Every year between 800-1200 (sources vary) horses die on U.S. racetracks each year. All in the name of satisfying a handful of wealthy owners. Simultaneously more than 21 million U.S. schoolchildren qualified for free or reduced school lunches in 2011. Some studies show that well over 50% of school teachers purchase some classroom supplies out of their own pockets, ranging from a few to several hundred dollars each year. I do wonder what percentage of race-stable owners remain close enough to the trenches to be aware.
A win-win-win conclusion could be made if some of these horse owners would redirect some of their assets toward the classroom. Fewer horse injuries and deaths, fewer tax dollars subsidizing students meals and more income in the pockets of our teachers.
I’ve made a conscious decision to avoid watching the Triple Crown that involves horses. Instead I’ve decided to complete a completely made up Triple Triple Crown of my own as a one-man statement/protest. First part completed: Almanzo 100 . Signed up for the second part: GabeZ Triple Crown. Third part still a work in process. Neither my head nor my heart are in it for the GabeZ but a more petty excuse I cannot imagine. An innocent young man losing a life while simply fulfilling his duties as a public servant. I don’t personally know anyone who lost his/her life in the line of military duty but I do feel I know some in other public service. I’m sure I’ll manage.
Now about the Almanzo, et. al. from my point of view…….