STOP COCKFIGHTING!

 

 

The issue:  An Oklahoma state court judge recently granted a temporary injunction barring enforcement of that state’s new law (passed 11/5/02 by voters) that would outlaw cockfighting.  The judge wants to examine whether the law would infringe on constitutionally protected property rights (of game fowl breeders) or improperly interferes with commerce.

 

What you can do:  Please mail a letter to Judge Willard Driesel and ask him to lift the temporary injunction and allow implementation of the law duly passed by Oklahomans.  Tell him that constitutional property rights do not outweigh the value of ridding society of such an invidious blood sport.

 

Although judges are supposed to objectively apply law, I have read article after article about actions that judges decided to take at least partially in response to letters from concerned citizens.  Your voice DOES make a difference!

 

Contact info:

 

Judge Willard Driesel

McCurtain County Courthouse
109 N. Central Avenue
Idabel, OK 74745

Sample letter:

 

November 10, 2002

 

 

Judge Willard Driesel

McCurtain County Courthouse
109 N. Central Avenue
Idabel, OK 74745

 

Re:       Cockfighting

 

Dear Judge Driesel,

 

I urge you not to subvert the will of the people of Oklahoma by maintaining an injunction against enforcement of the new anti-cockfighting bill.  There is a good reason why the measure passed, and why cockfighting is banned practically everywhere else in the civilized world:  because it is a cruel, despicable activity that displays depravity and a complete disregard for life.  It is not a harmless, victimless activity.  Besides causing unthinkable suffering to the poor beasts involved, it breeds a culture of criminality and violence amongst spectators and participants, many of whom are impressionable young children. 

 

There are always concerns about deprivation of constitutional rights when a new law is enacted which prohibits previously legal activity, yet such laws are passed all the time.  There are values that are so important that they trump any concern about property rights.  For example, no sane person would be concerned about “property rights” when a law is passed prohibiting individuals from owning automatic assault rifles; clearly, the value of safety far outweighs property concerns.  In order to progress as an ordered society of law and not of men, it is imperative that property rights not prevent implementation of laws necessary to protect core values and the sanctity of our communities.  Preventing the gratuitous display of cruelty at cockfighting events is just such a value.  Former cockfighters can surely find another “pastime” or source of income.  The people have spoken:  it is time for our government and courts to stop condoning and facilitating such unwarranted violence.

 

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Christina J. Johnson

123 Main Street

Los Angeles, CA 91111