Dog Fighting, Gun Fighting and A Sense Of What’s Right
Michael Vick’s guilt or innocence is still for a jury to decide. But the fact remains that high stakes dog fighting is a secret yet widespread form of gambling and barbarity in America. Vick’s case has exposed the underbelly of the worst form of savagery. The “sport” should be condemned and erased by authorities.
There is one aspect of this story that is both encouraging and distressing at the same time. Lawmakers of all parties get up and condemn the alleged crime, but where are these saints of decency when someone tries to pass legislation to curb illegal handguns in this nation. It has always appeared to me, as a journalist, that people get more riled and concerned about savagery toward animals than they do about brutality against people.
I don’t see indignation about the murder rate in Philadelphia, except from the people in the neighborhoods most affected. I hear only silence now about the Virginia Tech massacre. It’s as if we are numbed to the reality around us.
And now the nation is focused on the Atlanta quarterback and his alleged brutality against helpless canines. It is going to be an ugly story unfolding. It deserves righteous indignation, along with the daily crimes against humanity reported on a daily basis around the world.
A note on failure to pass the statewide smoking ban in Pennsylvania. Despite efforts by Governor Rendell, Pa. lawmakers once again find themselves looking like the dinosoars of reform. Pennsylvania - late on seat belts, archaic on gun legislation, and slow on passing bills, in general.
Pennsylvania needs a 60 day legislative session, similar to many other states. Less is more, and will force more action from talent-challenged legislature.
PROGRAM NIGHT: Tom DeLay joins me Sunday night on Voice of Reason at 9:30 on CN 8 the Comcast Network. Love or leave him, Delay makes some interesting news and is likely to make some more enemies. His take on Hillary Clinton may surprise you.
Pa legislature is totally behind the times with so many special interest groups etc. it’s impossible for anything progressive to happen here. Look at a few stats’. Liquor tax from the johnstown flood in the 30’s ..still on the books. First turnpike in country was supposed to be free after paying for itself…..fat chance with the income coming in from revenues at the tolls. We have a “CAT fund” which is payed into by fines of traffic citations etc. but has NEVER paid out a single claim. The funding of the state is in serious cloudiness and no disclosure. Our state stores who declare” the largest buying power in the country of liquor”, sells a bottle of Chateau ST. Michelle, for 11.00 and it’s readily available in other states like California for 6.00. I’m scratching my head at why our pa government cannot be effective in almost any way. Not able to pass bills, make changes, improve roads, lessen the burden of taxes or increase accessiblity. Seems like the state is in a sad state of decline. I’m not sure if it’s weak leadership or corrupt legistation, or both. PA needs a serious OverHaul!
And you wonder why republicans run on that whole “Government is corrupt” mantra. Yes, government is corrupt. The way YOU run it!