Nativo Lopez is usually the one organizing protests against something or other. I found out this morning that he'll find himself the something being protested against.
A group of anti-cockfighting protesters will gather outside Nativo's offices at 611 Civic Center Dr W in SanTana at this morning from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in case anyone wants to join the fun.
Why? Because for some bizarre reason, Nativo Lopez has acquired a new persona as the champion of legalized cock-fighting, based on his own twisted notion of what constitutes the Mexican cultural identity. That Nativo -- he sure knows how to make la raza look good to los gabachos!
Read my article to learn more about Nativo descent into the seedy world of cockfighting.
UPDATE: I've been sent some more concrete info in the form of a press release from Californians United Against Cockfighting (CUAC):
Californians United Against Cockfighting Calls on California Senator Gilbert Cedillo and Nativo Lopez, the President of the Mexican American Political Association, to End Their Opposition to Making Cockfighting a Felony in California.
(Santa Ana) – Starting at 10:30 today, Californians United Against Cockfighting (CUAC) will be protesting in front of Nativo Lopez’s offices located at 611 Civic Center Drive W, Santa Ana, CA, in support of making cockfighting a felony in California.
Currently under California Penal Code Section 597, cockfighting in the State of California is only a misdemeanor, despite the fact that there is indisputable evidence that this inhumane activity has been associated with illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and even murder.
For example, just this summer four people were killed in Mexico when assailants through grenades into a cockfighting ring splattering blood everywhere. Further, in July of this year authorities in South Carolina seized two pounds of marijuana and thousands in cash during the arrest of 60 people for cockfighting.
"It is clear that cockfighting is not only a cruel and inhumane practice, but it is a criminal activity that posses a clear and present danger to every member of the community where it takes placeâ€, stated Pete Moyes, the grassroots coordinator for CUAC.
CUAC is therefore asking California Senator Gilbert Cedillo and MAPA President, Nativo Lopez, to reconsider their opposition to making cockfighting a felony, and use their influence within the California Legislature, and the Latino community, to help push through the legislation next year.
By making cockfighting a felony, it not only will serve as a stronger deterrent, but will assist law enforcement and local prosecutors when trying to convict perpetrators of such a cruel and inhumane crime. In addition, it will assure law abiding members of the community that they will not become victims of the crime and violence associated with the practice.
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This affair is really starting look like something right out of the theater of the absurd.
Posted by: redperegrine | October 06, 2005 at 10:30 AM