PETA is at it again. The Leftist animal rights group is trying to prevent Brasstown, North Carolina from using an opossum in its New Year’s Eve ‘Possum Drop. But instead of giving legitimacy to the Leftists, Possum Drop supporters are fighting back with a humorous campaign that not only shows how silly PETA is, but that you don’t have to be rude to show the folly of the Left. Writing in the Black Mountain News, John Boyle lays out the strategy.
PETA alleges the animals used in previous drops have been traumatized, with some maybe even dying from the shock after being exposed to bright lights, fireworks and raucous crowds. In his tongue-in-cheek letter, Barkman maintains the ’possums beg to differ.
“Yes, the Blue Ridge Possum Society (BRPS) is absolutely appalled at the callous depiction of us by PETA as victims of the famed Possum Drop in Clay County,” Barkman wrote. “Nothing could be further from the truth. This is defamation for which we will not roll over and play dead. It is highly disappointing that PETA did not first consult with the opossum community before filing their lawsuit. To say that we are subjected to floodlights and fireworks as cruel treatment is simply to put us in a league with Madonna, Michael Jackson, KISS and many others. Does PETA object to their treatment? No!”
That is laugh-out-loud funny. Of course there is a serious issue with PETA’s legal challenge. Boyle rights that the PETA challenge cost the state $75,000 last year.
The animal rights group plans to seek an injunction against the Wildlife Resources Commission issuing the permit for the event. Although the legislature passed a “’Possum right to work” bill this year, a permit is still required.
A hearing on the preliminary injunction is scheduled the week of Dec. 9 in Wake County Superior Court in Raleigh.
The legal issues will be handled by the lawyers, but the reaction of the defenders offers conservatives a good model to follow when dealing with an absurd Leftist argument: Be a happy warrior in defense of individual rights and common sense.
