Whitfield Honored

Faithful readers of this blog should know my preference for our current Democratic candidate for president but that does not mean that all Republicans are created equal. Case in point: U. S. Rep. Ed Whitfield, a Republican, who represents Kentucky's 1st Congressional District. Whitfield was just awarded the Horseman of the Year Award by the Humane Society of the United States.

You might remember that I met personally with Rep. Whitfield when I was in Washington last Spring to cover the "blitz" by the anti-slaughter organizations on our elected officials. I should add that he left a committee meeting to speak to me personally for about 45 minutes about his strong commitment to anti-slaughter legislation as well as investigations into the use of drugs in horse racing.

You might also remember that Rep. Whitfield was one of the high ranking members of the Senate Committee that investigated horse racing later last Spring, in the wake of the Eight Belles tragedy at the Kentucky Derby.

I can tell you that there is not a more deserving man for this award. He is genuine, deeply concerned about the welfare of horses (even at the expense of the industry) and not afraid to take on the agriculture lobby in an agricultural state. This man is a true advocate for horses and has made a career out of doing the right thing in a town where that does not always seems to be the trend.

So just because I was not thrilled to learn that a certain vice-presidential candidate was in my town last Saturday night to throw out the ceremonial first puck at the professional hockey game, I am thrilled that one of her party was honored with well-deserved recognition.

Note to presidential candidate of the same party: this is how you practice what you preach, bi-partisan praise for a job well done.