One of several problems in our society today, is the intolerance of differing opinions; by many, anyone with a different opinion is seen as the enemy. I’m told I sometimes lean in that direction too, so in this column, I’ll attempt to control the urges I have to ridicule the subject matter contained herein. However, having said that, I also have to state right up front, that in today’s world, it seems facts and common sense have been replaced by emotions and ideologies, so here goes nothing.
Wichita, KS is home to Chance Rides, the largest manufacturer of amusement park rides in Kansas and probably one of the biggest in the United States, if not the world. One of their most popular products is the carousel, the ride where kids are seated on animals, mostly horses, that bob up-and-down as the whole rides spins around. Carousels have been around for generations and are a staple at fairs and carnivals.
Recently, our friends at PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) sent a letter to President and Chief Operating Officer of Chance Rides, Aaron Landrum, urging them to end the production and sale of animal-themed carousels. I’ll use a lot of direct quotes from the letter, as I don’t want to misrepresent anything. The letter began, “PETA urges Chance Rides and all other carousel manufacturers to hit the brakes on old-fashioned animal-themed rides and embrace designs that engage children’s imagination and showcase human talent.” (whatever that means) The letter continues “asking that the company end production and sale of animal-themed carousels that normalize the use of animals as conveyances and amusements and instead produce carousel figures in the shape of cars, airplanes, spaceships, bulldozers, and other vehicles, or more whimsical designs like shooting stars, rainbows or brooms.” I’m almost at a loss for words…oh wait a minute, here they come. The last time I checked, lots of those other suggested “figures” are already on carousels all over the midway at most fairs and carnivals. And let’s help our kids imagine they can ride brooms, rainbows and shooting stars, but not horses they can actually ride and enjoy in real life.
The letter continues saying “times change, and that animal-themed rides “unintentionally” celebrate animal exploitation. It continues “All animals are thinking, feeling, affectionate, playful and social beings who form strong bonds
with their offspring if permitted to keep them (a rarity.) They crave freedom from oppression.”
My tongue is literally bleeding from biting it, but I have to congratulate you PETA, on staying abreast of the times, as your priorities in this letter seem to fall right in line with the world’s priorities of late. I’d like to introduce you to some Amish friends of mine. Yes, their horses work hard for them, but they are treated like kings and queens once in the barn when the work day is over. There are literally thousands of horse enthusiasts around this country who also treat their horses better than our country treats its homeless and veterans. But there are also people and farmers in our land who very much mistreat their animals and pets, so please concentrate on them where there is actually a problem needing fixed, rather than on plastic horse figures on a carousel ride…Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors.
Steve can be contacted by email at [email protected].
