.First of all, you have no idea of what a client relationship is about. I did not bring this client to the firm but I am obligated to represent them. Cockfighting is legal in Oklahoma and Lousisana. (Not New Mexico but lets not hold newspapers to being honest with facts) The animal lovers wanted to make it a felony to own these birds. Ninety-nine percent of the people who raise these birds are family farmers. They raise a bird for three years (longest life of any chicken in this country) and then sell them for between $250-500. It is a business to them. The birds will attack each other naturally.

I have been to one cockfight in Oklahoma. I felt I should actually see what this was about if I was going to represent them. We no longer represent them and quite honestly the reason is they cannot afford to pay a lobbyist. They ended up owing us most of the retainer and we wrote it off. But what I saw that day was families of farmers. My comment about people not understanding is related to how farmers view animals as opposed to people with pets. Do you think that steer being raised by a boy on farm is going to be a family pet? You will be eating that steer and I guarantee you the same animal lovers oppose that and the slaughter of the meat and chicken you eat.

Since the sport is legal in the states mentioned why should it be illegal to own the birds. Where the sport is illegal they are prosecuted and that is fine with me. Since casino gambling is illegal in most states why then is it OK to manufacture equipment in one state and ship it to the state where it is legal? That is what the farmers in the case of gamebirds do. They raise them and ship them to states and countries where the sport is legal.

I can look at myself in the mirror very well. In fact you can even call me and I can give you even more information about a subject I thought I would never come across in my life.

The post of course does not mention that I represent General Motors, Prudential, Roche, Chiron, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (how could I help those with AIDS) and a long list of other clients.

John M. Haddow
Parry, Romani, DeConcini & Symms
202-547-4000

I see myself very clearly in the mirror but you obviously don't want anyone to see you with your fake name.