Posted on 03/16/2006 2:59:15 PM PST by aomagrat
A Richland County senator says the University of South Carolina needs to rethink its “Fighting Gamecock” mascot if the Legislature passes tougher penalties on cockfighting.
If the bill passes, “how can we as lawmakers and other leaders of this state justify a major institution in our state running ads and logos on billboards with a fighting gamecock with spurs on the feet?” asked Sen. Darrell Jackson.
Jackson’s question came as Attorney General Henry McMaster testified before a Senate subcommittee asking lawmakers to pass a bill raising the penalties for cockfighting, which currently is a $100 fine. The panel took no action today.
The comment came after McMaster said some bill opponents say cockfighting is a part of South Carolina’s culture. “The fact that it’s been going on for a while does not establish it as some sort of noble tradition in South Carolina,” he said.
Jackson’s question was a tough one for McMaster, a USC graduate.
“I think those two can coexist,” McMaster said.
Jackson said he doesn’t want to get rid of the mascot, but just thinks the spurs should be taken off the Gamecock’s feet.
“God knows in this meeting I’m not suggesting we change it to the Fighting Peacock or something,” said Jackson, a graduate of Benedict College.
Still find it amazing that Eddie Nash wound up outliving everyone else in the Wonderland Affair.
Graze....
Seriously though when I was a freshman at NC State I went to the away game when they played USC (this was the year after NCSU won the game 23-22 on a pass at the end of the game in 1986). Big ol' sign hanging over the road to the stadium 'Our 'Cocks can't be beat'. USC beat NC State that year 48-0. Absolutely whipped 'em.
Thank you for such a considred and thoughtful and informative reply. I appreciated your post.
He's a moron... That's a great way to get elected. Attack the mascot of your home state school. It's just blasphemy... Don't ever back a Gamecock into a corner.
I think Cock fighting is sickening also. Same thing with bull fighting and dog fighting done in other countries. It disgust me to no end. And I must say that I enjoy it when men get f*d up by a bull during the fight. They are getting what they deserve.
But it's just a freakin' MASCOT... Nobody thinks cockfighting should be legal.
By the way thats my boys Craig Candeto and Eddy Carthan shining up the Commander in Chiefs trophy we won that year!! Heck of a way to go out.. 
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