Arizona
At the Lucky Sevens Welcome Stake, which kicked off week II of the Atlanta Summer Classic, the crowd was left singing the praises of Troubadour.
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Jun 30, 2008, 15:25
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As July 4 is about to role around, for the first time in my life, I am questioning my most fundamental beliefs regarding our American political system and democracy. As the maternal granddaughter of a woman who walked across Eastern Russia to Europe and stayed for weeks on Ellis Island to pursue the American dream and as the paternal granddaughter of an Illinois farmer whose family fought in the American Civil War, the American Revolution and the French and Indian Wars, I was sure of my country, the values that were engrained in me, and that our political system is run on a democratic process in which our laws are the reflection of the moral values of the people as implemented by our State and Federal Representatives.
For my doubts, I thank Timothy Bee, President of the Arizona State Senate. During the last legislative session I worked with the most dedicated group of people in the world to skillfully guide through the Arizona legislature, SB 1405, a bill which would have banned in Arizona the cruel practice of horse-tripping. Horse tripping is a serious illegal action. It occurs in small, unsanctioned backyard rodeos in which young horses are run at full speed, roped in their legs, and pulled to the ground. The effect on the horse and the injuries that result is as one equine veterinarian put it, a “no brainer.” The injuries are serious and often deadly. Bans on this practice have been passed in eight States including most States that border Arizona.
SB 1405 had bipartisan support in the Arizona House and was transmitted to the Senate at the end of April where it sat waiting to go to committee. Only when much pressure was put on the bill sponsor and Mr. Bee did it get assigned near the end of the session to caucus, where once again SB 1405 received strong bipartisan support. Only a final read was needed. That never came. Despite scores of emails, phone calls and pleas from people all across the State; despite last minute assurances from Bee’s office that they would try to help; despite it all, Mr. Bee elected not to put SB 1405 on the final read calendar on Friday, thus killing a bill, with such unprecedented support that everyone was sure this was the one that would sail through.
I have learned from Mr. Bee that our laws, at least at the State level, are not a reflection of the people’s desires for government. They are not even the reflection of the majority of the legislative body. They are the reflection of a miniscule number with way too much power and of political dealings with favorites who have their ear. Because of you, Mr. Bee, the painful and excruciating injuries and deaths of scores of Arizona horses will continue. Their blood is on your hands.
Don’t even think we will go away, Mr. Bee. This issue will be back next year, and this time, no more Ms. Nice Guy. The gloves are off. I’ve learned well from you. Whatever it takes, there will be a ban on horse tripping in Arizona. We owe it to all the House and Senate members who supported it; to the people who worked so hard on it; to the people across Arizona who wanted it to protect our Arizona horses, who are the historical backbone of this state. Most of all we will get it done and campaign to have people like you replaced to rectify a situation in which the desires of the many can be killed by a very few invested with much too much power and far too little compassion or fairness.
My only regret, Mr. Bee, is that I did not obtain a permit to bring my horse Conquistador, whose pedigree makes him a true aristocrat, who is blind in one eye, yet a four time champion, to the Capitol to show you true courage, dignity, and nobility and to plant his lovely hoof squarely on your jaded foot.
The blood of scores of Arizona horses is on Timothy Bee’s hands.
Patricia Haight, Ph.D.
President, the Conquistador Equine Rescue and Advocacy Program
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