Bad Boys: Cockfighters Edition

Why would you go to a cockfight? While I'm sure you, gentle readers, are saying you wouldn't, some people do. So...why do they go? After careful consideration we have arrived at the following conclusions:

1. To gamble on who wins.

2. To see two roosters with razors attached to their claws tear each other to shreds because they like the sight of blood, and violence gives them a thrill.

3. To sell concessions; you know, whatever the individuals who fall into the above two groups like--and it's probably not petit fours and fruit punch.

In other words, it's pretty safe to say that everyone attending these illegal events should be arrested, arraigned, tried, and...yes...found guilty. So, why are some caught in these circumstances at the community of Speaks not being made to face the consequences of their actions? Stating lack of evidence, Lawrence County Judge Angela Terry dismissed charges against the following:

* Loyd Leidon Brooks, 7451 Cullman County 1245, Cullman
* Jimmie Dumont Laney, 11466 U.S. 278, Cullman
* Richie Ray Kirby, 10346, Lawrence County 460, Moulton
* Matthew Thomas McDonald, 214 Hopewell Church Loop, Leighton
* Terry Elton McDonald, 160 Piney Woods Road, Russellville

How did those arrested at the August 7th raid defend themselves? From yesterday's TimesDaily:

Rusty Garnett, of Vinemont, said he and others received worse treatment from law enforcement than the alleged acts of cruelty against the animals. “We were laying in ant beds, and they said if we moved they’d Tase us.”

Well, Mr. Garnett, how dare they arrest you while laying? Didn't they know your family needed the eggs?

“People don’t realize this has been going on for hundreds of years,” said Tim McCroy, who wasn’t charged but was at the courthouse Wednesday in support of family. “It was handed down from the presidents.”

Presidents? Okay, that makes all the difference. One word of advice, ladies, if you see any of these men coming with a box of cigars, run...

Related post: Jason Dale Riddle

Shoalanda

Need A New Roof? You Might Not Want to Consider A & A

Jason Dale Riddle was one of the five Shoals residents arrested Sunday for participating in a cockfighting ring. Sources say those arrested will be assisted in their legal defense by the Sabong Cockfighting Alliance (Yes, there really is such an organization).

Besides Riddle's wife Alice Diane Riddle, also arrested, other members of Jason's family are reputed to raise and fight roosters...nothing like a family tradition. Riddle currently owns A & A Roofing on Woodmont Drive in Tuscumbia. If you abhor cruelty to animals, you might want to avoid A & A Roofing when you next remodel.

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Alabama House Minority Leader Craig Ford, D-Gadsden, will serve as guest speaker at a meeting of the Shoals Democratic Club on Monday, August 15, 6:30 p.m. at the Steelworkers' Union Hall located at the intersection of Wilson Dam Road and Avalon Avenue in Muscle Shoals. A light meal will be served at 6:00 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.

Representative Ford will report on the 2011 legislative session and current issues faced by our state and nation. Ford will also discuss ways to organize and energize for the 2012 elections.

Representative Ford was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2000, succeeding his father, the late Rep. Joe Ford, who served in the House for 26 years. A captain in the U.S. Army Reserves, Craig Ford received a marketing degree from Auburn University in 1991. He is co-owner of Hodges-Ford Insurance, and he also co-owns The Messenger, a weekly newspaper.

As a state legislator, Ford has received high honors from various groups especially for his accomplishments for citizens with special needs, educators, firefighters, senior citizens, and Alabama workers. He has twice been named Most Outstanding Legislator by his peers.

Representative Ford and his wife, Gwen, have two children. Gwen is a teacher at Gadsden State Community College, and the Ford family attends First United Methodist Church of Gadsden.

Shoals Democratic Club meetings are held each month on the third Monday night at 6:30 with alternating locations between Florence and Muscle Shoals. The public is always invited to join us. For more information, call 256-412-9966, email shoaldem@hiwaay.net, or visit www.shoalsdemocraticclub.org.

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Any steamship enthusiasts in our midst? Link




Shoalanda