Wake Up, Illinois

published in the Northwest Herald
submitted by Duane L. Burright, Jr.
06-08-2004

I have been following the Illinois horse slaughter battle and find the statements made by state Reps. Jim Sacia and Charles Morrow to be disgraceful.

Their statements insult the Illinois Senate, Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois horse racing associations.

Sacia apparently doesn't realize that allowing Cavel to operate in Illinois is truly a slap in the face to Illinois beef cattle-raisers. Europe does not allow the import of American beef. Because the horsemeat produced by Cavel is exported overseas, that is where the profit is realized. Illinois farmers do not benefit.

Because horses are companion-sporting animals, they are commonly treated with products such as phenylbutazone and dewormers, these products cannot be given to food animals such as cattle under penalty of law.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture supports the ban because every horse slaughtered for European export has these products in their system.

Not a good alternative for senior citizens, Mr. Morrow, especially at $15 a pound on the European market. Kind of makes expensive cat food look cheap, doesn't it? Also, Morrow forgets that there are laws against cannibalism.

Finally, celebrities have been involved in politics for years. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the late Ronald Reagan are some of that state's notable former governors. The list goes on.

But apparently, Morrow lives in his own sheltered world, unaware of this.

Recent events in Illinois are a slap in the face to American culture and values. How dare the state Legislature insult us so.

Duane L. Burright, Jr.
South Beloit

[ Horse Slaughter Home ]   [ In The Press ]