Posted on 12/13/2018 5:34:28 AM PST by cll
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Congress on Wednesday gave final passage to legislation that would shut down legal cockfights in U.S. territories including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, ending an institution dating from the colonial era that generates millions of dollars each year.
Opponents of the measure approved by the House said it will have a devastating effect on the islands' economies, noting that in Puerto Rico alone the cockfighting industry generates $18 million a year and employs some 27,000 people.
“We're all going crazy. Everybody is desperate,” said 86-year-old Angel Ortiz, who owns a cockfighting ring in the city of Bayamon. “There are so many people who make a living off of this.”
Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello traveled to Washington to demand that the island be excluded, but he arrived too late. Legislators unexpectedly moved up the vote and approved the bill, which already passed the Senate.
Cockfighting in Puerto Rico was first officially recognized in 1770, but the practice was banned after the U.S. invaded the island in 1898. It wasn't until 1933 that it was declared an official sport and became known as the “gentleman's sport” because of its honor-based betting system.
In October 2010, Puerto Rico legislators voted in favor of a resolution to protect cockfights, stating they are an integral part of the island's folklore and patrimony.
Officials warn that the ban will lead to unemployment on an island already dealing with a 12-year recession.
“It is a cultural and economic pillar for Puerto Ricans,” Public Affairs Secretary Ramon Rosario said. “In addition to its cultural value, the cockfighting industry is the only source of livelihood for thousands of Puerto Rican families.”
Gambling is not a federal issue.
If the Puerto Ricans don’t like the law, then just ignore it. That is how we do things these days in Merica.
It was until now. Louisiana only banned it in ‘08. I remember going to a few fights growing up.
I think it would be interesting to ask our soon to be newest resident in Congress of Puerto Rican descent, Ms. Ocasio Cortez what her thoughts on this would be.
Does she side with her leftist PETA loving overlords?
Does she side with her peeps (fellow Puerto Ricans)?
I hope she sides with her Puerto Rican brethern because I would love to hear the clip of her ‘going conservative’ while talking about the federal government should not be interfering in what is clearly a state/territory issue.
you win!!!!
This is an outrageous attack on the lgbt community!
I’ve been to a bull fight, a sumo match and a gun auction.
These take a special verbal twang...
The author clearly does not understand the creation of wealth. Gambling creates NO wealth. It simply moves wealth from one location to another. There is no net gain.
Wealth is created when someone produces something that has more value after his labor is added than it had before the labor. The labor, thus, creates wealth, and all parties to this gain.
Will they be providing conflict resolution assistance to the cocks?
Hillary spent some time in Arkasas. I’ll bet she could pull it off.
A federal law banning genital mutilation was just knocked down over states’ rights (I agree).
This should be knocked down for the same reason.
let me get this straight....Congress can ban cockfighting but not female genital mutilation?.....
There is the entertainment side of both gambling and the object of gambling. That part is consumption, just like auto racing or tourism.
Why? Because the people were too stupid and cruel to stop it on their own.
Angel is no angel. Better to put him in the ring and not let him out until he or the other guy is mutilated. An eye for an eye.
Nothing like tackling the truly important issues facing our country. </sarcasm>
So, you’re saying instead of going in your sleep you’d rather spend your last days fighting. Somehow no one believes you.
Vagina fighting is called “tribbing”
For those that didn’t know or care. ;^}
Congress to America’s men: “Keep it zipped, Boys!”
Officials warn that the ban will lead to unemployment on an island already dealing with a 12-year recession.
12 years, mind you!
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