The internet reports that Matthew Oropeza killed Drew Justice while both men were walking their respective dogs, a pit bull and a “little Shih Tzu.” The dispute centered around Mr. Justice’s concern that the unleashed pit bull (in a leash required park in Philadelphia) would do harm to his little shih tzu. On the surface, one might think that the conservative view is that Mr. Oropeza was exercising his right to walk his unleashed dog against the excessive regulations of government. Remember, animals are people too, (It’s in the PETA by-laws somewhere). It only appears that Mr. Oropeza was exercising his right to dismiss the snowflake shih Tzu owner. Mr. Justice was killed as the result of one swift blow that resulted in head contact with the concrete sidewalk as he toppled over. There is a certain irony in that Philadelphia has yet to ban clenched fists as instruments of death the way California would ban guns. At the risk of using a cliché, it should be said that guns don’t kill people, people kill people. The same for fists.
Another point regarding the incident needs to be emphasized. Conservatives are usually apposed to abortion. Aborting the life of Mr. Justice was not justified either in terms of the scale of the perceived injustice or the act, or the act itself, of eliminating Mr. Justice’s right to life. Perhaps in the spirit of Roe v Wade, Mr. Oropeza has not been charged with murder, but will have to answer to charges of “involuntary manslaughter, simple assault and endangerment of another person.”
Conservatism Bittersweet does not intend to make light of the death of another person. But the parallel with abortion leads a thinking person to conclude that the Constitution is important and issues such as constitutional rights, life and death, and the rule of law are paramount.
Animals seem to bring out the worst in people, while bringing out at other times, the best in themselves. History teaches us on this point. The plague was worsened when Medieval superstitions led to the killing of cats which were controlling the rat population. The rats were transmitting the disease. Dogs similarly perform rescues, lead the blind, and many other services to their human masters. Animal lovers have developed a degree of arrogance that equates with left-wing bias elsewhere. California’s decision to require pet stores to sell only rescued animals is an attempt to solve the abandonment of animals and runaway’s problem. The State of California has a law for everything, and now they are requiring, as usual, the guilty along with the innocent to clean up the mess created by a minority.
Here is some sincere advice to pet owners. Some citizens choose not to be a manservant to a pet. Picking up the poop after a dog friend is done is gross and crude. If we don’t do it for people, why do we do it for dogs or other pets. Just ask the residents of San Francisco why they don’t pooper scoop people. Those petless people who have chosen not to bear the burdens of proper animal care likewise suffer the consequences of human arrogance when feral animals run wild. They can become dangerous to people, especially children, and can spread disease.
In many jurisdictions, pet owners are required to pick up solid waste left by their little creatures. They somehow feel that it is acceptable to soil private or public property under those terms. It comes as a shock to them when they find out that not everyone loves little Poopsey’s poop, picked up or not, or liquid waste deposited on their private property or public parks where they or their loved ones play. The pet owner’s property or designated poop areas should be the only place for dogs, cats, and other beasts of the field giving unconditional love to their masters while they relieve themselves. Speaking of unconditional love, please do not kiss your pet in public. It is jarring enough to see a man kissing a man or a woman kissing a woman, but kissing your Poopsey in public is a little disturbing and bad political gamesmanship if you are trying to persuade the public to support your animal fouling proclivities.
For those who wish to consider owning a pet or already have one, consider the following:
- In 2017 $69.51 billion was spent on pet food.
- The total first year cost of a dog is $1270, and for a cat, $1070. After the first year the cost of owning a dog or cat is at least $500.
- The cost of feeding your dog is between $250-$700 per year.
- Each year approximately 2.7 million animals are euthanized.
Endurance is the one thing one must have in a society of dog induced murders, poop pickups, and California based utopianism. The comfort pets imposed upon the traveling public impose an unfair burden on those who don’t desire to travel with someone’s comfort pet. The rise of animal, companions which can be bought at your local store, is disheartening for those who believe society is making progress on human perfectibility. If you want to buy a comfort animal, please be advised that you are making a life decision and you must act responsibly. Plane passengers do not want your pet on board, especially if it is a snake, iguana, or barking dog. Due to abuse issues, airlines are cracking down on abusers and PETAphiles. The reason for the crackdown is the welfare and safety of other passengers. Please act responsibly.
Who says you can’t buy love? Just because the Beatles said it’s so doesn’t mean you have to believe it. We know the arguments you will make. Your pet friend who won’t tell you to pick up your socks, mow the lawn, or be nice to the driver who just cut in front of you. Please retract your middle finger so your animal friend doesn’t see it. Again, how could anyone not love Poopsey? At least try being civil to your neighbor. You won’t need a comfort animal for that.