Friday, June 22, 2012

A Reprieve - For Now

It would seem that Jason Owens, the donkey-roping magnate, has bowed to overwhelming pressure and called off the championship of donkey roping to be held today in Van Horn, Texas. Not because he has changed his mind about the ethical or moral nature of the event but because so much attention has been drawn to the planned roping that local authorities decided to shut it down, on this occasion anyway. Owens himself, as well as Larry Simpson, editor of the Van Horn Advocate, are of the mind that a slew of meddling animal rights activists have infringed on Owens right to do as he wishes with the donkeys he claims to have rescued from slaughter. Owens rationale and touching tale of saving herds of wild donkeys is as full of holes as swiss cheese.

As a self-proclaimed showman and event organizer, surely Mr. Owens can replace this travesty with something else. I suggest he and Mr. Simpson and any of their cronies who wish to help out, hire some of those donkey costumes available at select stores. Once in the suit, they could have fake horns placed on their heads and be given a head start out of the roping chute, with the aid of a cattle prod, if necessary. Mr. Owens assures us that the real donkeys undergo only 31 seconds of stress per roping so the humans shouldn't be too bothered by being yanked off their feet by a lasso and stretched out on the ground as the audience cheers wildly.

Although a firm believer in the traditional quill and quire, I must admit that this world-wide web business can be quite useful in rallying support for a cause like this. We must remain vigilant, however, these donkeys are not out of danger yet.

7 comments:

billie said...

Sheaffer, so happy to see your handsome face!

The ordeal is not over, as you say. I am getting hateful comments over at camera-obscura and am approving each one so that everyone can see the kind of people who support donkey roping.

Apparently, MEAN people! Who also mention the Bible.

Here on November Hill, I am having a glass of white wine and waiting out the thunderstorm. Last barn check Rafer was pondering the universe as he gazed out at the falling rain. Hope your weekend is good!

Denise at Autumn Sky said...

Sheaffer, I have missed you and your reports of the farm. Stopping this one event is a big win for anyone who believes in the well being of donkeys and other animals who are put in our care. Harry and Gunny feel they should be allowed to celebrate with enough portions of hay to feed all the Van Owen donkeys. When I suggest their bellies are too fat, they look sideways at me and mumble something about a mirror. Cheers to donkeys everywhere!!!!

ponymaid said...

billie, you are under attack by bible wielding, venom and vitriol spewing non-thinkers who are so inarticulate with rage that the only argument they can muster is a string of mis-spelled profanities. We are blessed with a language so rich in words and meaning and yet,your well-reasoned argument against donkey roping is met with cliches about dubious heritage/culture and uncontrolled hatred from someone you have never met. Ye Gods, hiding behind the name "anonymous" is the last resort of those who refuse to exercise their grey matter. Your suggestion of anger management was very generous...

ponymaid said...

Denise and Harry and Gunny, you have been missed likewise! I fear this battle against donkey roping is just beginning but at least we seem to have won the first skirmish. I too suggested celebratory portions of dinner but was met with a stern warning about cellulite, expanding waistlines and the resulting tendency to breathe heavily whilst walking up inclines...

Clancy said...

I have absolutely no problem with participants chasing and roping each other, I think it is a great suggestion. In fact, I'd pay to watch that...

ponymaid said...

Clancy, do you think we may be on to something? I would like to see an audience comprised of donkeys taking in the spectacle, snacking on carrots and twigs, while the humans provide the entertainment.

completecare said...

Hi again Sheaffer,

I agree that we should use humans in place of donkeys at these events. A taste of their own medicine is a great idea. My human would gladly buy tickets for all of us to go and watch the event.

Your fan,

Willy