This is a classic example of what I've begun to think of as "junk legislation." The legislators (at whatever level) get to use their powers to enact grandiose, sweeping laws that make them feel good and score a few points with some of the voters. Careful research and rational thought are optional. The rest of us are then left to deal with the mess.

I feel certain that all the illegal dogfight operators, dog abusers, and negligent owners in Baltimore County will rush to comply with this law if it's enacted.

I'm not entirely comfortable with your comparing black athletes to animals.

So insightful. Isn't it interesting how in the video's of the humans, the author focused on members of the society we idolize? Is it any wonder this country has so many of the problems we have?

And we wonder why "dogs misbehave". They act like their owners. Violent, undisciplined, unrestrained, and spoiled rotten.

Wake up, grow up, and take responsibility! It's the owners.

David,
Off base as you were, I decided not to throw your comment out. I didn't keep a tally, but the sports video didn't seem to focus on "black athletes" -- just athletes, many of whom, despite being well fed and cared for, can become unpredictably violent without warning. Not all of them, mind you. I'm not making any blanket statements. But I think some of them need to chill out, or maybe stop and smell the tiger lillies

Thank You John for your great articles. It would be very refreshing to think that the city council would apply common sense to their legislation but for some reason I still have a bad feeling in my stomach about this vote. This will be like most other laws that are passed the responsible citizens will be hurt, while it is business as usual for the criminal element.

You didn't see the white athletes in there, too? This is as much a race issue as it is a breed issue. (Read: it is neither.)

Another spot-on column. I sincerely hope the proposed legislation is defeated.

Thanks so much for your continuing support of pitbulls, and dogs in general. I actually know the owner of the dog from the video you posted through an online group, and Roxy is the the most obedient, well trained dog, with an equally devoted mom!

I love that first video.
Mine used to start his day off by sniffing the Peace Lily House Plant each morning.
If only the Pit Bulls could introduce legislation and pass Bills,
I think perhaps it would be a better world.
I didn`t notice the color of the athletes when I watched that video.I went back and watched it when I read David`s comment.
I think David needs to stop and smell the flowers.
The 1st brings tears of joy to my eyes.
The 2nd video is just plain sad.
I really think it`s time for worldwide responsible Pit Bull owners to just take a stand and defy all these legislators.
They won`t listen to Science and facts and there seems to be almost no commonsense.
I wonder what it will take before we all just stand up and say NO to them.