Now Peta is after Pedro Martinez

[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?

[paisjpq]

Originally Posted by 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?

you would find me against that too....especially due to the way in which many dogs are killed by beating them over the head, in some outlandish belief that if the body is being flooded with adrenaline while killed it naturally tenderizes the meat.

I'm also against raising bears to extract bile....and whaling, certain rodeo events, and a whole bunch of other things that have caused many to label me a tree-hugger.

[Cannon Shell]

Peta is both a terrorist and criminal organization. Not only should both people, MLB and the Mets tell them to screw themselves, it is time that the rest of us do too. If you know people that support PETA you should throw things at them, fire them from their jobs and publicly castigate them in any way or shape that you see fit. That way we can all begin treating them as they treat the rest of us.

[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.