The Red State Update

The two stereotypical southerners cover Romney's abuse of his dog Seamus and the effect it will have nationally:

Romney Defends His Animal Abuse

Mitt Romney faced an onslaught of coverage following the Boston Globe article that told of him strapping a dog carrier with his Irish Setter "Seamus" inside for a day long roadtrip from Boston to Ontario in 1983. Dog owners and people who believe in humane treatment for dogs (probably over 99 percent of the population) were shocked at the news, even thought it was so long ago. So how does a Presidential candidate respond to the story showing his callous behavior for the family dog? Perhaps with an apology.....but we are talking about Mr. "Double Guantanamo" Mitt Romney here.

From WTAE-TV:

Romney answered questions about a Boston Globe feature story that mentions how he strapped his dog's cage, with the animal inside, to the top of his family's car during a 12-hour road trip 24 years ago.

He said Thursday that the pet enjoyed the experience, and he took a shot at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, a group that has labeled his actions as cruelty.

"You know, PETA has not been my fan over the years," Romney said. "PETA has been after me for having a rodeo at the Olympics and were very, very upset about that. PETA was after me when I went quail hunting in Georgia. And PETA is not happy that my dog likes fresh air."

FRESH AIR??? Are you kidding me? Dogs like fresh air when they are running outside in the grass or on a walk. Not experiencing it at 70mph on a highway for hours upon hours. To blame PETA for the abuse of an animal is outrageous to say the least. PETA isn't the only group that is upset over this, so is the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. An officer of the group says it could be illegal as well. If Mitt were any kind of man, he would apologize for his treatment of the dog, not try to blame someone else.

Love Dogs? You're Gonna Hate Romney

There have been many jaw dropping moments for the Republican candidates so far, but when it comes to cruel, inhumane and just plain sadistic behavior, Mitt Romney takes the cake. Granted, the incident happened fifteen years ago, but no decent human being can vote for a man that treats his dog like a piece of luggage.

From The Boston Globe:

Before beginning the drive, Mitt Romney put Seamus, the family's hulking Irish setter, in a dog carrier and attached it to the station wagon's roof rack. He'd built a windshield for the carrier, to make the ride more comfortable for the dog.

Then Romney put his boys on notice: He would be making predetermined stops for gas, and that was it.

(snip)

As the oldest son, Tagg Romney commandeered the way-back of the wagon, keeping his eyes fixed out the rear window, where he glimpsed the first sign of trouble. ''Dad!'' he yelled. ''Gross!'' A brown liquid was dripping down the back window, payback from an Irish setter who'd been riding on the roof in the wind for hours.

As the rest of the boys joined in the howls of disgust, Romney coolly pulled off the highway and into a service station. There, he borrowed a hose, washed down Seamus and the car, then hopped back onto the highway. It was a tiny preview of a trait he would grow famous for in business: emotion-free crisis management.

Emotion free for business? That passes for capitalistic America these days. Emotionless and cold-hearted treatment for the family dog? That is completely unacceptable and according to Massachusetts state law it is illegal as well. Forget all of the other abhorrent things he has said and done so far in the campaign. This is enough to discard Mitt from the race right here and now. If you can't care for the member of your family that gives the most unconditional love, you don't deserve the trust of your children, not to mention the entire country.