To the Editor:
    I noticed from an ad in your newspaper
that a rodeo was coming to town, and I wondered 
who goes to rodeos. 
    I suspect that they are dog owners who
enjoy camping and horseback riding. If I am
correct they are probably the kind of people
who respect and enjoy animals. They were
probably stomping mad a few months back
when they read about the man who buried
some puppies alive. They probably think
chicken fighting and dog fighting are cruel.
    They probably enjoy the foolishness of the
rodeo clowns, the skill of the calf ropers, and
the bravery of the bull riders. They probably
do not think about the pain the calf must feel
when the rope snaps his body around. They
probably do not realize the bulls are bucking
because they are in pain from the strap cutting
into their bodies. They probably don't realize 
that they paid to have these animals deliberately
tortured for their entertainment. They probably
have not asked themselves, "Is this why
God created cows and horses?" At least I
hope they haven't.
    I hope people thought about these things
as they watched the show, and then again
the next time the rodeo comes to town.

John Pescillia
Athens