Animal Activists Campaign Against Chris John On Cockfighting

[funkybutt]

http://www.theneworleanschannel.com/politics/3799557/detail.html

NEW ORLEANS -- An animal welfare group is planning to launch an advertising campaign against U.S. Senate candidate Chris John over cockfighting.

Humane USA is a political action committee of animal welfare advocates. At a Monday news conference in New Orleans, the group will launch a television and direct mail campaign to highlight what it calls John's work on Capitol Hill with cockfighting supporters.

The ads will be broadcast in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport and Lafayette.

A spokesman for John said the Democrat is focusing on other issues, such as improved health care and schools.

John is in the race to succeed Sen. John Breaux. Others vying for the seat are Republican Rep. David Vitter, and state Treasurer John Kennedy and state Rep. Arthur Morrell, both Democrats.

Vitter and Kennedy both oppose cockfighting, which is allowed only in two states -- Louisiana and New Mexico.

[jdots]

1. What ?????? What ??????

I had no idea it was legal anywhere in this country .

[Coventina]

2. It was only recently outlawed here in AZ

And of course, it still goes on, just not out in the open.

Often, the same people are also involved with illegal dogfights as well.

On edit: Democrats who are pro-cruelty are Democrats we don't need.
If he loses his seat over this, I won't feel sorry for him. He needs to either change his mind or get kicked out.

[Sterling]

3. I agree the last thing we need are these assholes in our party.

Cut em loose we will replace them with actual human beings.

[amazona]

5. we do need chris john

John is not a "pro cruelty" candidate, for cryin' out loud. This is a low, unfair attack on our best chance to get that seat. We do not need David Vitter as our Senator. I have to live in Louisiana, do you?

[muriel_volestrangler]

6. Wouldn't it be better to have Kennedy, who opposes cockfighting?

Do you really want someone who calls it "a social and cultural event"? Why is attacking John about this "low and unfair"?

[funkybutt]

7. I don't believe that Chris John is our best chance

Vitter shouldnt clench the seat without a run-off. We certainly aren't saying to choose VITTER over any Dem. I think Kennedy may be the best choice and he DOES have a chance.

[pacalo]

8. So do I, fb. Thanks for the article.

[w4rma]

9. Culture or economics. Choose. (nt)

[amazona]

4. jeebus, let's screw the humans and get vitter in

Sheesh.

[Coventina]

12. Cruelty is cruelty

I wouldn't trust my health or well-being to anyone who supported cockfighting.

[pelagius]

10. What was the nature of John's work with cockfighting supporters?

I know nothing about this situation and the article doesn't give any details.

[Dark Jedi]

11. My Guess is.....

Chris John is probably a social conservative anyway. Anybody know his stances? Many Bible Belt Southern Dems are like that. Take Zell Miller.

[IndianaGreen]

14. Yeah, let's stop supporting the Zell Miller types

in the end they will all end up supporting the GOP.

Cockfighting and dogfighting are both reprehensible!

As to the "culture" defense being used by Chris John, well, lynching of Blacks was also a "cultural" thingy in the South (and some Northern states, i.e., Indiana), it was still WRONG.

[funkybutt]

15. EXACTLY MY POINT!

This guy is too far right to be a true democrat in my mind.

[funkybutt]

13. John: cockfighting is a“social and cultural event

This is an old article but I think it is still relevant.

http://www.politicsla.com/columns/Brown/2004/April/042104_chris_john.htm

"Chris John is leading the charge to keep cockfighting legal. He strongly defends the sport as a “social and cultural event,” a “family type of business,” and a multimillion dollar industry. Hey, it’s economic development. And John has some pretty good backers. John Breaux and Billy Tauzin have fought every effort to oppose cockfighting for years. Senator Mary Landrieu says it’s a “states’ rights issue.” Arthur Morrell voted against cockfighting in the legislature. And David Vitter is keeping a very low profile on this one. So look for the feathers to fly in future debates. It’s hard to believe it, but if the election is close, a stance on cockfighting could tip the scales in favor of the winner."

I don't believe that cockfighting is a part of Louisiana's "culture" that needs to be preserved. It's inhumane and wrong. End of story.

[pelagius]

17. Ahhh...

...so the guy is a major cockfighting supporter, it seems. As far as I'm concerned:

C U!

[funkybutt]

16. another article from today

this one discusses the issues a bit more completely.
http://www.timesdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041008/APN/410080910