5/7/08 Atr
 

Steve,
Extremely pleased to hear you express your outrage (frustration does not seem like a strong enough word) over the various disturbing issues of the past few days....More of the industry leaders need to be taking a stand.

I think everyone is doing exactly what PETA was hoping for. They are getting a debate and national publicity. They are getting there voices heard on national TV and radio. In my opinion, it would be best to just ignore them. By debating, being outraged, and insulted, we just bring more attention to them. I'm sure they are loving it. I for one, have not read one line from anything related to the subject and refuse to recognize them in the racing arena. Just my 2 cents.

Have you listened to the show this week because what I've been focused on hasn't been related to them... We haven't brought them up specifically much at all. Yesterday, I was talking more about the industry not have a ready plan of response for circumstances like Saturday. There needed to be a policy and response platform in place to counter-balance the likely negative reactions. Instead, we received an E-mail to visit the Preakness Superstore...

When you say more are you saying that Steve is an industry leader?

I laughed......a little bit

Steve. I have listened this week. I guess I posted this in the wrong place. I agree with your comments about the industry needing to have some sort of planned response. This industry is so fragmented as far as jurisdictions and different segments like track management and owners, trainers and jockeys, that having one voice for all will be difficult. It would be great to have a commissioner like other sports, who could speak as a representative for everyone.

I absolutely love it when I have to turn the volume down in my car when Steve gets fired up. I just wish the people who don't have a clue are listening this week. :rolleyes:

Great verbal essay by Gary West yesterday.