Georgia's ban on Pit Bulls

My next topic of discussion is concerning the state of Georgia. I came across this link on Facebook and it caught my attention.

"I just signed the Petition Against Pit Bull Ban in petition (signature #2796) at http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/georgiapitbull"

This link is a petition against the ban of Pit Bulls in Georgia, specifically in Douglas County. On Monday, Douglas County had a Council meeting about the ban where those opposing it outnumbered those who supported it. Here is a link to the article. http://bit.ly/btH2P4

The main argument for the supporters was that they want to feel safe in their own neighborhoods. They also thought owners lack responsibility when owning this particular breed. Those opposing also agreed that the main problem for pit bulls are their owners not being held responsible. However, they felt that the bill should focus more on "targeting dangerous dogs instead of singling out pit bulls."

This petition caught my attention because I can honestly say my first love in life were animals. Especially dogs and not just certain breeds, EVERY breed! Even this one.. :) (which if you were wondering is a Chinese Crested. They are so ugly, that they're cute.)


First, I think I should talk a little bit about Pit Bulls. Pit Bull is not an AKC registered breed, but it's a generic name for American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier (which are both AKC registered) and American Pit Bull Terrier (which is not AKC registered). All of these are part of the terrier group. According to the American Kennel Club terriers have little tolerance for other animals. This is because their ancestors were bred to kill vermin and this part of their personality may still come through in some instances. In my opinion, these particular breeds need experienced owners that can properly train their dogs to act correctly to other humans and animals. It is possible for dogs to act politely. All you have to do is look at Cesar Millan, popularly known as the "Dog Whisperer" and an advocate for Pit Bulls. Cesar has had many pit bulls, with the most well known being Daddy, who recently passed away, and now his main pit, Junior. Cesar used Daddy and now Junior as ambassadors for pit bulls and they both also help rehabilitate dogs in need, usually either very shy, scared or aggressive dogs. Neither of Cesar's pits showed aggression and it just goes to show that owners can train their dog to remain calm and submissive.

(To learn more about Cesar and his "pack" visit Cesar's website http://www.cesarsway.com/ or watch his TV series Dog Whisperer.)
I am completely against banning Pit Bulls from the state of GA because I honestly believe an aggressive dog is solely due to its owners. The owners either purposefully make their dogs aggressive through abuse (i.e. fighting) or they are just completely incompetent in training their animals correctly so they will stay calm in particular situations. However, I will say I know this is a delicate topic and understand that their are dogs out there that act aggressive completely on their own. If this is the case, then the dog does need to be put down. As stated earlier, Pit Bulls should not be the only dogs singled-out for aggression because every dog has the ability to be aggressive and attack humans or other dogs, even a Chihuahuas. If a bill should be passed against any dogs, it should be like the opposing suggested, targeting all aggressive dogs.

I truly believe pit bulls can be great dogs if treated and trained correctly and not stereotyped as being dangerous. I mean look at German Shepard's. People during and after WWII were terrified of German Shepard's because they were trained to be very aggressive at concentration camps. Now, they are the second best family dog according to AKC Registration Stats and are loved by all. If pit bulls were given the opportunity to prove they can be a safe and loving breed and, I guess you could say, given good PR, then maybe it would be possible to change societies view like with the German Shepard.

I was looking for a picture of a pit bull to put in the blog and came across this article. Just want to show you how even pit bulls can be loving, loyal pets. :)
http://dogsinthenews.com/stories/070301a.php


Please leave comments. I know there are different opinions about this topic and want to get your input.

Lady Gaga and DADT Policy

Ok so here is my first blog about a very important issue we have in the United States, the acceptance of gay Americans. I decided I wanted this to be my first topic of discussion because one, this is an important issue I think should be a permanent change, and two I'm obsessed with Lady Gaga and love that she gets involved and puts 110% into everything she lives for. She is definitely a great role model for our generation no matter how eccentric she is.

This is the news article that caught my attention and yes I know its MTV but that is where I saw it first. (Picture via this article also)

http://on.mtv.com/b0spv2


On Sunday September 12th, 2010, Gaga showed up to the VMA's with four individuals who are fighting the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy the military has. She urged Senator Harry Reid that she and her "Little Monsters" want the Senate to vote for a repeal of the policy. He responded to Lady Gaga via Twitter saying, "There is a vote on #DADT next week. Anyone qualified to serve this country should be allowed to do so http://bit.ly/9ucdIj #nvsen."

This is a great sign for this cause. I've always thought issues like these would not change or be resolved until our generation grew up and ran for senator or a place in Congress. I say our generation and mean people who are the children of Baby Boomers. Older generations seem to be close-minded and have a negative views of lifestyles they are not familiar or comfortable with. On the other hand, our generation does not think twice when an openly gay person is around. (Of course there are the select few who do know follow this thought process, but I think in general it is this way.) We have a more liberal view towards gays and understand we are all alike and accept them for who they are. However, having Senator Harry Reid fight for this cause proves that there are open-minded people in the older generations.

Equality is an important issue and should be shared by everyone. If this bill gets passed by the Senate, it will be a huge step for equality. Gay Americans should be able to live their lives like everyone else. They are not any different and should not be treated like they are. In the words of Lady Gaga (via Twitter) "We were #BORNTHISWAY," and all generations should accept that and not question it.

If you want to support this fight and Senator Harry Reid, visit his website using this link below.
http://bit.ly/b3y96O

UPDATE..
Unfortunately the bill was blocked and cannot move forward in the senate. This is very disappointing but this will change sooner or later... Hopefully sooner. We just need to keep on pushing for what's right.

Why a blog dedicated to politics?

Hello Everyone!

So I have been wanting to start a blog but could never figure out what to blog about or what to say. Well for my senior PR campaigns class, we have been given the task to start a blog on something we are interested in and blog about it. Well I chose to start a blog about politics.

Honestly I have never been interested in politics. I have always thought it causes to many complications and caused to many arguments with people. However I know it is very important to society and I know I need to have my own opinion on matters.

With this blog I want to learn and grow and see the growth in action. I'm not sure where to start, so I guess I will just look at the news (ugh lol) and see what catches my eye and blog about it.

My goals....

1.) Become more interested in this important matter
2.) Feel like I have an opinion of my own

Chit Chat soon!