AR-News: Daily Oklahoman Calls on Legislators to Ignore Cockfighters Rally

[Political Animal]

http://www.newsok.com/cgi-bin/show_article?ID=1171778&TP=getarticle

 

 

Still squawking 
2004-02-04
Oklahoman Editorial


TWO DAYS ago, Gov. Brad Henry spelled out his agenda
for the 2004 legislative session, one that included
everything from improved health care for the uninsured
to pay raises for teachers and from tax relief for
older Oklahomans to tort reform. 

What the governor's agenda didn't mention was
cockfighting. Perhaps that's because in November 2002,
voters made their feelings known about that activity
by voting overwhelmingly to have it banned. 

Alas, game fowl breeders have refused to wave the
white flag of surrender, even though the law has been
virtually ignored by law enforcement. Instead they
have tied it up in the courts -- a challenge is
pending before the state Supreme Court. And this
morning at the state Capitol, a large rally is planned
to whip up support for the Legislature to take yet
another look at the issue. 

We expect that their champion, state Sen. Frank
Shurden, D- Henryetta, will make an appearance.
Shurden has been tilting at this windmill since voters
made their clear and convincing choice 15 months ago,
and he shows no signs of letting up. 

Cockfighting opponents are concerned Shurden may soon
try to once again push legislation that would give
voters a chance to lessen the penalties. Last year he
wound up having to shelve Senate Bill 835, which would
make the first offense for cockfighting a misdemeanor
and the second and subsequent offenses a felony. 

Frankly, we'd be surprised if Shurden didn't do all he
could to advance the cause. He has shown his disregard
for voters' wishes not just on cockfighting but on
right to work, which he wants reconsidered despite the
fact the law -- approved by voters -- has only been on
the books a little more than two years. 

Legislators should ignore today's rally and not spend
one minute on any bill designed to decriminalize
cockfighting. The people have spoken. That should mean
something. 

 



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