Rodeo

End rodeo

Should cultural traditions that perpetuate violence and abuse be upheld? Every year in Central Oregon, we witness the endorsement of acts of violence disguised as entertainment and family fun: the rodeo. Rodeos are spectacles of animal abuse, similar to the violence of dog fighting. It’s time to uncover the truth behind the rodeo culture.

Rodeos, often celebrated as emblematic of Western tradition, is built upon a foundation of animal cruelty. Terrified animals at rodeos are chased, violently roped, tripped and slammed to the ground, often resulting in suffer serious or fatal injuries. The horses, bulls, steers and calves suffer broken bones, torn tails, punctured lungs, internal organ damage, torn tendons and ligaments, snapped necks, and agonizing deaths. Electric prods, metal spurs and flank or bucking straps are used to force the animals into violent bucking that can cause injury. Additionally, travel between events is punishing, where animals are often transported over long distances in hot, overcrowded trucks. In many cities around the world, where rodeo implements of torture are prohibited, rodeos have ceased to exist. Without such abuse, rodeos would cease to exist.

The notion of “family fun” propagated by rodeo organizers is a gross misrepresentation. By normalizing such practices, we perpetuate a culture of indifference towards animal suffering, undermining the values of compassion and empathy that we seek to instill in future generations.

Rodeo propagandists would have us believe these points are extreme. At copak.org, there are links to videos that expose the violent, cruel realities of rodeos.

— Robert Andrews, Tumalo

Vote for Jamie McLeod-Skinner

Jamie McLeod-Skinner is a candidate for Congressional District 5 in the democratic primary on May 21st. She deserves our vote for that job and there are many reasons. We of Central Oregon can vote for a congress person who lives here in rural Oregon. Unlike her opponent who lives in the Portland area and has served in the Oregon Legislature representing a more urban region of Oregon. Jamie lives here. She has worked, lived and experienced the realities of living in Central Oregon. There are more reasons. She has twelve years of elected office experience in urban and rural areas. As a consequence she has met and discussed many issues with rural and urban residents. These conversations have provided her with a wealth of understanding of our situations in agriculture, homelessness, business challenges, education and access to health care just to mention a few. She has worked with local communities as they faced recovery from devastating fire damage. She has seen and learned about living with the financial reality of drought, wild fire and lack of water when wells run dry. These a few of the realities of Central and Rural Oregon which deserve our voice in the U.S. Congress.

Vote for Jamie McLeod-Skinner, a local candidate for Congressional District 5. There is much more information about her candidacy on this web site: jamiefororegon.com

— Gloria Olson, Redmond

Bailey for sheriff

In Deschutes County, the role of sheriff demands a blend of integrity, experience, and a deep commitment to community safety. As we assess the attributes essential for this critical position, it becomes evident that candidate Capt. William Bailey embodies the qualities necessary to lead effectively.

First and foremost, a sheriff must possess unwavering integrity. Integrity is the cornerstone of trust between law enforcement and the community they serve. With his 23-plus year career in law enforcement, Capt. William Bailey has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards, earning the trust and respect of both colleagues and constituents alike.

Experience is another vital attribute for a sheriff. In a diverse and ever-evolving county like Deschutes, navigating complex challenges requires a leader with a breadth of experience. Capt. William Bailey’s extensive background in law enforcement equips him with the knowledge and insights needed to address the diverse needs of our community, from rural areas to urban centers. Moreover, community engagement and collaboration are paramount for effective law enforcement.

Bailey’s track record of fostering positive relationships with community members, local organizations, and other agencies underscores his ability to unite stakeholders in the pursuit of safer neighborhoods and stronger communities.

In conclusion, Deschutes County deserves a sheriff who embodies integrity, possesses unparalleled experience, and prioritizes community engagement. Capt. Bailey not only meets these criteria but exceeds them, making him the clear choice for Deschutes County sheriff.

— Chris Piper, Bend

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