Foie gras fiasco

Santa Rosa Press Democrat Another California business considers leaving the state. . . Thanks to efforts by California's self-proclaimed "Liberal Lion," Senator John Burton.

Bowing to the pleas of criminal trespassers, Burton introduced legislation that prohibits the force-feeding of grain to ducks to fatten up their livers before they are slaughtered to produce duck meat and foie gras.

"Kath Rogers of the Animal Protection and Rescue League said Gonzalez can't make foie gras -- which she said swells a duck's liver by 12 times -- and not cause pain.

Rogers, part of a group that broke into Gonzalez's farm last year and took four ducks, said the delay in the bill only prolongs the suffering.

"I would like to see the law take effect sooner," Rogers said. "There's no way you can produce foie gras humanely."

Rogers said the birds are under constant stress and hyperventilate in the days before their slaughter.

"It's a violent industry and the animals are in a lot of pain," she said. "I've seen it."

Well, Ms. Rogers & Senator Burton -- congratulations for NOT making a difference. So now some non-California businessman is planning to make up the difference of production generated by this California business, which provides California residents with jobs, paying California taxes, supporting California schools, and take it someplace else where they don't really give a damn about whether or not an animal on the food chain is comfortable before it gets the ax. All these two have done is demonstrate their complete ignorance of free enterprise. . . Supply will meet demand. From an animal rights activist -- it's understandable. From a long-time senator -- it's frightening. The Governator MUST veto this bill if it passes the Assembly.