PETA ain't "Possum-istic"

[Badger52]

New York City may drop a giant Waterford crystal ball on New Year’s Eve, but the folks around Brasstown, NC prefer their method – dropping a live possum.

LINK to Fox's Starnes commentary

“It ain’t the new year until the possum drops” has been the saying around town for the past 19 years – but not anymore.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals complained that the annual tradition was illegal and cruel. So they filed a lawsuit against the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
A judge ruled in their favor – declaring the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission had not right to issue a permit for the event.

Judge Fred Morrison noted, “Citizens are prohibited from capturing and using wild animals for pets or amusement,” The Asheville Citizen-times reported.

Clay Logan, the owner of Clays Corner Store – and the organizer of the annual drop, told Fox News he’s disappointed by the ruling.

“It’s just a lot of good, clean, family fun,” he said. “It seems like everybody always wants to jump on the clean family fun part. If we were all a bunch of drunks down here nobody would probably say nothing about it.”

Logan said they still plan to hold a New Year’s Eve celebration – and their working on an alternative plan.

“It’ll either be a stuffed animal or road kill,” he told Fox News. “We’re not gonna break no laws.”

Logan said he just doesn’t understand all the fuss about using a life possum. For years, they put the critter in a decorated cage and lowered him down at the stroke of midnight. Afterwards, they released the possum into the woods.

But PETA argued it was cruel.

“That’s a matter of opinion,” Logan said. “He’s (the possum) treated good.”

And Logan said he thought he was doing a good deed by actually prolonging the possum’s life.

“Their destiny in life is to be run over,” he said. “So if you don’t get run over in 2012, I’ve extended his life to 2013.”

He said the New Year’s Eve celebration at his store is the one of the highlights of the year for Brasstown – population 240.

Last year as many as 3,000 attended the festivities.

“That ain’t bad for neighbors, is it?” he asked.

As for PETA – Logan said he holds no grudge.

“I’ve never sat down and talked with them real personally,” he said. “I don’t know if they’re meat eaters or not.”

Nevertheless, he hopes they’ll spend New Year’s Eve in Brasstown.

“We’re not pessimistic or optimistic,” he said. “We’re sorta possum-istic. So come on down!”

[RattlerDaughter]

I don't see how celebrating with a possum could be considered cruel. It is a celebration for both the good people of Brasston, NC and the possum. Sounds like the possum makes out good in the situation, as long as someone doesn't go looking for the possum afterwards to run over it.

I admit when I first read the title of the article I was a bit shocked, I thought they took a possum up some height and dropped it onto the ground. I was very glad to read that they caged it and lowered it to the ground & then released it.

Not sure that dropping a live critter would have been such clean fun, but I do think the possum would be very happy to celebrate life too!

[Razor]

Originally Posted by Badger52

Judge Fred Morrison noted, “Citizens are prohibited from capturing and using wild animals for pets or amusement,” The Asheville Citizen-times reported.

Like a zoo?

[lovemycountry]

Originally Posted by Razor

Like a zoo?

Well, yes, in a sense.....(and btw I love the humor) Actually a Zoo is "for profit" so therefore it falls under the good old Capitalism theory...although since last election we are now trending towards Socialism...so I guess we all own the Possum, or at least the Government owns him....or is it POTUS that owns him?

[alelks]

Well one thing is for sure. PETA supporters won't last very long when the crap hits the fan. They will either starve to death or die trying to steal food from someone else. Unfortunately so will most of of the people in this country as they have no clue where their food comes from, how it's processed or how to procure it if they had to on their own.

[lovemycountry]

Originally Posted by alelks

Well one thing is for sure. PETA supporters won't last very long when the crap hits the fan. They will either starve to death or die trying to steal food from someone else. Unfortunately so will most of of the people in this country as they have no clue where their food comes from, how it's processed or how to procure it if they had to on their own.

Spot on......It's OK when they buy it at the Grocery Store but not from your pick up or "field dressed" because the store doesn't " kill innocent animals" ?????

[alelks]

Originally Posted by lovemycountry

Spot on......It's OK when they buy it at the Grocery Store but not from your pick up or "field dressed" because the store doesn't " kill innocent animals" ?????

And the animals hunters kill are totally free range and have lived healthy lives until they are procured but that doesn't matter to PETA!

[echoes]

Originally Posted by Badger52

“Their destiny in life is to be run over,” he said. “So if you don’t get run over in 2012, I’ve extended his life to 2013.”[/B]

All I can say is, this guys is a hoot!

If one wants to wonder if the leftist dimwits at peta are taking over our Country, I vite everyone to meet Mr. Logan!

And just think of what the possum can tell his kids, "So there I was...yep yer pappy was The One this year, pert-near!" LOL

Holly

[Badger52]

Originally Posted by echoes

And just think of what the possum can tell his kids, "So there I was...

Ahh, the beginning of many a great tale.

Good one, thanks.