Friday, January 23, 2004

Sapulpa Dogfighter


In 2003 a large dogfighting operation was discovered near Sapulpa (Creek County) Oklahoma and the convicted perp is set to be sentenced soon. On Tuesday, February 3, notorious dogfighter James Fiarris will be sentenced for felony dogfighting charges in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Fiarris pleaded guilty to the felony charges last year, following a lengthy investigation in which authorities found dozens of bloody, scarred fighting dogs on his property, along with dogfighting tools and a bloodied fighting pit. The dogs, which authorities failed to seize during the raid, were later sold off by Fiarris, most likely to other dog fighters and further cruel fates.


For Oklahomans upset with having our state's image tarnished by cruel dogfighting letters to the judge are now needed to ensure that Fiarris does not get off lightly for causing so many dogs to suffer such terrible pain and fear. Respectfully urge the Judge (contact info below) to give Fiarris considerable jail time (he faces a maximum ten years for each felony charge) for his cruel crimes.

The Honorable Donald Thompson
Creek County District Court
222 E. Dewey
3rd Floor
Sapulpa, OK 74066
Fax: 918-227-5030

Wednesday, January 21, 2004

Speeding Legislators et al

On the Turner Turnpike today I was poking along at 75 mph (the speed limit) when a series of cars bearing H's and S's went zipping by at speeds of 80-100 mph. For those that don't know, Oklahoma tags issued to House of Representatives members bear an "H" and State Senators have an "S" on the tag. For example, the tag "H-7" that sped by today was on the car belonging to the House of Representatives member representing House District #7 - which would be Rep. Larry Roberts of Miami, Ok. His vehicle was going about 80 mph. The next one went by so fast all I could see was the "H". Chances are, their speeding was legal, because many years ago our Legistalators passed a law exempting themselves from speeding laws if they were going to or coming from a Legislative session. In other words, our Legislators believe that their work is so urgent and important that risking others' lives is a risk worth taking. This says a lot about their sense of entitlement and self-importance.

The Legislators aren't the only drivers out there with a sense of entitlement - Oklahoma Highway Patrol officers routinely speed in non-emergency situations. Today I passed a trooper that had a car stopped at the side of the turnpike - apparently handing them at ticket. A minute later, the same trooper driving a HP Chevette passed me at a steady speed of approx 80-85 mph. I watched him speed on until he pulled behind an overpass to hide and look for speeders. I'm not sure if it is legal for a trooper to speed in non-emergency situations but it is certainly unethical to ticket others for doing exactly what one does himself.

Sunday, January 18, 2004

This Just In:

"The number, the industry, and the morality of the priesthood, and the devotion of the people have been manifestly increased by the total separation of the Church from the State."

- James Madison, Father of the US Constitution