Congressman Davis Votes Against Tougher Laws on Dogfighting

A law approved by Congress, the Senate and signed by President Bush added some new Federal teeth to the law to punish those who engage and earn money from illegal dogfighting was not something Tennessee Congressman David Davis supported. He was the only member to the Tennessee delegation of lawmakers who voted against the measure to combat this blood sport.

His vote is now drawing the ire of the Humane Society, and from me too. (NOTE/UPDATE: Let me be more blunt and plain here -- You blew it, Congressman Davis. You failed to act to stop the multi-state, nationwide sick and depraved acts of ruthless, brutal, psychotic criminals. You failed to protect the homes and lifestyles of your own constituents, whose homes are invaded by dangerous criminals and whose lives are threatened by unhinged madmen. If you did not know what a real and constant threat your district endures and did not know how widespread these bloodthirsty groups are, then you should spend more time in the 1st District and less in the comfortable halls of the state and federal legislature. You have no credibility as a concerned or informed representative.)

The Kingsport Times News reports:


"The vast majority of members of Congress supported this legislation to put a stop to precisely the type of behavior that Michael Vick was charged with last week — participation in a multi-state network of cruel and degrading dogfighting activities,” HSLF President Michael Markarian said in a prepared release. “Humane organizations and more than 400 law enforcement agencies supported the federal bill, yet David Davis showed his true colors by giving dogfighters a free pass.”

Davis responded by indicating that the Humane Society is using Vick’s situation to advance its political agenda.

“The reality is dogfighting and cockfighting are illegal in Tennessee and will continue to be illegal in Tennessee,” Davis said. “I don’t feel like you need a new federal law. You have state laws in place. It has nothing to do about my feelings for or against animals. I wish they could look at my vet bill for my dog that passed away about three months ago.”

Through its Web site (www.hsus.org), the Humane Society has started a campaign encouraging people to “tell Nike to drop Michael Vick” and is asking for donations to “help end dogfighting.”

After the seizure of more than 60 dogs following the raid on Vick’s property by local law enforcement officers, the Humane Society said it initially provided “several thousand dollars in financial assistance” to Surry County, Va., for the animals’ treatment and care.

“We sought funds to help defray the anticipated costs of sheltering 52 pit bulls among these dogs for an indefinite interval. After a federal grand jury indicted Vick and three others, the costs of caring for them became a federal responsibility. We’ve offered to provide continuing assistance, but the federal government has decided to shoulder the burden on its own from this point forward,” a Humane Society release said.

HSLF said federal prosecutors charged Vick with a felony by invoking the federal Travel Act and conspiracy on one charge, but noted Vick escaped more charges because the animal fighting allegations against him preceded the new federal law."

One key point Rep. Davis seems to miss here is that even with laws against these barbaric clubs and their barbaric operators, such vile and cruel groups who delight in bloody conflict as entertainment remain active. That would be a clear sign to me that the law needed tougher language and tougher penalties.

"The vast majority of members of Congress supported this legislation to put a stop to precisely the type of behavior that Michael Vick was charged with last week - participation in a multi-state network of cruel and degrading dogfighting activities," said Michael Markarian, president of HSLF. "Humane organizations and more than 400 law enforcement agencies supported the federal bill, yet David Davis showed his true colors by giving dogfighters a free pass." (Via KPT)

Contact Rep. Davis:

Office Located in Kingsport
320 West Center Street
P.O Box 769
Kingsport, TN 37660
phone -- 423-247-8161
fax -- 423-247-1834
District Office Hours
8 AM - 4:30 PM

Office Located in Morristown
1609 College Park Drive, Suite 4
Morristown, TN 37813
423-317-7459
fax: 423-317-7562

Quote of the Day

1st District Congressman David Davis:

"One of the generals said, ‘Congressman, there is a 5-year-old lying in a bed tonight somewhere in America that will be over here fighting this war in the future if we don’t finish it now."

The quote is from this story in today's KNS.

Worth noting is that Davis, as well as most other recent congressional tours of the war-torn country, was escorted in armored vehicles or viewed the scene from a helicopter. Most all reports include as well that such 'tourists' are outfitted in personal armor and helmets, too. I sure would not want to be out and about without them in Iraq, something all reporters have come to realize too.

It seems very easy to say that there is less chaos today than there was last year -- but chaos is the operative word. And despite any improvements on the ground in Iraq, it seems more important to me that the Taliban is returning to strength in portions of Afghanistan and in safe-havens in Pakistan. Why? Because Pakistan already has nuclear weapons, far more important than "trying to build a nuclear weapons program".

Local Congressman Designates 'Eagle Day'

1st District Congressman David Davis sponsored a Resolution which Congress adopted last week which is called "American Eagle Day", to be observed on June 20th.

While I have often been critical of the Republican Congressman's take on numerous national issues, I do appreciate his appreciation of one of the nation's symbols, and more importantly, his high praise for the dedicated and successful work of the American Eagle Foundation in Pigeon Forge:

"This non-profit group has worked to establish recovery programs to protect the eagle, and actively cares for many non-releasable birds to ensure they live healthy lives.

“In addition, they operate the largest bald eagle-breeding facility in the world, and have released hundreds of eaglets into the wild with the support of local, state, and federal officials.

“Through the efforts of the American Eagle Foundation and a grassroots effort by children nationwide, I was pleased to offer this legislation for consideration."

Indeed, the organization daily works to protect those beautiful creatures and to expand our ability to nurture and study American Eagles. Their web site is here, though their eagle nest cam is down until next year, but this site is full of information and I encourage you to learn about the group, and support them if you can through donations.

I am also thankful that Rep. Davis' first bill presented to Congress was not some wacky, unwarranted partisan policy. Though it will be noted his resolution isn't really much of a stretch - it's kind of like a bill saying "Hey. I like America and American Eagles" and it's hard to fault an elected official for making that kind of pronouncement.

Now if the Congressman will apply his efforts on some other rather important issues, he'll earn much, much more of my respect.

NOTE: Some other ideas on National Symbols.