And some of you all think Kansas is backwards

[proud2BlibKansan]

At least we don't allow cockfighting

Cockfighting decision


Cockfighting is banned in all but two states and a recent federal judge’s ruling could speed its demise there, shutting down the $1 billion industry in this country. It’s a welcome decision.

Cockfighting is cruel and barbaric; gamecocks are forced to fight to the death with razor-sharp spurs. The fights often attract drug-dealing and gambling.

Federal law prohibits shipment of animals across state lines for fighting. Breeders challenged the law in federal district court as interfering with states’ ability to decide the issue for themselves. Cockfighters wanted to bring their birds to Louisiana and New Mexico, where the fights are allowed.

On Tuesday U.S. District Judge Rebecca Doherty in Lafayette, La., said the federal government can regulate cockfighting as commerce, which it clearly is. She also ruled the federal ban doesn’t discriminate against groups for which cockfighting may be a cultural practice.

Breeders contend they will be forced out of business as a result of this decision. The end can’t come soon enough.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/opinion/11801931.htm

[gratuitous]

1. And the sad thing is . . .

Kansas has a really mixed political history, by turns progressive and conservative. Howard Dean has shown a willingness to go into Republican strongholds and rally the locals to the Democratic banner. It seems that Kansas would be a good possibility for a pick-up.

We visited friends in McPherson a couple of years ago, and found a terrific town with lots of friendly folks enjoying a good standard of living thanks to the benevolence of the local oil business. One friend was talking about the opening of a third live theater in the area, and she was thinking about auditioning for their next show. I have many good impressions of Kansas, and I think it could be put in the blue column with a little effort on the national party's part.

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. It is far more moderate than conservative

But then the conservative Kansans do know how to get lots of negative attention. :)

[kweerwolf]

2. The only reason Kansas doesn't allow cockfighting ...

... is that Attorney General Phil Kline thinks it's some sort of kinky gay sex thing.

:evilgrin:

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. LOL

He's probably worried about abortions among the chickens.

Speaking of goofy Kansans, Kay O'Connor (that numbskull who doesn't believe in women's suffrage) wants to run for secy of state.