LETTERS: NO ON PROP A

To the editor:

As a Libertarian, I must take issue with the Proposition A, the proposed ban on animal fighting. Some would object to such activities on the basis that it is cruel and inhumane to animals or that animals have little to say in the decision whether to fight or not. While this seems to be a valid objection, the issue involved here is about freedom and personal liberty.

What if an animal rights group proposed a ban on rodeo events for the sam ereasons? Such an idea sounds ludicrous now, but it could happen.

I do not personally approve of animal fighting, but I'm much more oncerned with protecting human rights than animal rights. If we give up a little bit of freedom now, whether we agree with the activity or not, what is to keep us from giving up more freedom later? What if someone found stock car racing or even football offensive on the grounds that human, not animal, lives are at stake, all in the pursuit of the almighty dollar?

I urge voters to vote no on Proposition A. It's not just about protecting another's freedom now, but preserving your own freedom in the future.

MIKE GARDNER, Treasurer

Cape Girardeau County

Libertarian Party

Cape Girardeau