Guest Post: Bismarck Tribune’s Logic On Measure 5 Is Flawed
The Tribune’s editorial recommending a no vote on Measure 5 is flawed. It points out that local supporters aren’t radical, as some have charged. It points out that the proposed law to make animal cruelty a felony makes sure it does not apply to farming, ranching or hunting activities. It points out the proposal was drafted after frustration with non-action by the legislature. It even points out that North Dakota needs to make animal cruelty a felony.
Yet the editorial conclusion calls for a “no” vote, suggesting the farming-ranching-hunting community needs to be on board and that the legislature should step up and do its job.
The editorial convinced me to support the proposal, even though the newspaper ignored its own “yes vote logic” based on some twisted attempt to not offend farmers-ranchers-hunters.
The Tribune editorial board missed the mark on this one. Maybe it’s time to hire an editor. After all, it’s been more that a year since I retired and no one is steering the editorial-content ship, due to bottom-line pressures. The newspaper needs a voice for the people, in general, not the current leadership that seems overly and loudly focused on farmers, ranchers, hunters and legislators — and other power groups such as big oil.
John Irby is the former editor of the Bismarck Tribune.
Tags: animal cruelty, bismarck tribune, election 2012, measure 5, North Dakota News
