus package letter.
I would not want to put words in your mouth.
Posted by: solomon | February 21, 2009 at 07:12 AM
This post is not in support of rooster rollers.
Isn't it interesting that activities are usually tied to drug use and gambling to compound the public's opposition to them?
Drug use and gambling go on in almost everything. Look around you at the office. There are people there who use drugs. Look around you at church. There are people there who are involved in some sort of gambling.
Let's outlaw work and church, or quit waving drug/gambling flag of fear.
Posted by: solomon | February 21, 2009 at 07:02 AM