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May 9: Horseracing cruelty, patriot deaths

May 9, 2008

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Horse racing: blood or beauty?

I know that I will hear many times over in the next few days that horse racing is a barbaric sport - people will say that we force these animals to run, and that they will never watch it again ["Filly's fate raises issues," News, May 5].

My answers remain the same as they have for years: We watch it because we are awestruck by the beauty and the pageantry and the knowledge that these magnificent creatures have deeply embedded in their souls. They are born to run and nothing can take that out of them. It's what drives them, from the moment that they are born.

A thoroughbred's legs may break, but their hearts cannot. We saw that clearly illustrated at the Kentucky Derby. And, yes you will watch it again. If the love of the Sport of Kings is in your heart, you will be compelled to.

Pam Furman

Mineola

Horse racing is a lucrative industry. Of the thousands of thoroughbreds born each year in the United States, very few ever place or win. Of those that do, their success is short-lived. Many of these magnificent animals go to the slaughterhouse, a cruel and inhumane demise for these sentient creatures.

We have had many wake up calls in the horse racing industry, including Barbaro. The tragic end of Eight Belles should not be dismissed after the shock has worn off and media coverage stops. We must change the rules governing the horse racing industry to better protect these beautiful and delicate animals.

Virginia Matney

Atlantic Beach

Talk up patriots while alive, well

Marine Lance Cpl. Jordan C. Haerter, the recent 19-year-old casualty from Sag Harbor, is one of the latest individuals mourned in the global war on terrorism ["A hero remembered," News, April 29].

It is a shame that these best and brightest of volunteer patriots are only remembered when they are deployed or killed or maimed. It is a shame they are not at least treated by the media like the sports stars they may have idolized - followed throughout their season of battle and beyond.

Wouldn't it be nice if the news media not only covered their tearful goodbyes and solemn homecomings, but also their trials, tribulations and successes overseas? If this were the case we might truly get to see the real people who are our protectors instead of seeing them simply portrayed as victims.

We should take the time to really get to know what goes on in the hearts, minds and lives of these true patriots. Seek the truth and then make up your own mind about why some choose to defend our freedoms.

Montgomery J. Granger

Port Jefferson Station

Editor's note: The writer is a U.S. Army Reserve officer.

Patriotism equals sacrifice

In the midst of this country's participation in the first two World Wars, our respective leaders called on Americans to show their patriotism, not by displaying Old Glory in our cars and houses, but by sacrificing our comforts for the greater good of the war efforts.

Today, we are engaged in a war with the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that cannot be won with smartbombs or tanks, but through financial warfare. These countries are driving up the prices we pay at the pumps and are forcing people to choose between filling up their gas tank and paying their mortgage.

If you want to help America win the real war on terror, sell your SUV and buy a hybrid; carpool to work; turn down your thermostat at home and buy energy efficient light bulbs. If we bring down the demand for oil and gas, prices will follow. Be a patriot - conserve energy!

Joseph S. Dujmic, Jr.

Holbrook

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