Now Peta is after Pedro Martinez

[King Glorious]

I really hate these people. When they went after Vick, I thought they went overboard but I could certainly understand their position and I did think the actions warranted a response. But this is just ridiculously stupid.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseb...terstitialskip

So Martinez and Juan Marichal went to a cockfight. As is pointed out in the article, cockfighting is LEGAL in the Dominan Republic. It's legal and a part of their culture. So while I understand that some people may think it's wrong and disgusting and I can appreciate your feelings, how did Martinez do something wrong here?

So now Peta is urging Martinez and Marichal to take the same animal-sensitivity courses that Vick took and they sent a letter to Bud Selig asking that all players and staff take the course. The Humane Society is saying that the Mets should take action to distance themselves from Martinez and that Major League Baseball should condemn him and Marichal.

The Mets for their part issued a statement saying that while they don't condone any behavior that involves cruelty to animals, they understand that in many countries, things like cockfighting and bullfighting are not only legal but part of the culture.

So while many people on here may not like it, why should he be condemned by baseball for doing something that is both legal and a part of his culture?

[SniperSB23]

PETA is ridiculous and this story is really overblown. Not only is cockfighting legal in that country unlike dogfighting here but Pedro also wasn't funding an illegal gambling ring on top of it which is what I think made the Vick situation a big deal. Should any Asian players that have ate animals back in their home country that are not allowed for consumption in the US also have to take this course? Actually, I'm sure if PETA had their way they would.

[paisjpq]

I agree that PETA goes way overbaord....but cock fighting is a cruel and disgusting "sport" and footage of famous athletes (whom children idolize) participating, even if only as spectators should not be taken lightly.

Regardless of where the cock fight took place, they are essentially condoning illegal behavior (in the country where they live and the country which pays their salaries). In the US it is banned in all states except Louisiana....however it goes on everywhere (I spoke with someone the other day who had spent the weekend at cockfights out in the boondocks here in KY).
Personally, while I think that they did nothing truly wrong (as it is legal where they attended the fights)...they set a horrible example for those who might seek to emulate them.

from the IDA (in defense of animals) website (peta's slightly less crazy cousin)
Isn’t cockfighting a cultural tradition?
While cockfighting may be a tradition in some cultures, not all traditions are good ones that deserve to continue. Cesar Chavez, who condemned the practice of cockfighting, once wrote: “Kindness and compassion toward all living things is a mark of a civilized society. Conversely, cruelty, whether it is directed against human beings or against animals, is not the exclusive province of any one culture or community of people.” In a statewide survey conducted in Arizona in 1997, 95% of Hispanic voters said they felt that cockfighting was “cruel and inhumane.” While only 34% of Anglo respondents disagreed that “cockfighting is an important part of Hispanic culture,” 70% of Hispanics disagreed with the statement.

[King Glorious]

I am having a hard time getting it to make sense in my head how they are condoning illegal behavior by doing something legal.

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by King Glorious

I am having a hard time getting it to make sense in my head how they are condoning illegal behavior by doing something legal.

legal there....illegal here. where they are idolized. I believe that little kids take cues for behavior from their heros....thus some child somewhere now thinks that it mightbe cool to go to a cockfight....which, while illegal, can be found in MANY states in the US.
again, I said I don't think they truly did anything wrong....but perhaps from a moral standpoint (my own moral standpoint that is) I think it is wrong.

[King Glorious]

What would you have to say about Yao Ming going back home and eating some dog meat during the Olympics and it being shown on Youtube?

[Danzig]

Originally Posted by paisjpq

I agree that PETA goes way overbaord....but cock fighting is a cruel and disgusting "sport" and footage of famous athletes (whom children idolize) participating, even if only as spectators should not be taken lightly.

Regardless of where the cock fight took place, they are essentially condoning illegal behavior (in the country where they live and the country which pays their salaries). In the US it is banned in all states except Louisiana....however it goes on everywhere (I spoke with someone the other day who had spent the weekend at cockfights out in the boondocks here in KY).
Personally, while I think that they did nothing truly wrong (as it is legal where they attended the fights)...they set a horrible example for those who might seek to emulate them.

from the IDA (in defense of animals) website (peta's slightly less crazy cousin)
Isn’t cockfighting a cultural tradition?
While cockfighting may be a tradition in some cultures, not all traditions are good ones that deserve to continue. Cesar Chavez, who condemned the practice of cockfighting, once wrote: “Kindness and compassion toward all living things is a mark of a civilized society. Conversely, cruelty, whether it is directed against human beings or against animals, is not the exclusive province of any one culture or community of people.” In a statewide survey conducted in Arizona in 1997, 95% of Hispanic voters said they felt that cockfighting was “cruel and inhumane.” While only 34% of Anglo respondents disagreed that “cockfighting is an important part of Hispanic culture,” 70% of Hispanics disagreed with the statement.

they voted last year to ban the sport. it's illegal nationwide.