“Hey! Come One, and Come All,
To The Predator Derby This Fall;
Cash Prizes and Trophies Awarded,
You’re Really Going To Have a Ball!”
A Recent Killing Derby Advertisement
Years ago, our own government paid the bounties
In a campaign, to eradicate all wolves from our land
Today, Killing Derbies are sponsored by corporations
And, many Americans believe killing for cash, is grand
We have now completely abandoned ‘The Endangered Species Act’
Which was signed into law, to protect these creatures, from extinction
Instead, we allow huge corporations to hold killing contests, on our land
And the winners, who kill the most in the shortest time, receive distinction
Instead of attempting to preserve what’s left of nature, and of Earth’s wildlife
‘Killing For Cash’ is now becoming quite fashionable and accepted, in our nation
High-powered rifles, a time-clock, cash and prizes for the fastest killers, in this ‘sport’
And, unbelievably, our government is doing nothing to stop this growing Killing Elation
What Is A Killing for Cash Derby?
Simply put, it’s a barbaric, corporate sponsored, killing spree of wildlife. No consideration is given to the age of the animals being slaughtered; high-powered rifles are used; and after the bloody tally is totaled, the numerous animal carcasses are just dumped somewhere. There are no tags, permits, or government oversight even required.
Contestants in this blood sport compete against each other ‘on the clock’ to kill as many animals as possible. They use sophisticated electronic calls that mimic the natural sound of an animal, and very powerful scents to impersonate foods or to lure an animal into thinking that a willing mate is nearby. They have only a certain amount of time to murder as many animals as possible, to be declared ‘the winner.’
Bobcats are worth 2 points
Foxes are worth 2 points
Coyotes are worth 2 points
Wolves are worth 3 points
Ties are resolved by weight
Sadly, Killing Derbies are nothing new. They have been around for centuries, and they were based on an extremely archaic culture that understood little of the importance of natural ecosystems, and that cared nothing for Earth’s environment. A predator’s place and importance in our natural world is completely ignored, and these animals are very senselessly and very brutally slaughtered in a frenzied bloodlust of timed competition.
Years ago, our own government sponsored killing derbies, as America’s populace moved west; and our government paid the cash bounties. But today, like in most areas of our lives, huge corporations have now eagerly stepped in and taken over, where our government left off.
And, you might be surprised to learn who some of these corporate sponsors are, and what they sell. Some of them even boast modern day slogans such as ‘Environmentally Conscious,’ ‘Responsible Hunting,’ and ‘Nature Friendly,’ in their product lines and advertisements.
The effects of America’s blatant new corporate sponsored War on Wildlife are only beginning to be understood. When predators are rapidly removed from an ecosystem like they are in these killing derbies, explosions of rodent populations can occur, natural habitat can become severely overeaten, and the behavior of remaining animals can drastically change. All of these dire effects compound, and they have a drastic negative impact on the health of remaining ecosystems, and on many other types of wildlife.
Even sadder, this is the atrocious legacy we are now leaving to our offspring, about the value of life on this planet. Yet, I see very few Americans even complaining today about this ever growing trend of Killing for Cash.
When We Annihilate All The Predators,
I Wonder What Will Be Killed for Cash;
I Pity The Helpless Rabbits and Raccoons,
And All The Now Homeless Dogs and Cats.
“Hey There! Come One, and Come All,
To Our New Pet Kill Derby This Fall;
Cash Prizes and Trophies Awarded,
You’re Really Going To Have a Ball!”
©2010, Mr. Ed
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Sheila
Nuff Said
xx Ch'erie
AM
A gut-wrenching write and picture.
Sandie Angel :o(
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
Newfie Hugs, Rose
MAY THE FLEAS OF A THOUSAND CAMELS INFEST THE TESTICLES OF THESE SO-CALLED -
'HUNTERS' !!!
TK.
God bless you for pointing it out.
Lew
Georg
Many Blessings, Holly
Well pointed out, and this poem should be sent to all right minded people.
Gerry
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :(