Cockfighters claw past critics again(A Tradition Survives)

Times Picayune ^ | June 05, 2006 | James Gill

[catholicfreeper]

After listening to impassioned testimony from cockfighting opponents Thursday, Rep. Jack Smith, D-Franklin, took the microphone with a waggish glint in his eye. "The cafeteria is open," he announced, "and today's special is fried chicken." The House Agriculture Committee was about to polish off the animal lovers. Not that there was any doubt before Smith's sally. This has been going on for decades. Some metropolitan legislator files a bill to ban cockfighting, and it is assigned to a committee dominated by legislators from down the bayous. They hear testimony to the effect that cockfighting is a bloody barbarism that brings Louisiana into disrepute. They are warned that minors are exposed not only to gory sights but to the evils of gambling. When the opponents have had their say, the committee moves swiftly to kill the bill. Hoping for a different outcome this year was Sen. Art Lentini, R-Kenner, and some of the more naive cockfighting opponents were briefly ...

[catholicfreeper]

I have to admit I am pleased. I don't have big problems with cockfighting and in fact enjoy going to the arenas during the political season. There pretty good folks.

[Navy Patriot]

I kinda side with the cafeteria staff as every summer as a kid visiting my grandad's farm some rooster would put the spurs to me while I was helping do the yard chores. Chicken soup for supper that evening.

[Jaysun]

Hey I went to a cockfight in Oklahoma once and it was great.

I don't see what all of the hoopla is about, but it's a felony in 30 states.

[HiTech RedNeck]

The RCC in Spain didn't think Bullfighting was a big deal either.

[killjoy]

dude.... you said cockfighting....

[catholicfreeper]

I was going to use the word "Cocks" as a keyword. It would have been appropriate but I thought perhaps some moderator would not understand

[catholicfreeper]

Its a shame. I think we and New Mexico are the only States holding out on this tradition

[Jaysun]

Its a shame. I think we and New Mexico are the only States holding out on this tradition

It won't last much longer. They're persistent. I have a friend in Waco, TX that raises them and that's why I went to Oklahoma. He must have hundreds of them on his farm. Some of them were really impressive, very muscular and beautiful in color. People can pay thousands, tens of thousands, for a single chicken.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

...but it's a felony in 30 states.

Well, perhaps illegal immigrants will get this changed...as politicians seem to cater to them.

[Bogey78O]

This will remain legal till the last relative of the LA political machine practicing it dies. Then it'll get outlawed.

Let's be real, none of this is about anything else.

[FreeManWhoCan]

It is still praticed in FL although its not legal. You should see the beauties they have down here.

[N. Theknow]

Is someone who terminates a rooster a cocksacker?

[Jaysun]

Well, perhaps illegal immigrants will get this changed...as politicians seem to cater to them.

Good point. Maybe they can get them to bless dope smoking while they're at it.